Hungry Shark World – Understanding Shark Sizes and How to Unlock Them

Hungry Shark World is an action-arcade survival game which gives players the chance to live out the ultimate predator fantasy by taking control of sharks and unleashing them across open oceans. What makes the game exciting is the sheer variety of sharks you can unlock, ranging from small reef dwellers to legendary monsters capable of devouring everything in sight. Each shark class has its own strengths, weaknesses, and special unlocks, making progression both challenging and rewarding. This guide provides a complete look at all shark classes available in Hungry Shark World, how to unlock them, and which ones you should prioritize for faster growth and higher scores.
Understanding Shark Classes in Hungry Shark World
Every shark in Hungry Shark World belongs to a specific size category. These classes determine what prey you can eat, how durable your shark is, and what areas of the map you can explore. The progression begins with Extra Small and continues through Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Huge, and Double Extra Large, before finally unlocking Special and Apex predators. Each step brings new gameplay opportunities and more power, but also introduces stronger enemies and tougher survival challenges.
Extra Small Sharks
The first class you encounter is Extra Small, where you begin with the Blacktip Reef Shark. These sharks are best suited for shallow waters, feeding on small fish, crabs, and swimmers near the surface. While their bite and durability are limited, they are the perfect starting point to understand the survival mechanics of the game. Beginners should focus on upgrading bite and speed early to increase efficiency and stay alive longer.
Small Sharks
Once you outgrow the Extra Small tier, Small Sharks become your next step in Hungry Shark World. They are stronger, faster, and capable of eating slightly larger prey, opening access to deeper waters. Sharks in this class give players more room to explore and experiment with survival strategies. Small Sharks also start to introduce unique appearances and slightly more aggressive playstyles, preparing you for the challenges ahead.
Medium Sharks
Medium Sharks strike a balance between survival and aggression. At this stage, you can begin taking on bigger prey like turtles and stronger fish while also exploring more hazardous parts of the map. Medium Sharks are a turning point in the game because they start to feel powerful and versatile. For many players, these sharks become their first true high-scoring predators.
Large Sharks
With Large Sharks, the ocean begins to feel different. These sharks can eat much bigger prey, survive longer underwater, and access areas that were previously blocked. They are ideal for building up coins and gems quickly since they can trigger Gold Rush more consistently. Investing in upgrades at this stage pays off greatly, as you can farm higher rewards and survive extended runs.
Extra Large Sharks
The Extra Large class pushes you further into the depths of Hungry Shark World. These sharks have immense power and can dominate mid-level prey with ease. They also grant access to previously unreachable zones of the maps, letting you explore new secrets and treasures. Extra Large Sharks are more expensive to unlock and upgrade, but the payoff is worth it if you want to make steady progress toward the top tiers.
Huge Sharks
When you unlock Huge Sharks, you step into the upper levels of power in Hungry Shark World. At this point, you are capable of taking down most enemies you encounter, and Gold Rush sessions become even more rewarding. Huge Sharks are perfect for players who want to grind for coins and gems while also enjoying a high level of dominance in the ocean. These sharks are powerful enough to make long survival runs much easier.
Special and Apex Sharks
Beyond the standard progression, Hungry Shark World also features Special and Apex Sharks. These are unique, often limited-time or premium predators that come with extraordinary abilities, special designs, and devastating power. They may include sharks inspired by pop culture, mythical beasts, or experimental hybrids. While they often require gems or real money to unlock, they bring a completely different level of fun to the game and can drastically change your approach to survival.
Which Sharks Should You Unlock First?
Choosing which sharks to unlock first in Hungry Shark World depends on your playstyle, but a smart strategy is to avoid rushing straight to the largest shark you can afford. Fully upgrading your current shark before moving on ensures that you maximize your coin and gem gains, making future unlocks much easier. Many players find that Medium and Large Sharks are the sweet spot for consistent scoring, while Double Extra Large Sharks are the ultimate goal for long-term dominance. For the most optimized experience, play Hungry Shark World on BlueStacks and take advantage of keyboard macros, faster controls, and better visuals.
Keep progressing in Hungry Shark World with our other in-depth guides.