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 PlayStation 2 debut in 2004 to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone a remarkable evolution. While each game boasts its unique charm, 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 franchise's future. Though its initially obtuse instructions and controls may feel dated, the core elements that define the series are undeniably present. Confronting colossal beasts with only your wits and weaponry was revolutionary in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved challenging. Developed for online play on the PlayStation 2, its online event missions were a central focus. While 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. It introduced significant quality-of-life improvements but its most impactful contribution was bringing Monster Hunter to a portable platform. This made co-op hunting accessible to a wider audience, connecting millions of players regardless of location. Despite its clunky controls and camera, Freedom remains enjoyable and undeniably important to the series' history, paving the way for future handheld iterations.

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 expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), was the series' largest game upon release. It introduced iconic 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 Monster Hunter Tri (2010), Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, introducing new monsters and quests. It also reinstated the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, offering a more comprehensive weapon selection. Underwater combat added a unique element, although the camera could be challenging. While the Wii U's online multiplayer wasn't as advanced, the inclusion of co-op was crucial to the overall 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 significant turning point. While local co-op was a staple on handhelds, dedicated online multiplayer finally arrived, allowing global hunts. The introduction of Apex Monsters provided endgame challenges for seasoned players. Vertical movement expanded gameplay and map size considerably. Though a massive step forward, it's not 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 (originally Nintendo Switch exclusive) returned the series to handhelds after Monster Hunter World. It refined console mechanics for handhelds, resulting in faster-paced gameplay and streamlined features. The addition of rideable Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, enabling acrobatic maneuvers, added a sense of scale previously seen only 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, a massive expansion, introduced a new location, monsters, and a revamped weapon system. The gothic Citadel setting and vampire/werewolf-inspired monsters created a memorable atmosphere. The expansion also significantly enhanced endgame content with challenging hunts. The final battle against Malzeno is a particular highlight.

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 games. It features the series' largest roster of monsters (93) and a highly customizable hunter experience. Hunter Styles radically altered gameplay, offering four unique movesets for each weapon type. This depth of customization, combined with countless 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, 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 propelled the series to global recognition. Its vast open zones and emphasis on the thrill of the hunt captivated a new audience. The sense of scale is unmatched, creating a believable ecosystem of apex predators. The diverse environments and unique monsters, complemented by high-quality cutscenes, elevated the story and overall experience, making it a truly exceptional game.

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.