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 2004 PlayStation 2 debut to the chart-topping success of *Monster Hunter World* in 2018, the series has undergone a remarkable transformation. While each *Monster Hunter* game boasts its own unique charm, we've ranked the entire series, including major DLC, to crown the ultimate champion. Note: This ranking considers only the "Ultimate" versions where applicable.

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 initially obtuse instructions and controls might feel dated, the core elements that define Monster Hunter's appeal remain. Confronting colossal beasts with nothing but skill and determination was revolutionary in 2004, even if its steep learning curve proved frustrating for some. Developed for Capcom's PlayStation 2 online gaming initiative, Monster Hunter's online event missions were its primary focus. While official servers are defunct outside Japan, the single-player experience still allows players to relive the hunts that birthed 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 in 2005 (Japan), Monster Hunter Freedom (2006 worldwide) 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 move broadened the audience, emphasizing co-op and uniting millions of players in hunts, regardless of location. Despite its somewhat clunky controls and camera, Monster Hunter Freedom remains enjoyable. It may not be the best, but its importance in expanding the series' reach and shaping future handheld installments 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 on the battlefield. While these companions didn't always ease the challenge, they significantly enhanced the overall 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

Building upon 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, delivering a more streamlined experience with 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 added variety, though camera control remained a challenge. While the Wii U's online multiplayer wasn't as advanced as other platforms, co-op's inclusion was crucial to the Monster Hunter experience. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a natural evolution, offering a strong, albeit aging, hunting 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 turning point. While local co-op was a staple on handhelds, dedicated online multiplayer finally arrived, significantly enhancing the experience. The introduction of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, and vertical movement added a new dimension to gameplay, nearly doubling map size. Despite its advancements, it doesn't quite reach 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

Following Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise returned to handhelds on the Nintendo Switch. It refined the console experience for a portable platform, delivering a faster-paced game with streamlined features. Palamutes (rideable dog companions) and the Wirebug mechanic (allowing for acrobatic maneuvers) added speed and verticality, enhancing the sense of scale previously only seen in console versions.

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 for Rise, introduced a new location, challenging monsters, and a revised weapon system. The gothic Citadel castle and vampire/werewolf-inspired monsters created a memorable atmosphere. The addition of extremely difficult hunts addressed the series' previous lack of robust endgame content.

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 is a culmination of the previous decade's innovations. It boasts the series' largest monster roster (93 large monsters) and a highly customizable hunter experience. Hunter Styles radically altered gameplay, offering four unique movesets for each weapon type, expanding combat possibilities.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne, the expansion to Monster Hunter World, feels like a full sequel. The Guiding Lands, a combination of previous zones, provided a seamless experience. Numerous quality-of-life improvements were added, and new monsters like 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 ignited a global phenomenon. Bringing the series to consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), it introduced a vast open world, emphasizing the thrill of tracking and hunting massive monsters. The sense of scale, from witnessing aerial battles to encountering unexpected encounters, created a breathtaking and immersive ecosystem. The story also received a significant upgrade thanks to high-quality cutscenes. Monster Hunter: World is a masterpiece for both veterans and newcomers alike.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

This ranking showcases the top ten Monster Hunter games. Share your own rankings and thoughts on the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds in the comments!