For the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has enthralled fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to becoming a global phenomenon with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has undergone significant evolution.
Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, yet we've compiled a definitive ranking of the entire series, including major DLCs, to crown the ultimate champion. It's important to note that our rankings focus solely on the 'Ultimate' versions of the games. Let's dive into the 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 just a weapon and survival instincts. Initially developed for the PlayStation 2 with a focus on online play, its single-player mode still captures the essence of the hunts that launched a new 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, expanding on Monster Hunter G with numerous quality-of-life enhancements. Its portable nature opened the series to a broader audience, emphasizing cooperative play. Despite its control and camera issues, Freedom remains a pivotal game in the series, setting the stage for future handheld iterations.
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, Freedom Unite was the largest game in the series at its release. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions, enhancing the overall experience. Despite some challenging fights, these additions made the journey more enjoyable.
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 upon Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offered a refined experience with new monsters and quests. It reintroduced key weapons like the Hunting Horn and added underwater combat, although the camera could be challenging. The inclusion of co-op, despite Wii U limitations, remains essential to the Monster Hunter experience.
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, broadening the series' reach. It also brought Apex Monsters for endgame challenges and added vertical movement, enhancing the gameplay dynamics. While a major step forward, it's still 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, refining console-scale features for the Nintendo Switch. Introducing Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, Rise enhanced mobility and combat, making it one of the best handheld experiences in the series. Its serene setting and fast-paced gameplay were a testament to Capcom's ability to scale down big ideas effectively.
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 a new gothic-themed location and ferocious monsters. It refreshed the weapon system and introduced challenging endgame content, highlighted by the fight against the vampiric Malzeno. Sunbreak's dark, beautiful setting and intense battles elevated Rise's already exceptional experience.
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 the largest monster roster and extensive hunter customization. The introduction of Hunter Styles and Hunting Arts allowed for diverse playstyles, making it a fun and experimental addition. It's a victory lap for the series, showcasing the best of Monster Hunter's iconic elements and multiplayer joy.
2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 6, 2019 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review
Iceborne expanded upon the success of Monster Hunter World, feeling like a full sequel with its expansive campaign and new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana. The Guiding Lands provided a seamless blend of World's best zones, and numerous quality-of-life improvements made it a near-perfect experience, just behind the original game.
1. Monster Hunter: World
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: January 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter: World review
Monster Hunter: World redefined the series by bringing it to consoles with vast, open zones and a dynamic ecosystem. Its breathtaking settings and high-quality cutscenes made it accessible to both veterans and newcomers. The game's sense of scale and exploration, coupled with its thrilling monster hunts, cemented it as not just the best Monster Hunter game, but a landmark in video game history.
The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games
That's our ranking of the top 10 Monster Hunter games of all time. Which have you played, and which do you consider 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.
