For two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated players with its thrilling blend of strategic combat and intense monster battles. From its 2004 PlayStation 2 debut to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone a remarkable evolution. Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, but we've ranked the entire series (including major DLC) to determine the ultimate champion. Note: This ranking considers only the "Ultimate" versions where applicable.
Let the hunt begin!
10. Monster Hunter
**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** September 21, 2004 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter review
The original Monster Hunter laid the groundwork for the series' enduring legacy. While its somewhat obtuse controls and guidance might present challenges for modern players, the core elements that define the series are undeniably present. Confronting colossal beasts with only your weapon and wits was revolutionary in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved frustrating for many. Developed for Capcom's PlayStation 2 online gaming initiative, its online event missions were a key focus (though sadly, official servers are now offline outside Japan). Despite this, the single-player experience remains a testament to the series' origins.
9. Monster Hunter Freedom
**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** May 23, 2006 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom review
Released on the PlayStation Portable, Monster Hunter Freedom (2005 in Japan) was the series' first foray into handheld gaming, building upon Monster Hunter G. While it included all of Monster Hunter G's content with quality-of-life improvements, its significance lies in its portability. It broadened the series' appeal, emphasizing co-op and uniting players worldwide in shared hunts. Despite its somewhat clunky controls and camera, Freedom remains enjoyable and historically important, paving the way for future handheld entries.
8. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** June 22, 2009 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite review
An expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself expanding upon the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), Monster Hunter Freedom Unite was the series' largest game at launch. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and, for the first time, featured Felyne companions on the battlefield, enhancing the overall experience even if they didn't always solve every challenge.
7. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** March 19, 2013 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate review
Building on 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, adding new monsters and quests. It also restored weapons like the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, omitted from Tri. Underwater combat added variety, though the camera presented some challenges. While online multiplayer on the Wii U wasn't as advanced as other platforms, the inclusion of co-op was crucial to the experience. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a significant evolution, though its age is now more apparent.
6. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** February 13, 2015 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate review
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate marked a turning point with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, transcending geographical limitations for cooperative hunts. Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, and the addition of vertical movement significantly altered gameplay and expanded map size. While a huge leap forward, it still falls short of the series' peak.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** March 26, 2021 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review
Monster Hunter Rise (initially a Nintendo Switch exclusive) refined the series for handhelds, incorporating lessons learned from console and PC development. The addition of rideable Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, enabling acrobatic maneuvers, brought a sense of scale previously only seen in console versions.
4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** June 30, 2022 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Sunbreak, the expansion to Rise, introduced a new location, monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror aesthetic, challenging hunts, and the memorable final battle against Malzeno significantly enhance the already excellent Rise experience.
3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** August 28, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a culmination of the series' previous decade. It boasts the largest monster roster in the series (93 large monsters) and introduces Hunter Styles, radically altering gameplay with unique movesets for each weapon type. This customization, combined with extensive hunts, makes it a triumphant entry.
2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** September 6, 2019 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review
Iceborne, the expansion to Monster Hunter World, feels like a full sequel. The Guiding Lands create a seamless experience, and the new monsters (like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis) are among the series' best. Numerous quality-of-life improvements further enhance an already exceptional game.
1. Monster Hunter: World
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** January 26, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter: World review
Monster Hunter: World (2018) catapulted the series to global prominence. Its vast open zones and emphasis on the thrill of the hunt set it apart. The scale of the environments and the intricate ecosystem create a breathtaking and immersive experience. The improved story and high-quality cutscenes further enhance this landmark title. Monster Hunter: World is not only a must-play for fans but also a truly great game overall.
The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
This ranking represents our top 10 Monster Hunter games. Share your own rankings and thoughts on the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds in the comments!
