The Ultimate Guide to the Monster Hunter Series: Step-by-Step Chronological Walkthrough
Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series, spanning generations of consoles, reached new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the franchise's, and Capcom's, top-selling titles.
With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's revisit the series' key installments, chronologically ordered.
The Monster Hunter Universe: A Vast Landscape
While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist (including base titles, spin-offs, mobile versions, and enhanced releases), this list focuses on the 12 most significant. Excluded are mobile and arcade exclusives (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), discontinued MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-only Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.
IGN's Monster Hunter Reviews
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Your Monster Hunter Starting Point
The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative, allowing for flexible entry points. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer awaiting Monster Hunter Wilds' reception. However, Monster Hunter World (emphasizing exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (prioritizing speed and fluidity) are excellent starting points.
Out February 28### Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
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A Chronological Journey Through Monster Hunter History
Monster Hunter (2004)
Developed alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak to test the PS2's online capabilities (per Ryozo Tsujimoto's 2014 Eurogamer interview), the original Monster Hunter established the franchise's core gameplay loop: solo or online hunts, material gathering, weapon/armor crafting and upgrades, and progressively challenging monsters. Monster Hunter G, an expanded Japanese-only version, followed.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
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Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced PSP port of Monster Hunter G, marked the series' portable console debut. Its million-plus sales initiated a trend of portable versions outselling their console counterparts, a trend that lasted until Monster Hunter World's release.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
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(The remaining game descriptions will follow a similar concise format to preserve space and maintain the overall structure. Images will remain in their original positions.)
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
PS2 exclusive (Japan). Introduced day-night cycles and gems, expanding customization.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1
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Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007) & Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008)
PSP. Built upon MH2, adding content and single-player focus. Unite expanded further with new monsters, missions, maps, and Felyne companions.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
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Monster Hunter 3 (2009) & Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2013)
Initially a Wii exclusive, later ported to Wii U and 3DS as Ultimate, adding content and improved single-player. Introduced underwater combat (later removed).
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
PSP and PS3 (HD Ver.). Best-selling handheld-exclusive title (4.9 million copies).
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
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Monster Hunter 4 (2013) & Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)
3DS. Ultimate (global release) improved vertical traversal and single-player experience.
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Monster Hunter Generations (2015) & Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (2017)
3DS. Ultimate also on Switch. Combined older and newer mechanics, introducing Hunting Styles and Arts.
Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewThings to Do FirstThings Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Doesn't Tell YouWhat's New in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?
Monster Hunter Stories (2016)
RPG spin-off (3DS, PS4, Switch, PC, mobile). Turn-based combat, story focus.
Monster Hunter StoriesCapcom+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewAmiibo Functionality and UnlockablesDLCPre-Order Bonuses
Monster Hunter World (2018) & Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)
Series' best-selling and best-reviewed title. Seamless open world, reduced learning curve, global online play. Iceborne added significant content.
Monster Hunter WorldCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBeginner's Guide to Monster Hunter WorldHow to get the Frozen Speartuna Greatsword - Trophy Fishin' Event QuestIceborne Expansion
Monster Hunter Rise (2021) & Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022)
Second best-performing title. Focus on verticality with Wirebug mechanic. Combines elements of World and Generations Ultimate. Sunbreak expands the game significantly.
Monster Hunter RiseCapcom+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewSunbreak ExpansionSunbreak Armor - Master RankSunbreak Layered Armor
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)
Sequel to Stories. JRPG elements, turn-based combat, monster companions.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewUpdate 2 - Kulve Taroth, Boltreaver Astalos, Hellblade GlavenusTips and Things MHS2 Doesn't Tell YouHow to Unlock Deviant Monster Quests
Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)
Latest mainline entry (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC). Builds on World and Rise, featuring dynamic environments and enhanced action.
Monster Hunter WildsCapcom WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters
The Future of Monster Hunting
Beyond Wilds, Capcom and TiMi Studio Group are developing Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer and a large open world. A release date is yet to be announced.
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