Monster Attacks

All the monsters in the Monster Hunter series are unique and so they have very unique attacks. However, there are some moves that are commonly shared amongst all monsters. Although they may vary with speed, effect, and damage, they are usually very similar.

Charge
Perhaps the most common attack of this series; the monster will run you over like a car. This attack is most used by wyverns, and many enemies like Bullfango, Conga, and Anteka use it as well. When a monster charges up close there is little time to jump out of the way, and when the monster charges from very far away it can have a slight homing effect, so charges might be difficult to dodge, but guarding is always an effective option if your weapon is capable.

Projectile Shot
The monster will spit, breath, or otherwise hurl some sort of projectile at you from afar. Wyverns usually shoot fireballs, while other monsters can spit poison like the Gypceros or the Iodrome. The Congalala will throw rocks at you with his tail, and the Tigrex will shove giant snow/sand balls at you. Unlike charging, these attacks are more wisely handled by doging rather than guarding, and can inflict some major damage. The Gravios' notorious "lava beam" attack is easily one of the most damaging attacks in the series.

Tail Whip
This is a move exclusive to wyverns. The monster will simply turn in a half-circle, whipping you with their giant tail. This move is always executed either 2, 4, or rarely 6 times, and if you get hit you'll go flying. Most of the time this attack is not a heavy-damage taker, but when concerning the Diablos and Monoblos' tail thrash you will want to stay well away.

Bite
The monster bites up to several times at you. A common move by the raptors, many wyverns will also bite, but in a sideways motion. This attack is rather weak, but the Tigrex's lunge bite is particularly devastating. A short-range move, the bite can be avoided rather easily.

Rage Roar
Most boss monsters have some sort of variation on this move. When you deal enough damage and anger a monster, they'll roar loudly and go into their rage mode. Wyverns' roars tend to make a hunter cringe; the Tigrex's roar can send a hunter flying if he is too close. Cringing from a roar can often leave a hunter vulnerable to attack, but the hunter's cringe time can be shortened by continuously rotating the analog nub.

Claw Swipe
Used by smaller monsters. A powerful swipe that usually knocks you down. This move is short range, but is particularly strong when the Congalala and Blangonga use it. Raptors and Carapaceons also attack with a claw swipe.