For the last 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution over the past two decades.
Each Monster Hunter game brings something unique to the table, but we've ranked the entire series, including the major DLCs, to identify the ultimate standout. It's important to note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games. With that in mind, 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 original Monster Hunter set the stage for the next 20 years of the franchise. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define the series. The game's focus on online event missions, though no longer supported outside Japan, still offers a robust single-player experience that showcases the thrill of hunting massive beasts with just a weapon and survival skills.
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 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, making it a pivotal entry in the series despite its dated controls and camera issues.
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
An expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Freedom Unite introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. It was the largest game in the series at the time of its release, offering a comprehensive hunting experience that, while challenging, was made more enjoyable with the addition of these furry allies.
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 on Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty curve, reintroducing popular weapons and adding new monsters and underwater combat. Despite some camera struggles, it remains the definitive Monster Hunter 3 experience, offering a well-rounded and varied hunting adventure.
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 with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, expanding the series' reach. It also introduced Apex Monsters and vertical movement, enhancing the gameplay and map exploration. While a major step forward, it's not the pinnacle of the series.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review
Returning to handhelds after Monster Hunter World, Rise refined the series' mechanics for a smoother, faster-paced experience on the Nintendo Switch. With the introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, Rise brought a new level of mobility and excitement to the series, making it one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences.
4. 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-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, including the fight against Malzeno, elevated Rise's already excellent foundation, making it a standout expansion.
3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: August 28, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review
A celebration of the series' history, Generations Ultimate offered the largest monster roster and introduced Hunter Styles, allowing for deep customization and varied combat experiences. It's a testament to the series' evolution and a joy to play with its extensive content and cooperative play.
2. 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 innovative Guiding Lands, and some of the series' most memorable monsters. Its seamless integration and quality-of-life improvements made it feel like a true sequel, securing its 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 revolutionized the series by bringing it to consoles and reaching a global audience. With its expansive open zones, dynamic ecosystem, and stunning environments, World set a new standard for the series. Its engaging story and high-quality cutscenes further enhanced the immersive experience, making it not just a must-play for fans but a landmark game in the industry.
### 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.
