There are 232 Digimon in Digimon World: Next Order. When looking through their designs, it's easy to write off a chunk right away. Digimon hatchlings are never more than tiny blobs; small, rotund, cute, but plain. It's only when these training monsters begin to Digivolve, and they develop features, they begin to show character.
So, this list doesn't feature any of those small hatchlings. Nor does it include many rookies, because although they're often adorable, they haven't reached their true potential. They need to flourish into something wonderful, or more often, something truly bizarre.
Beelzemon
Some Digimon - many on this list, in fact - don't really look like monsters. Well, not the kind of monsters you'd expect from a game about collecting companions. Beelzemon, who sounds a little demonic, comes out like a 6ft 8" criminal trying to steal the world. If you thought Digimon were meant to breath fire or shoot columns of ice from their eyes, think again. Beelzemon is packing the heat with a dual-barrel handgun. With this dude following along behind your tamer, you'd expect everyone to think again, but then he asks to use the potty and his bad boy demeanor shows its cracks.
Gallantmon
A white knight Digimon, Gallantmon is more sword and shield than creature from the looks of it. Ain't nothing getting through that shield, that's for sure. Given that your tamer is usually a young teen, they can take shelter behind the shield while your partners dive in and start bashing heads. The knightly style here feels like a traditional cartoon aesthetic mixed with a little Gundam, in super clean minimalist colours.
Gargomon
Nothing beats a chubby rabbit. It all looks quite adorable until you take a gander at those hands. Are they cannons? Are they grappling hooks? Does Gargomon just wind those chunky metal fists back and whack people? Look at his face though, you'd forgive him right away. Let's take a better look at this outfit though, look at him, with his little trousers. A weird belt or bandolier strung around the midriff makes him look like he has a tough side. No shoes though, so he's not getting service.
Hackmon
Hackmon leans into the cute styling you find with the rest of the rookies and the early hatchlings. While they look like they have a ferocious side to them, the oversize hands, feet, and ears just emphasise its saccharine appeal. Don't underestimate Hackmon though, if those claws begin scratching, or they charge your Digimon with that horn pointing forward, your team is likely to get maimed. Hackmon is balancing a fine line between cuddly and killing machine.
Lillymon
There aren't many feminine Digimon in Digimon World: Next Order. Lillymon slots into the gap nicely, with her fairy style. Looking like she just sprouted from someone's garden, Lillymon combines the delicate petals of her hat and dress with leafy green wings. Whether the boots match the outfit, is down to your sense of taste, but she pulls it off. She's definitely got an adorable look to her, even though she packs a punch as part of your team.
Ophanimon
Not really sure what this Digimon is. Ophanimon looks rather angelic. Pairing the gold wings and feathers, with a very regal outfit, there's a heavenly charm here. This is a Digimon who wouldn't look out of place in Elden Ring or even Final Fantasy. Is it a boss turned friend, or a summon left wandering the battlefield. This is a monster that looks like it will hand down divine judgement not just on the enemy monsters, but also its partner and even you as their tamer.
Piedmon
Are you scared of clowns? Or is Piedmon more of a jester? Whichever they are, they're walking into each fight with two swords. That's scary, right there. So many of the Digimon World: Next Order's designs riff off a medieval age and seeing Piedmon shows there is a real interest in those archetypes from the design team. Like so many others, this steps a fine line between cute and quirky, and creepy and dangerous. We're not really feeling those overly large boots, though.
Stingmon
Is it a Digimon, a shrunken kaiju, or a Power Rangers villain? Stingmon really lives up to its name, it's obviously some kind of anthropomorphic bug. This Digimon appears to be living up to modern Japanese pop culture design, it wouldn't look out of place wrestling a mech over the cityscape of Tokyo. Of course, in Digimon World: Next Order, Stingmon is only a little guy following you around, bringing a slice of kitsch fun wherever you go.
Wizardmon
Wizardmon feels like a throwback to Final Fantasy IX's Vivi. They're definitely a black mage, that's for certain, just look at that cold stare. Every part of Wizrdmon's outfit screams 'grumpy sorcerer'; the skull on the hat is a warning sign. Their scepter/staff looks like it could be used as an effective cudgel should the spells fizzle out before reaching their target. The issue is that they're still relatively adorable, so they look like a silly little guy playing at dark wizard.
Zudomon
It's hard to trust any Digimon who wields a weapon bigger than half of their own torso. This is particularly relevant with Zudomon given he also has one enormous hand with claws larger than a freshly hatched Digimon. And that's without even mentioning the turtle-like shell on their back which looks to be bristling with cannons. It's a good job they have a cheeky smile on their face; perhaps this is an attempt at making their tamer feel more comfortable. Or it's a ploy to lure in enemies.