For the last 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans with its thrilling blend of strategic planning 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 seen significant evolution over the decades.
Each Monster Hunter game brings its own unique flair to the franchise, and we've ranked the entire lineup, including the major DLCs, to identify the top contender. It's worth noting that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games. With that in mind, let's dive into our 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 two decades of gaming. While its complex controls and directions may pose challenges for modern players, the game's core elements—facing off against colossal beasts with nothing but a weapon and survival instincts—remained a standout feature. Launched as part of Capcom's push for online gaming on the PlayStation 2, the game's focus was on online event missions. Although official servers are no longer available outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a glimpse into the hunts that birthed a 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 brought the series to the PlayStation Portable, launching in Japan in 2005 and globally the following year. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it introduced numerous quality-of-life improvements and marked the series' transition to handheld devices. Despite its clunky controls and camera issues, Freedom's portability and focus on co-op gameplay opened the series to a wider audience, laying the groundwork 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
An expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, which itself expanded on the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2, Freedom Unite was the largest game in the series at its release. It introduced iconic monsters like the Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions, enhancing the hunting experience despite its challenging encounters.
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 on the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty curve, adding new monsters and quests. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn and Bow, enhancing the weapon roster. The introduction of underwater battles added variety, though the camera could be challenging. Despite less advanced online multiplayer on the Wii U, its inclusion was crucial to the Monster Hunter experience, making it a strong entry in the series.
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
A pivotal moment for the series, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate introduced dedicated online multiplayer, enabling global co-op hunts. The addition of Apex Monsters offered formidable endgame challenges, while vertical movement and a vast monster roster transformed the gameplay. Although a significant leap forward, it still falls short of 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 marked a return to handhelds after the console success of Monster Hunter World. Exclusive initially to the Nintendo Switch, it refined console-scale features for handheld play, offering a faster-paced and smoother experience. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to movement and combat, making Rise 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 revised weapons system, enhancing the already stellar base game. Its gothic horror theme, highlighted by the Citadel castle and vampire-inspired monsters, added a unique atmosphere. The expansion also introduced challenging endgame content, with the final battle against Malzeno standing out as a thrilling encounter.
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' past decade, Generations Ultimate boasted the largest monster roster and introduced Hunter Styles, offering deep customization and varied combat options. With 93 large monsters and innovative gameplay mechanics, it's a comprehensive showcase of the series' history and a testament to the joy of hunting with friends.
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 game with a new campaign and extensive hunts, feeling like a true sequel. The Guiding Lands and numerous quality-of-life improvements enhanced the already exceptional base game. Memorable new monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis cemented Iceborne as a standout expansion, narrowly missing the top spot.
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, bringing it to consoles and reaching a global audience. With expansive open zones and a focus on the thrill of hunting, World's sense of scale and ecosystem dynamics set it apart. From the lush jungles to the Coral Highlands, the diverse environments and unique monsters created an immersive experience akin to a nature documentary. Coupled with enhanced storytelling through high-quality cutscenes, Monster Hunter: World stands as not just the best in the series, but a landmark video game overall.
### 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.
