Over the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated gamers worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the blockbuster success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has seen significant evolution. Each game in the series offers unique experiences, but we've ranked them, including the major DLCs, to pinpoint the ultimate Monster Hunter experience. Note that our rankings focus solely on the "Ultimate" versions of the games. Let's dive into the top 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 set the stage for the series, introducing the core elements that fans love. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it offered a groundbreaking experience of hunting colossal beasts, which was revolutionary in 2004. While the official servers are no longer active outside Japan, the single-player mode still provides a taste of the game that started it all.
Monster Hunter Freedom
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: May 23, 2006 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom review
Monster Hunter Freedom brought the series to the PlayStation Portable, expanding its reach and introducing it to a new audience. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it featured numerous quality-of-life improvements and emphasized cooperative play. Despite its clunky controls, Freedom's portable nature and focus on co-op made it a pivotal entry in the series, setting the stage for future handheld titles.
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
Freedom Unite, an expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. As the largest game in the series at its release, it offered a vast hunting experience that, while challenging, was immensely enjoyable thanks to the addition of these companions.
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
Built on the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the experience with a restructured story and difficulty curve. It reintroduced beloved weapons and added underwater combat, enhancing the variety of gameplay. Although the Wii U's online multiplayer was less advanced, its inclusion was crucial to the Monster Hunter experience.
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 was a turning point, introducing dedicated online multiplayer and Apex Monsters for endgame challenges. The addition of vertical movement expanded the game's scope, making it a significant leap forward for the series, though not the best in the lineup.
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 with a refined, fast-paced experience. Introducing Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, Rise brought console-level scale and excitement to the Nintendo Switch, creating one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 30, 2022 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Sunbreak expanded on Rise with new monsters, a gothic-themed location, and enhanced weapons systems. Its challenging endgame content and the unforgettable fight against Malzeno made it an exceptional addition to an already stellar game.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: August 28, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review
Generations Ultimate celebrated the series' history with the largest roster of monsters and innovative Hunter Styles. Offering deep customization and endless hunts, it was a fitting tribute to the past decade of Monster Hunter games.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 6, 2019 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review
Iceborne expanded on the success of Monster Hunter World with a new campaign, the Guiding Lands, and quality-of-life improvements. Its memorable monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana cemented its place as one of the best expansions in the series.
Monster Hunter: World
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: January 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter: World review
Monster Hunter: World revolutionized the series, bringing it to consoles and introducing it to a global audience. Its expansive open zones and dynamic ecosystems created an immersive hunting experience that set a new standard for the franchise. With stunning environments and a revamped story, World is not only essential for Monster Hunter fans but a landmark in gaming.
The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
That's our ranking of the 10 best Monster Hunter games of all time. Which ones have you played, and which do you think are the best? Tell us your ranking in the Tier List above. Will you be preparing to hunt again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.
