The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
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 crown 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 dated controls and unclear instructions might present a challenge for modern players, the core elements that define the series are present. Confronting colossal beasts with only your weapon and wits was revolutionary in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved frustrating for some. Developed for Capcom's PlayStation 2 online gaming initiative, Monster Hunter's online event missions were its primary focus. Though official servers are offline outside Japan, 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 handheld entry, expanding upon Monster Hunter G. While incorporating all of Monster Hunter G's content and numerous quality-of-life improvements, its true significance lay in bringing Monster Hunter to a portable platform. This move broadened the series' appeal, emphasizing co-op and uniting millions of hunters worldwide. Despite its clunky controls and camera, Monster Hunter Freedom remains enjoyable and holds a crucial place in the series' history as a 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
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, an expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself based on the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), was the series' largest game upon release. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and, for the first time, featured Felyne companions on the battlefield. While the Felynes might not have been game-changers in combat, they significantly 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 in Tri) provided a more comprehensive weapon selection. Underwater combat added a unique dimension, although the camera sometimes proved challenging. While the Wii U's online multiplayer wasn't as advanced as other platforms, the co-op element remained a core strength. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a significant evolution, offering a compelling hunting experience.
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 the limitations of local co-op. Apex Monsters provided endgame challenges for skilled players, featuring some of the series' toughest fights. The addition of vertical movement significantly altered gameplay and expanded map size. While a considerable leap forward, it 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 returned the series to handhelds after Monster Hunter World. Initially a Nintendo Switch exclusive, it refined console-learned design principles for a faster, more streamlined handheld experience. The introduction of rideable Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, enabling acrobatic maneuvers and aerial attacks, brought a new sense of scale to handheld Monster Hunter.
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, introduced a new location, formidable monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror-inspired Citadel setting and vampire/werewolf-themed monsters are memorable. The expansion significantly bolstered endgame content with challenging hunts, culminating in the epic battle against Malzeno.
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 previous decade's innovations. It boasts the series' largest monster roster (93 large monsters) and a highly customizable hunter experience. Hunter Styles offered radical changes to gameplay, providing four unique movesets for each weapon type and dramatically expanding combat options. This customization, combined with countless hunts, makes it a triumphant showcase of the series' strengths.
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 enhance an already excellent game. New monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis are considered among the series' best.
1. Monster Hunter: World
**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** January 26, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter: World review
Monster Hunter: World sparked a global phenomenon. Bringing the series to consoles on PlayStation and Xbox, it introduced the series to a vast new audience. Its expansive open zones and emphasis on the thrill of tracking and hunting massive monsters set it apart. The sense of scale, diverse environments, and detailed ecosystem, along with improved storytelling through high-quality cutscenes, solidify its place as a top-tier video game.
The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
This ranking showcases the best Monster Hunter games. Share your thoughts and rankings! Are you ready for Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments!
