User blog comment:Kogath/Monster Hunter Generations Discussion/@comment-28908045-20160806121521/@comment-5167887-20160806192657

Also the Deviant system works differently from the Variants.

Variants are powerful versions of a monster that can generally be fought towards endgame or at high HR.

Deviants are unlocked very early in the game and are meant to represent a constant and progressive challenge, no matter your HR. They "progress" at the same rythm as you do in the game.