I’ve been playing Monster Hunter for years, and it’s crazy to think it’s been around for over two decades! It’s become one of Capcom’s biggest series, right up there with Street Fighter and Resident Evil. What I love about each game is that it really tests your patience, skill, and how well you know the monsters – taking down those huge creatures is such a rush! Capcom’s definitely tweaked the formula since the PS2 days, and some changes have been amazing, while others… not so much. With so many main Monster Hunter games out there, it’s a bit overwhelming knowing where to start. Whether you’re completely new or a long-time fan, figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can be tough. So, which Monster Hunter games should you play?
When ranking Monster Hunter games, we’re focusing on how each one developed the series’ core ideas, not just how good they look or how much content they have. We’ll consider the Freedom series as updates to the games they’re based on, and this list will only include the main Monster Hunter titles – not spin-offs. Here’s our ranking of each game, from the earliest to the most recent, based on how they shaped the series.
8) Monster Hunter
The first *Monster Hunter* game is important – it’s the foundation of the entire series. However, it hasn’t aged well. The graphics look very dated, and the controls feel awkward, which was a problem even when it first came out. Add in a frustrating camera and unreliable hitboxes, and it’s easy to see why the original isn’t as enjoyable to play now.
Capcom had a great idea with Monster Hunter, but it launched at the wrong moment. The series is known for its careful, strategic battles and the rewarding feeling of winning, and that all began with the first Monster Hunter game. However, in 2004, it was hard to tell whether the game’s unique style was intentional or simply clunky, especially when compared to other, faster-paced games with lots of enemies. Monster Hunter was ahead of its time, and now, with improved technology, the gameplay finally lives up to the original vision.
Monster Hunter Freedom was essentially a version of the first game brought to the PSP. While it added a bit more content and made a few small changes, it still felt very similar to the original. Being able to play on the go was a big deal back then, but it didn’t improve the original game enough to make it truly special.
7) Monster Hunter 2
Originally released only in Japan as *Monster Hunter 2*, the game eventually came to Western audiences as *Monster Hunter Freedom 2* on handheld consoles. This version was later updated and released as *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite*. Capcom significantly improved the game with this sequel, particularly for mobile platforms. They refined the controls for a better playing experience and added popular monsters like Tigrex. The game also featured a wider variety of weapon types.
Compared to the original, *Monster Hunter Freedom* and *Freedom Unite* were much larger and more complex games. They were known for being quite difficult, which added to the experience, and the introduction of Palico companions provided helpful support for players who preferred to play alone or found the online features awkward. While still having noticeable flaws and not being very accessible to new players, we almost ranked these games higher. However, we had to consider Capcom’s practice of quickly releasing updated versions with extra content, which meant players often ended up paying for the game twice.
6) Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Both *Monster Hunter 3* and its *Ultimate Edition* were essentially revamped versions of *Monster Hunter Tri*, the first game in the series’ third generation. These titles moved from PlayStation to Nintendo, appearing on the Wii U and 3DS. Initially, *Tri* felt like a downgrade, as it cut content like monsters and weapons and introduced underwater battles, which proved unpopular with some players. If Capcom had stopped there, *Monster Hunter Tri* wouldn’t be remembered as fondly. However, they fixed these issues with *Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate*, improving the overall experience.
The update brought back popular features that were missing and added a lot of new, helpful ones. Players can now continue their progress seamlessly between the Wii U and 3DS versions, letting them play on either system. The Wii U version also received improvements to its online functionality and camera controls. A particularly well-received addition was the free hunt zone, which let players enjoy the game outside of the main storyline.
Despite some improvements, the game still felt a bit clunky and unrefined, retaining the series’ characteristic quirks. While the graphics were decent on Nintendo consoles, the game’s pace felt slow at times. Capcom was starting to find its footing, and many consider *Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate* to be the turning point for the series’ success.
5) Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Monster Hunter Generations and Generations Ultimate were landmark titles in the series, and the biggest games released up to that point. They boasted a huge roster of over 90 monsters, a variety of unique hunting styles, and locations that paid tribute to the series’ past. The games were a real treat for longtime fans and were also very easy for new players to pick up and enjoy. Both newcomers and veteran hunters found plenty to love thanks to the freedom the games offered in choosing quests and learning how to play.
Monster Hunter Generations could be really daunting, particularly for those new to the series. While it tried to modernize the classic gameplay, it still felt a bit awkward to control. Even with improvements, it wasn’t always easy to pick up and play. Despite this, it was a good entry point into the series and paved the way for future Monster Hunter games to become more accessible to newcomers.
4) Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise made the series even easier to pick up and play, building on the accessibility of Monster Hunter Generations. It’s one of the fastest-paced games in the franchise, moving away from the slower, more cumbersome feel of older titles. The new Wirebug mechanic allowed for incredibly smooth and dynamic movement and combat, adding a new level of verticality to the game. Plus, the addition of the Palamute – a rideable companion – made getting around even faster and provided helpful support in battles.
The update also significantly simplified the initial experience for new players. While some changes sparked debate, they helped people jump into the game more quickly. For example, monsters were now visible on the minimap from the start, removing the need to search for them. The new Silkbinds mechanic made it easier to stun enemies without needing to memorize their weaknesses, speeding up hunts overall. Many players, especially those on the Nintendo Switch, appreciated these improvements, given the console’s focus on portable play.
As a longtime Monster Hunter player, I gotta say, Rise felt…different. After World, it just seemed way too easy and not as challenging, honestly. They changed up a lot of the weapon moves, which a lot of us older players didn’t really vibe with. Plus, the quests, especially later on, just didn’t hit the same way as in previous games. Sunbreak definitely tried to fix some of those problems, but it felt like the game was heading in a new direction, and not necessarily a better one. It almost felt like a step backwards after how amazing World was.
3) Monster Hunter Wilds
Okay, so *Monster Hunter Wilds* feels like the best of both worlds – it takes what made *World* great, like the big, detailed environments, and mixes it with the faster, more action-packed gameplay of *Rise*. Honestly, it’s been a huge hit, especially for people just getting into the series or those who don’t have a ton of time. One of the coolest additions is the Seikrets – these mounts make getting around the map super easy, and they even have autopilot! Hunts feel really quick and snappy, and the new areas look amazing. Plus, they’ve added some awesome new monsters to fight, and brought back a bunch of old favorites too. It’s a really fun experience overall.
The game’s biggest weaknesses are its many unskippable cutscenes and excessive tutorials, along with a frustrating online experience. These issues could have significantly lowered its ranking, but the core gameplay is so enjoyable that it balances them out. Surprisingly, the story is also well-done for a monster hunting game. However, some players felt the narrative wasn’t essential and that Capcom should have prioritized refining the gameplay, especially the difficulty, as *Monster Hunter Wilds* is generally an easy game.
Despite a few issues, *Monster Hunter Wilds* boasts some of the most satisfying combat the series has ever seen. If Capcom can polish the online experience, this could be their best *Monster Hunter* game to date. They should continue to make the games easier to pick up and play without sacrificing the challenging gameplay. Importantly, Capcom needs to avoid including unnecessary microtransactions and prioritize creating a truly excellent gameplay experience.
2) Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Many fans consider *Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate* to be the sweet spot in the series, successfully blending challenging gameplay with modern features. It introduced more dynamic environments you could climb, improved character movement, more diverse combat options, and some of the most exciting monster battles in the series. Enhanced controls and varied maps made everything more enjoyable. Notably, Western audiences received the complete experience right away with the *Ultimate Edition* release, meaning all these improvements were included from the start.
Guild Quests were added to the series, providing more story-focused gameplay and paving the way for richer narratives in future installments. The exciting hunts and map designs of *Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate* also influenced later games. A key improvement for this generation was online multiplayer, which became accessible to all players and was significantly enhanced over previous versions.
It’s difficult to fault *Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate*. It significantly improved upon previous games in the series, and its portable version was particularly well done. Even now, years later, *Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate* remains a standout title in the *Monster Hunter* franchise.
1) Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
While *Monster Hunter World* was great when it first came out, the *Iceborne* expansion is what truly makes it exceptional. *Iceborne* addressed almost all of the original game’s shortcomings and elevated the entire experience. Many consider *Monster Hunter World: Iceborne* to be the best in the series, setting a high bar for future installments. It offered incredible depth, stunning visuals, epic battles, and was surprisingly easy to pick up and play. Capcom perfected the game’s world and gameplay with *Iceborne*, surpassing even the highly-regarded *Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate*.
The gameplay is incredibly diverse and rewarding. Capcom really focused on what makes monster hunting great, letting you feel like a skilled predator as you track your target. The combat is fresh and exciting, with new moves for each weapon and better controls that make it easier and more fun to learn and become proficient.
The world of *Monster Hunter World: Iceborne* feels vibrant and immersive, with seamless transitions between areas – no more loading screens! Beyond the main hunts, there’s a ton to do, letting players enjoy the aspects of the game they love at their own pace. These extra activities, like gathering and completing quests, are engaging and don’t feel like tedious tasks.
When *Monster Hunter World* first came out, it wasn’t perfect. Players felt there weren’t enough monsters and that the game didn’t offer much to do after completing the main story. But these problems were fixed with downloadable content, especially the *Iceborne* expansion. Now, many fans consider it the best *Monster Hunter* game ever, and it’s become one of Capcom’s most successful titles.
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2025-10-13 04:12