Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Revealed

For the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and adrenaline-pumping monster battles. Starting from its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to its monumental success with Monster Hunter: World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution over the years.

Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, yet we've meticulously ranked all the games and their major DLCs to identify the ultimate standout. It's important to note that our rankings focus solely on the 'Ultimate' versions of the games, given Capcom's practice of releasing multiple editions. With that clarified, let's dive into our top 10 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. Though its complex controls and directions might make it challenging to revisit, it established the core elements that define Monster Hunter. The thrill of battling gigantic creatures with only your wits and weapons was groundbreaking in 2004, despite the steep learning curve. Developed as part of Capcom's push towards online gaming on the PlayStation 2, its focus on online event missions was innovative, though the now-defunct servers outside Japan limit its multiplayer experience. Nonetheless, the single-player mode still offers a glimpse into the series' origins.

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 and introducing numerous quality-of-life enhancements. Its transition to a handheld platform was a game-changer, broadening the series' reach and emphasizing cooperative play. Despite its dated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains a pivotal entry 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 expanded version 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 hunting experience. While the Felynes didn't make the toughest challenges easier, they added enjoyment to the journey.

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

Built on the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty curve, adding new monsters and quests. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn and Bow, enriching the arsenal. The inclusion of underwater combat added variety, though it came with camera challenges. Despite the Wii U's less advanced online multiplayer, the game's co-op remained 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, enhancing the series' cooperative play. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement expanded the gameplay and map size. Despite these advancements, it's 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 the larger-scale elements from Monster Hunter: World for a smoother, faster-paced experience on the Nintendo Switch. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to movement and combat, enhancing the handheld experience and bringing console-level scale to portable play.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak expanded on Monster Hunter Rise with new locations, monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, including the fight against Malzeno, elevated the already excellent base game to new heights.

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 a vast monster roster and innovative Hunter Styles, offering diverse combat options. Its deep customization and extensive content made it a fitting tribute to the series' legacy, perfect for both veterans and newcomers.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne expanded on the success of Monster Hunter: World with a new campaign and numerous hunts, feeling more like a sequel than an expansion. The Guiding Lands and new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana added depth and excitement, making it one of the best entries in the series.

1. Monster Hunter: World

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

Monster Hunter: World revolutionized the series by bringing it to consoles and reaching a global audience. Its expansive open zones and dynamic ecosystem created an immersive hunting experience. From the lush jungles to the towering cliffs, the game's diverse environments and engaging story, enhanced by high-quality cutscenes, made it a landmark title in the series and a must-play for all gamers.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

That's our ranking of the 10 best Monster Hunter games of all time. Which ones have you played, and which do you think are the best? Tell us your ranking in the Tier List above. Will you be preparing to hunt again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.