Master the Monster Hunter Series: A Play Order Guide

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting juggernaut returns in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has spanned generations of consoles, reaching new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the series' and Capcom's two best-selling games ever.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's explore the franchise's history with a chronological list of its most significant titles.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?

While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist, including base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, this list focuses on the 12 most impactful. Excluded are mobile and arcade-only games (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, Animal Crossing-esque title, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous storyline, offering flexibility in your starting point. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer to await reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28th release). However, if you're eager to begin now, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent choices. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.

Out February 28

Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order

Monster Hunter (2004)

As revealed by Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of a three-game initiative to gauge the PS2's online network potential.

The original Monster Hunter established the franchise's core gameplay. Players, solo or online, undertake quests to hunt monsters, utilizing harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for increasingly challenging hunts. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, followed exclusively in Japan.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionBasicsWalkthrough: One Star Quests

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

The series found its portable footing in 2005 with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G optimized for the PSP's single-player experience. Selling over a million copies, it initiated a trend of portable Monster Hunter titles outselling their console counterparts—a trend that persisted until Monster Hunter World's 2018 breakthrough.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005Rate this game

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 ( Monster Hunter Dos) launched exclusively in Japan for PS2. It introduced a day-night cycle and gems, expanding weapon and armor customization.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006Rate this game

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld installment, built upon its console counterpart (MH2) with new content and a single-player focus. Further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, it added monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne combat companion.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 22, 2007Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewVillage Quests

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, followed by an international release in 2010 as a Wii exclusive (initially planned for PS3). It introduced underwater combat (short-lived in the series), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Later ported to Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, it featured additional monsters, enhanced single-player, updated visuals, and a new multiplayer area.

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Similar to its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, also receiving a PS3 release as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite its Western absence, it's Capcom's best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title (4.9 million copies sold).

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010Rate this game

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially a Japan-only 3DS release, Monster Hunter 4 saw global release as the enhanced Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a New Nintendo 3DS launch title. This generation significantly improved traversal with increased verticality and smoother movement, also enhancing the single-player experience through a richer story and more NPCs.

Monster Hunter 4CapcomJun 30, 2013Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics

Monster Hunter Generations (2015)

Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan) followed, another 3DS exclusive. As our review noted, it blended past and present mechanics, introducing Hunting Styles and Arts to customize combat and customization. The enhanced Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) was the first Monster Hunter game on Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomAug 25, 2017Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewThings to Do FirstThings Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Doesn't Tell YouWhat's New in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?

Monster Hunter Stories (2016)

Monster Hunter Stories, a spin-off RPG, replaces real-time action with turn-based combat, emphasizing story and exploration. Initially a 3DS title, it's since expanded to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.

Monster Hunter StoriesCapcomOct 8, 2016+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewAmiibo Functionality and UnlockablesDLCPre-Order Bonuses

Monster Hunter World (2018)

Monster Hunter World, a critical and commercial triumph (27 million copies sold, Metascore of 90), represents the series' peak. Capcom shifted primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal through a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online servers, and simultaneous regional releases. The massive Iceborne expansion followed, adding content and a substantial new story.

Monster Hunter WorldCapcomJan 26, 2018Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBeginner's Guide to Monster Hunter WorldHow to get the Frozen Speartuna Greatsword - Trophy Fishin' Event QuestIceborne Expansion

Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Monster Hunter Rise, second only to World in sales and Metascore, emphasizes verticality through the Wirebug mechanic, enabling wall-climbing and fluid movement. Building on Generations Ultimate and World, it retains streamlined elements from World while incorporating features like separate Village and Hub questlines from older titles. Sunbreak expanded the game further.

Monster Hunter RiseCapcomMar 25, 2021+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewSunbreak ExpansionSunbreak Armor - Master RankSunbreak Layered Armor

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, a sequel to the 2016 RPG, features turn-based combat, character customization, and a strong narrative. Co-developed by Marvelous Inc., it allows players to fight alongside Monsties, creating a party system reminiscent of Pokémon games.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomJul 9, 2021Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewUpdate 2 - Kulve Taroth, Boltreaver Astalos, Hellblade GlavenusTips and Things MHS2 Doesn't Tell YouHow to Unlock Deviant Monster Quests

Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

Monster Hunter Wilds, launching February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds upon World and Rise, promising dynamic environments and enhanced action and immersion. Our 2024 preview suggests a blend of Rise's accessibility and World's scale and spectacle.

Monster Hunter WildsCapcomFeb 28, 2025 WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters

Upcoming Monster Hunter Games

Beyond *Wilds*, Capcom and TiMi Studio Group (*Call of Duty Mobile*, *Pokémon Unite*) are developing *Monster Hunter Outlanders*, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer and a large open world. A release date is yet to be announced.

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