How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting behemoth returns in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has spanned generations of consoles, reaching new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the franchise's, and Capcom's, two best-selling games ever.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's journey through the series' history, exploring its most impactful titles in chronological order.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

Counting base games, spin-offs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions, the Monster Hunter family boasts over 25 games. This list, however, focuses on the 12 most significant entries, excluding mobile and arcade exclusives (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, Animal Crossing-esque title, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th. If you're eager to begin now, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent choices. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.

Out February 28th

Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order

Monster Hunter (2004)

As Ryozo Tsujimoto (Capcom) revealed to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of a three-game strategy to test the PS2's online network potential.

The original Monster Hunter laid the series' groundwork, introducing core systems. Players, solo or online, undertake quests to hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for tougher challenges.

An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, followed exclusively in Japan.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionBasicsWalkthrough: One Star Quests

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G optimized for the PSP's single-player experience, marked the series' arrival on portable consoles. Capcom reported sales exceeding one million copies, establishing a trend of portable versions outselling their home console counterparts—a trend that persisted until Monster Hunter World's success in 2018.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005Rate this game

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 (Monster Hunter Dos) launched exclusively in Japan for the PS2. It introduced a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing weapon and armor customization.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006Rate this game

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld installment, built upon its home console counterpart (MH2) with new content and a single-player focus. Further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, it added monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne fighter companion.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 22, 2007Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewVillage Quests

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, releasing internationally in 2010 as a Wii exclusive (initially planned for PS3). It introduced underwater combat (short-lived), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Later ported to Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, it included new monsters, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Similar to its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for the PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, also receiving a PS3 release as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite not releasing in the West, it's the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title, with 4.9 million copies sold.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010Rate this game

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially a Japan-exclusive 3DS title, Monster Hunter 4 saw a global release as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) for the New Nintendo 3DS. This generation notably improved traversal with increased verticality and smoother movement, enhancing the single-player experience with a richer story and more NPCs.

Monster Hunter 4CapcomJun 30, 2013Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics

Monster Hunter Generations (2015)

Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan), another 3DS exclusive, blended old and new mechanics from the series' history. Its Hunting Styles and Arts added new layers to customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate ( Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) was the first Monster Hunter game on Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomAug 25, 2017Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewThings to Do FirstThings Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Doesn't Tell YouWhat's New in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?

Monster Hunter Stories (2016)

Monster Hunter Stories, an RPG spin-off, traded real-time action for turn-based combat, emphasizing story and exploration. Initially on 3DS, it expanded to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.

Monster Hunter StoriesCapcomOct 8, 2016+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewAmiibo Functionality and UnlockablesDLCPre-Order Bonuses

Monster Hunter World (2018)

Monster Hunter World, a critical and commercial triumph, with 27 million copies sold and a Metascore of 90, marked a high point for the series. Capcom returned to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal with a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online play, and simultaneous regional releases. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed.

Monster Hunter WorldCapcomJan 26, 2018Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBeginner's Guide to Monster Hunter WorldHow to get the Frozen Speartuna Greatsword - Trophy Fishin' Event QuestIceborne Expansion

Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Monster Hunter Rise, second only to World in sales and Metascore, emphasized verticality with the Wirebug mechanic, enabling wall-climbing and fluid movement. It built upon Generations Ultimate and World, streamlining gameplay while retaining elements from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game further.

Monster Hunter RiseCapcomMar 25, 2021+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewSunbreak ExpansionSunbreak Armor - Master RankSunbreak Layered Armor

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, co-developed by Marvelous Inc., is a sequel to the 2016 RPG. It features turn-based combat, character customization, and a strong narrative focus. Players fight alongside Monsties, creating a party system similar to Pokémon games.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomJul 9, 2021Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewUpdate 2 - Kulve Taroth, Boltreaver Astalos, Hellblade GlavenusTips and Things MHS2 Doesn't Tell YouHow to Unlock Deviant Monster Quests

Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

Monster Hunter Wilds, launching February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds on World and Rise. It promises dynamic environments and evolved action, blending the accessibility of Rise with the spectacle of World.

Monster Hunter WildsCapcomFeb 28, 2025 WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters

Upcoming Monster Hunter Games

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