The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

For two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated players with its thrilling blend of strategic combat and intense monster battles. From its PlayStation 2 debut in 2004 to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone a remarkable evolution. This ranking considers only the "Ultimate" versions of games where applicable, offering a comprehensive look at the best the series has to offer.

While each Monster Hunter game boasts unique qualities, we've ranked the entire lineup (including major DLC) to determine the ultimate champion. Let the hunt begin!

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 laid the groundwork for the franchise's future. Though its controls and instructions might feel dated today, the core gameplay remains captivating. Confronting colossal beasts with limited resources established its unique appeal in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved challenging. Primarily designed for online play on the PlayStation 2 (with Japanese servers still active), the single-player experience still allows players to enjoy the hunts that started it all.

9. Monster Hunter Freedom

**Developer:** Capcom Production Studio 1 | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** May 23, 2006 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom review

Released on the PlayStation Portable, Monster Hunter Freedom (an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G) marked the series' first foray into handheld gaming. This pivotal release introduced a wider audience to the cooperative hunting experience, fostering a global community of hunters. Despite its now-dated controls and camera, Freedom's impact on the series' popularity is undeniable.

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

Expanding upon Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), Freedom Unite was the series' largest game at launch. It introduced memorable monsters like Nargacuga and, for the first time, featured Felyne companions, enhancing the hunting experience.

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

A refined version of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate boasts a streamlined story, improved difficulty, new monsters, and quests. The return of the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades added weapon diversity. Underwater combat, though challenging, added unique gameplay elements.

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 introduced dedicated online multiplayer, a significant advancement for the series. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical map traversal and a vast roster of monsters added depth to the gameplay.

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 experience. The introduction of Palamutes (rideable canine companions) and the Wirebug mechanic, allowing for aerial acrobatics, added speed and dynamism.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** June 30, 2022 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review

Sunbreak, a massive expansion, introduced a new location, challenging monsters, and a revamped weapon system. Its gothic atmosphere and demanding endgame hunts elevated Rise's already impressive experience.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** August 28, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review

Featuring the largest monster roster in the series (93 large monsters!), Generations Ultimate offers extensive customization options through Hunter Styles, providing diverse fighting styles for each weapon type.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** September 6, 2019 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review

Iceborne, a substantial expansion to Monster Hunter World, feels like a full sequel. The Guiding Lands, a combination of previous zones, provide a seamless hunting experience. New monsters, such as Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis, are considered among the series' best.

1. Monster Hunter: World

**Developer:** Capcom | **Publisher:** Capcom | **Release Date:** January 26, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Monster Hunter: World review

Monster Hunter: World catapulted the series into global recognition. Its expansive open zones, emphasis on monster tracking, and breathtaking environments create an immersive hunting experience. The game's scale, diverse ecosystems, and improved story elevate it above its predecessors.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

This ranking represents our selection of the top 10 Monster Hunter games. Share your own rankings and thoughts on the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds in the comments below!