Monster Hunter’s Lagiacrus Looks To Be Making a Long-Awaited Return For Wilds — Here’s Why Fans Are Excited

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Earlier today, the Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase for March 2025 was broadcasted, revealing information about the upcoming Title Update 1 and offering glimpses into what’s coming with Title Update 2. Among the brief footage shown, there were hints suggesting that the long-awaited comeback of Lagiacrus might be on the horizon.

Towards the closing of the Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase, as the Title Update 2 text appeared, we were treated to aquatic noises and distinct clawed footsteps, along with a hint of scales in the air. These indications seem to point towards the return of Lagiacrus, a monster that many hunters have been eagerly anticipating battling once more for quite some time.

In Monster Hunter 3 (also known as Monster Hunter Tri), the monster named Lagi served as the primary character on the game’s cover art, making it the “featured monster” of the game. Not only was Lagi the main attraction for Tri, but it also stood out due to a distinctive feature: it involved combat underwater. Underwater battles were a significant aspect of Monster Hunter Tri, and Lagi represented this concept perfectly. However, in later versions like Monster Hunter Generations, the battle with Lagi was moved back onto dry land, and since then, it has been rarely seen.

At one stage, Capcom admitted they had developed a new battle for Monster Hunter: World featuring Lagiacrus, going as far as presenting visual proof during a GDC 2018 seminar. However, this fight never made it to the final game; instead, some of its technology was utilized in creating another monster called Jyuratodus.

Even though players have been separated from the thrilling battles against Lagiacrus, their enthusiasm for this monster has not waned. For many, Monster Hunter Tri served as an introduction to the series, and the prospect of engaging in combat with Lagiacrus is electrifying due to its distinctive appearance and gameplay mechanics. As a user aptly put it in a discussion years ago about why people eagerly await Lagi, “Those who desire Lagiacrus’ return typically mean they long for underwater combat as well; it’s almost like a combined package.

Despite having distinct characteristics that set it apart, the Lagiacrus monster has consistently garnered a significant fan base. In a popularity poll for the 20th anniversary of Monster Hunter, it placed third, trailing behind only Nergigante in second place and Zinogre in first. Interestingly, one of its versions, Abyssal Lagiacrus, even managed to secure 12th place, outranking Mizutsune, which was added with Title Update 1 for Monster Hunter World, placing at 14th.

In 2022, speaking to iggn.ru, Monster Hunter producer explained why Lagiacrus wouldn’t see a return in the current game at the time, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Though the producer acknowledged the “desire is definitely there,” the technical implementation is difficult.

Tsujimoto stated that Lagiacrus was particularly challenging to design due to its highly technological nature. Its body is quite flexible, making it difficult because various parts touch the ground at different instances. Essentially, he described it as a wriggling, ground-hugging monster.

Currently, Capcom has chosen to resurrect the wriggling beast once more. It’s unclear if this is a terrestrial-only revival, a new form, or perhaps an introduction of water-based mechanics. Time will tell on these details. Regardless, fans are undeniably excited. Across various platforms, Lagiacrus is being hailed as the pinnacle, while long-waiting fans express their joy at seemingly seeing it reappear.

As we progress beyond Title Update 1 and approach Title Update 2 during the summer season, we’ll uncover more specifics. It seems Lagiacrus will spearhead the summer celebrations in Monster Hunter Wilds, which is certainly thrilling tidings for both seasoned and novice hunters alike!

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2025-03-25 21:12