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.
While each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, 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 each game. 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 series' future. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter: battling colossal beasts with nothing but skill and survival instincts. Initially focused on online event missions, the single-player mode still offers a taste of the pioneering hunts that launched a new genre, though official servers are no longer available outside Japan.
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 to a portable audience. While it inherited some of the original's clunky controls and camera issues, its focus on cooperative play and accessibility on handheld devices was a game-changer. Freedom laid the groundwork for the series' future on portable consoles, despite not being the best in the lineup.
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 expanded upon its predecessor with new monsters like the iconic Nargacuga and introduced Felyne companions. Despite some challenging encounters, the addition of these companions made the journey more enjoyable. As the largest game in the series at the time, it set a high bar for content and monster variety.
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 experience with a restructured story and difficulty curve. It reintroduced popular weapons and added underwater combat, adding variety despite some camera challenges. Its inclusion of co-op on the Wii U, though less advanced, remained essential to the series' appeal.
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, revolutionizing the series' social aspect. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement expanded the gameplay and map size. Despite its advancements, 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
Monster Hunter Rise returned the series to handhelds with a refined experience tailored for the Nintendo Switch. Introducing Palamutes for swift movement and the Wirebug for aerial maneuvers, Rise delivered a fast-paced and engaging gameplay experience. Its blend of action and serene settings like Kamura Village made it one of the best handheld entries in the series.
4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 30, 2022 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review
Sunbreak expanded Monster Hunter Rise with new locations, monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, highlighted by the battle against Malzeno, added depth and excitement to an already stellar game.
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 celebrated the series' past with a massive roster of monsters and the innovative Hunter Styles system. This customization allowed for diverse combat strategies, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable experience that honored the series' legacy.
2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 6, 2019 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review
Iceborne expanded Monster Hunter: World with a new campaign and the Guiding Lands, a dynamic zone that combined the best of World's environments. Its new monsters, such as Savage Deviljho and Fatalis, became fan favorites, making Iceborne feel like a full sequel rather than just an expansion.
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 expansive open zones and a focus on the thrill of tracking and hunting, World's sense of scale and immersive ecosystem set it apart. Its diverse environments and enhanced storytelling through high-quality cutscenes made it a must-play for both veterans and newcomers.
The 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 upcoming release of Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.
