For the last 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to becoming a global phenomenon with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution over the past two decades.
While each game in the Monster Hunter series offers a unique experience, we've ranked all the games and major DLCs to identify the best of the best. Please note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games, as Capcom has released multiple iterations of some titles. Let's dive into our top 10 list...
10. Monster Hunter
Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 21, 2004 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter review
The inaugural Monster Hunter game set the stage for the next two decades of thrilling hunts. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, the core elements that define the series were already in place. This game introduced players to the exhilarating experience of battling colossal beasts with just a weapon and a survival instinct. Originally developed to explore online gaming on the PlayStation 2, Monster Hunter focused heavily on its online event missions. Although the official servers are no longer available outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a nostalgic journey through the hunts that sparked a new genre.
9. 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 was a groundbreaking release on the PlayStation Portable, expanding the series' reach to handheld devices. As an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it introduced numerous quality-of-life improvements and brought the Monster Hunter experience to a wider audience. Its portable nature made co-op hunting more accessible, fostering a global community of hunters. Despite its outdated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains a pivotal game in the series, setting the standard for future handheld entries.
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 iteration of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, introduced new monsters like the iconic Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. At the time of its release, it was the largest game in the series, offering a vast hunting experience. While the Felynes didn't make the toughest challenges easier, they certainly added joy to the journey. Freedom Unite's introduction of new monsters and companions set a new benchmark for the series.
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
Built upon the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate streamlined the story and difficulty, introducing new monsters and quests. It reintroduced several weapons missing from Tri, including the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, enriching the combat experience. The addition of underwater battles added variety, though it came with its own set of camera challenges. Despite its age, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate remains a definitive entry in the series, offering a robust multiplayer experience on the Wii U.
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 shift by introducing dedicated online multiplayer to handhelds, revolutionizing the series. This enabled global co-op hunting, making the game more accessible and enjoyable. The introduction of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement and an expansive monster roster transformed the gameplay. Though not the best in the series, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was a crucial step forward.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review
Monster Hunter Rise brought the series back to handhelds with a refined experience, leveraging lessons learned from the console and PC versions. It introduced Palamutes, rideable dog companions that enhanced mobility, and the Wirebug mechanic, which added new weapon attacks and acrobatic maneuvers. Rise's faster pace and streamlined features made it one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences, blending the series' signature scale with the convenience of portable play.
4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 30, 2022 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Sunbreak, the expansive follow-up to Monster Hunter Rise, introduced new locations, formidable monsters, and a revamped weapons system. It embraced gothic horror elements with its Citadel castle and vampire-inspired monster designs, creating a unique atmosphere. Sunbreak also addressed the series' need for endgame content with challenging hunts. The standout moment is the battle against the vampiric flagship monster, Malzeno, whose life-stealing abilities add to the horror.
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 serves as a tribute to the past decade of Monster Hunter games, offering the largest roster of monsters in the series. It introduced Hunter Styles, allowing players to customize their combat approach with four unique movesets per weapon. This level of customization, combined with the joy of playing with friends and family, made Generations Ultimate a beloved entry, celebrating the series' iconic designs and multiplayer fun.
2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 6, 2019 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review
Following the success of Monster Hunter World, Iceborne expanded the series with a new campaign and numerous hunts, feeling like a true sequel rather than just an expansion. The Guiding Lands provided a seamless blend of zones, while numerous quality-of-life improvements enhanced the experience. New monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis became fan favorites, solidifying Iceborne's place as one of the best Monster Hunter experiences.
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 back to consoles and introducing it to a broader audience. It offered expansive open zones and emphasized the thrill of tracking and hunting massive creatures. The game's sense of scale and immersive ecosystems set it apart, with breathtaking moments like a Rathalos swooping down on an Anjanath or a Diablos bursting into a hunt. Enhanced by high-quality cutscenes and diverse environments, Monster Hunter: World stands as not only a must-play for fans and newcomers but also as a landmark video game.
### The 10 Best Monster Hunter GamesThe 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? Share your rankings in the Tier List above. Are you gearing up to hunt again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.
