For the last two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to its chart-topping success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution. Each game in the series offers a unique experience, but we've ranked them, including the major DLCs, to identify the ultimate Monster Hunter experience. Note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games. Let's dive into the rankings:
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' future. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define the franchise. The game's focus on online event missions, though no longer supported outside Japan, still offers a robust single-player experience that showcases the series' beginnings.
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 broader audience. As an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it included numerous quality-of-life improvements and emphasized co-op play, setting a new standard for handheld gaming in the series.
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 expanded on its predecessor, introducing iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. It was the largest game in the series at the time and laid the groundwork for future handheld titles.
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 on Monster Hunter Tri, 3 Ultimate offered a more streamlined experience with new monsters and quests. The addition of underwater combat and the return of several weapon types enriched the gameplay, making it the definitive Monster Hunter 3 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 marked a significant shift with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, enhancing the series' social aspect. The addition of Apex Monsters and vertical movement transformed the gameplay, making it a pivotal entry in the series.
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, refining the larger-scale elements from Monster Hunter World. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to exploration and combat, making it one of the best handheld experiences in the series.
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 locations, monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror theme and challenging endgame content elevated the already excellent base game, making it a standout expansion.
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 a vast roster of monsters and innovative Hunter Styles. Its deep customization and extensive content made it a fitting tribute to the series' legacy.
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 and a host of new monsters. The Guiding Lands and numerous quality-of-life improvements made it feel like a true sequel, cementing its place as one of the best 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 by bringing it to consoles and reaching a global audience. Its expansive open zones, dynamic ecosystems, and enhanced storytelling made it a landmark game, not just for the series, but for gaming as a whole.
### 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? 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.
