Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Revealed

For the last 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and adrenaline-pumping monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to its monumental success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has seen significant evolution and growth.

Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, but we've ranked the entire series along with its major DLCs to crown the best of the best. It's important to note that our rankings focus on the Ultimate versions of the games, where available. 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 next two decades of gaming. While its complex controls and steep learning curve might deter modern players, it introduced the core elements that define the series. The game's focus on online event missions, though no longer accessible outside Japan, highlighted its innovative approach to multiplayer. Its single-player mode still offers a taste of 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

Monster Hunter Freedom brought the series to the PlayStation Portable, expanding its reach to a handheld audience. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it introduced numerous quality-of-life improvements and emphasized cooperative play. Despite its outdated controls and camera issues, Freedom's impact on the series' future cannot be overstated, making it a pivotal entry in the Monster Hunter saga.

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 iteration 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. Though challenging, the game's additions and improvements made it a fan favorite and a benchmark for subsequent handheld entries.

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 upon Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the series with a restructured story and a more accessible difficulty curve. It reintroduced fan-favorite weapons and added new monsters and underwater combat, although the latter posed camera challenges. Despite the Wii U's limitations, the inclusion of multiplayer was essential, making it a standout title in the series.

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

A pivotal entry, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate introduced dedicated online multiplayer to the handheld series, revolutionizing its social aspect. The addition of Apex Monsters and vertical movement expanded the gameplay significantly. Though not the top-ranked, it marked a significant leap forward for the series and remains a beloved title among fans.

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 after the success of Monster Hunter World. Initially exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, it refined console-scale features for a portable experience, offering a faster-paced and more streamlined game. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to exploration and combat, making Rise one of the best handheld entries in the series.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak, the expansion for Monster Hunter Rise, added a new location, formidable monsters, and an updated weapons system, enhancing an already excellent game. Its gothic horror theme, exemplified by the Citadel castle and vampire-inspired monsters, created a memorable atmosphere. Sunbreak's challenging endgame content and the epic battle against Malzeno solidified its place among the series' best expansions.

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 served as a tribute to the series' past, featuring the largest monster roster and extensive customization options. The introduction of Hunter Styles and Hunting Arts added depth and variety to combat, appealing to both new and veteran players. This game's experimental approach and vast content made it a fitting celebration of the series' legacy.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Following the success of Monster Hunter World, Iceborne expanded the game with a new campaign and numerous hunts, feeling more like a sequel than an expansion. The Guiding Lands and quality-of-life improvements enhanced the gameplay, while new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana became fan favorites. Iceborne's expansive content and engaging hunts make it one of the best experiences 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 ignited a global phenomenon, bringing the series to consoles and reaching a broader audience. Its large open zones and emphasis on tracking and hunting created an unparalleled sense of scale and immersion. From the diverse environments to the sophisticated ecosystem of monsters, World's world-building and narrative enhancements made it a standout title. It's not just a must-play for fans but a landmark game in the industry.

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.