A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's beloved monster-hunting franchise is set to return in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This series, which has spanned multiple generations of home and portable consoles, reached unprecedented heights with Monster Hunter World in 2018 and Monster Hunter Rise in 2021—becoming the best-selling games in the series and Capcom's top two best-selling titles of all time.
With Monster Hunter Wilds slated for release on February 28, it's the perfect time to reflect on the franchise's rich history. We've compiled a chronological list of the 12 most significant Monster Hunter games, excluding mobile- and arcade-exclusive titles, defunct MMOs, and the Japan-only Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village developed by FromSoftware.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?
There are over 25 Monster Hunter games, encompassing base games, spinoffs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions. However, our focus here is on the 12 most pivotal entries in the series.
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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?
The Monster Hunter franchise doesn't have a continuous storyline, allowing you to start with any game. If you're considering diving into the series in 2025, you might want to wait for feedback on the newly released Monster Hunter Wilds. For those eager to experience the series before Wilds, we recommend starting with either Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise. World offers a deep, immersive exploration experience, while Rise focuses on speed and fluidity.
Out February 28
Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order
Monster Hunter (2004)
The first Monster Hunter game, released alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of Capcom's initiative to explore the PS2's online capabilities. This foundational title introduced the series' core mechanics, where players embark on quests to hunt monsters and use their materials to craft and upgrade gear.
An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, was released exclusively in Japan the following year.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G tailored for the PSP, marked the series' successful transition to portable gaming. It sold over a million copies, setting a trend where portable versions outsold home console releases until Monster Hunter World.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Returning to the home console with Monster Hunter 2 (also known as Monster Hunter Dos), released exclusively in Japan for the PS2, introduced new features like a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing customization options.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld entry, adapted Monster Hunter 2 for the PSP with added content and a focus on single-player. Its sequel, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, further expanded the game with new monsters, missions, maps, and the ability to have a Felyne companion in battle.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 3 (2009)
Monster Hunter 3 (also known as Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009 and was later released internationally in 2010. Originally intended for the PS3, it became a Wii exclusive, introducing new monsters, weapons, and locations, along with the series' short-lived underwater combat. It was later enhanced for the Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
Like its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for the PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. It also received a PS3 release as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite not being released in the West, it became the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter game with 4.9 million copies sold.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
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