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 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' future. While its somewhat obtuse instructions and controls may feel dated, the core elements that define the series are present. Confronting colossal beasts with only your weapon and wits was revolutionary in 2004, despite the challenging learning curve. Developed for Capcom's online gaming initiative on PlayStation 2, its focus was on online event missions. Though official servers are offline (except Japan), the single-player experience allows players to enjoy the origins of this genre-defining title.
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 handheld entry, expanding upon Monster Hunter G. While incorporating all of Monster Hunter G's content and adding quality-of-life improvements, its true innovation was bringing Monster Hunter to portable devices. This accessibility broadened the game's audience, highlighting co-op and uniting players globally. Despite clunky controls and camera issues, Freedom remains enjoyable and holds significant historical importance as the blueprint for future handheld installments.
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 expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), Monster Hunter Freedom Unite was the series' largest game upon release. It introduced memorable monsters like the Nargacuga and, for the first time, featured Felyne companions on the battlefield. While the Felynes might not have drastically altered the difficulty, they enhanced the overall experience.
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 upon 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, adding new monsters and quests. The return of the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades (absent from Tri) provided a more diverse weapon selection. Underwater combat added variety, though camera control presented a challenge. Despite less advanced online multiplayer compared to other consoles, co-op remained a core element. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a natural progression, making it a strong contender among the best Monster Hunter experiences.
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 significant turning point. While local co-op was a staple, dedicated online multiplayer finally arrived, allowing for global hunts. The introduction of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content. Vertical movement significantly altered gameplay and expanded map size. Despite its advancements, it's not the series' pinnacle.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** March 26, 2021 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review
Returning to handhelds after Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise (initially Nintendo Switch exclusive) refined console-learned lessons for a smoother handheld experience. Rideable Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, enabling acrobatic maneuvers, brought a sense of scale previously unseen in handheld titles. Rise demonstrates that large-scale design ideas can be effectively scaled down for a superior handheld experience.
4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** June 30, 2022 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Sunbreak, the massive expansion to Monster Hunter Rise, added a new location, monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror aesthetic, particularly in the Citadel, and the challenging hunts significantly enhance the already impressive base game. The final fight against Malzeno is a standout.
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 celebratory culmination of the previous decade. It boasts the series' largest monster roster (93) and a deep customization suite. Hunter Styles radically altered gameplay, offering four unique movesets per weapon. This customization, combined with countless hunts, makes it a triumphant showcase of the series.
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, a combination of previous zones, create a seamless experience. Numerous quality-of-life improvements are added, and new monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis are considered among the best in the series. It narrowly misses the top spot.
1. Monster Hunter: World
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** January 26, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter: World review
Monster Hunter: World (2018) ignited a global phenomenon. Bringing the series to consoles, it introduced vast open zones and emphasized the thrill of hunting massive monsters. The sense of scale, from witnessing epic predator encounters to exploring diverse environments, is unmatched. The improved story and high-quality cutscenes, enabled by more powerful consoles, further enhance the immersive experience. It's a must-play for both veterans and newcomers.
The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
This ranking represents our selection of the top 10 Monster Hunter games. Share your own rankings and thoughts on the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in the comments.
