Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

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. While each game offers a unique experience, we've ranked the main entries and major DLCs (considering only "Ultimate" versions where applicable) to crown 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 entire franchise. Its somewhat obtuse instructions and control scheme might present a challenge for modern players, but the core elements that define the series are undeniably present. Confronting colossal beasts with only your weapon and wits was groundbreaking in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved frustrating for some. Developed for Capcom's PlayStation 2 online gaming initiative, the game's focus on online event missions is noteworthy, although official servers are now defunct outside Japan. The single-player experience still allows players to embark on the hunts that launched 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

Released on the PlayStation Portable, Monster Hunter Freedom (2005 in Japan) was the series' first foray into handheld gaming, expanding upon Monster Hunter G. While incorporating all of Monster Hunter G's content and adding quality-of-life improvements, its most significant contribution was bringing Monster Hunter to a portable platform. This accessibility broadened the player base, emphasizing cooperative play and uniting millions of hunters worldwide. Despite its somewhat clunky controls and camera, Freedom remains enjoyable. It may not be the best, but its impact on the series' future 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

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, an expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), was the series' largest game upon release. It introduced iconic monsters like the Nargacuga and, for the first time, featured Felyne companions in combat, enhancing the overall experience even if they didn't always ease the difficulty.

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 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, adding new monsters and quests. The return of the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, absent from Tri, provided a more comprehensive weapon selection. Underwater combat, while challenging the camera, added significant variety. Despite less advanced online multiplayer on the Wii U compared to other platforms, co-op remained a core feature.

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 turning point. While local co-op was a staple on handhelds, dedicated online multiplayer finally arrived, significantly expanding the game's accessibility. The introduction of Apex Monsters provided endgame challenges for skilled players. Vertical movement and a vast roster of monsters added depth and scale 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 console experience for a portable audience. Palamutes, rideable canine companions, enhanced traversal, while the Wirebug mechanic added acrobatic combat options.

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, monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror aesthetic and challenging endgame hunts are highlights.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

Generations Ultimate boasts the largest monster roster in the series, along with extensive hunter customization and Hunter Styles, significantly altering gameplay.

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 World, feels like a full sequel. The Guiding Lands, a combination of previous zones, enhance exploration, while new monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis are series standouts.

1. Monster Hunter: World

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

Monster Hunter: World propelled the series to global recognition. Its expansive open zones, thrilling hunts, and immersive ecosystem set a new standard for the franchise. The sense of scale and environmental detail are unparalleled.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

This ranking represents our take on the top 10 Monster Hunter games. Share your thoughts and rankings! Are you ready for Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.