Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Revealed

Over the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has enthralled players worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its initial release on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the blockbuster success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has undergone significant evolution. Each game in the series offers a unique experience, and we've ranked them all, including the major DLCs, to identify the ultimate Monster Hunter title. Note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate editions of the games. 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 steep learning curve can make it challenging to revisit, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter: facing off against colossal creatures with nothing but skill and survival instincts. Developed as part of Capcom's push towards online gaming on the PlayStation 2, Monster Hunter focused on online event missions, though the single-player mode still offers a taste of the series' beginnings, even with the official servers no longer available outside Japan.

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 in 2005 in Japan and a year later worldwide. As an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it included quality-of-life improvements and crucially, introduced the series to handheld gaming. This move significantly expanded the series' audience, emphasizing co-op play and enabling players to hunt together anytime, anywhere. Despite its dated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains a pivotal entry in the series, setting the stage for future handheld titles.

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, was the largest game in the series at its launch. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions, enhancing the hunting experience. Despite its challenging gameplay, the addition of Felynes made the journey more enjoyable, cementing Freedom Unite's place as a significant milestone in the series.

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 series' formula with a more streamlined story and difficulty curve, along with new monsters and quests. The reintroduction of weapons like the Hunting Horn and Dual Blades enriched the gameplay. Although the underwater combat added variety, the camera controls could be cumbersome. Despite its age, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate remains a strong entry 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

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate marked a significant advancement by introducing dedicated online multiplayer, allowing players worldwide to hunt together seamlessly. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement and an expanded monster roster transformed the gameplay. Despite these innovations, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is 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, bringing refined console-level features to the Nintendo Switch. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to movement and combat, making Rise one of the most dynamic and enjoyable handheld Monster Hunter experiences. Its serene setting and fast-paced gameplay showcase the series' adaptability.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak expanded upon Monster Hunter Rise with new locations, monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame hunts, including the memorable battle against Malzeno, elevated the already excellent base game. Sunbreak stands as a testament to Capcom's ability to enhance its titles with substantial 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 celebration of the series' history, offering a vast array of monsters and the innovative Hunter Styles system. This customization depth allowed players to experiment with diverse combat styles, making it a fun and comprehensive Monster Hunter experience.

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 like a true sequel. The Guiding Lands and new monsters like Velkhana and Fatalis enhanced the already exceptional base game, making Iceborne a standout expansion.

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 back to consoles and attracting a global audience. Its expansive open zones and immersive ecosystem created a breathtaking world to explore. From tracking monsters to engaging in epic battles, Monster Hunter: World delivered an unparalleled experience, making it the top Monster Hunter game of all time.

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.