Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

For two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated players with its thrilling blend of strategic combat and intense monster battles. From its PlayStation 2 debut in 2004 to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone a remarkable evolution. This ranking considers only the "Ultimate" versions of games where multiple releases exist.

While each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, we've ranked the entire series, including major DLC, to determine the ultimate champion.

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 laid the groundwork for the franchise's future success. Though its controls and instructions may feel dated today, the core gameplay elements that define the series are present. Confronting colossal beasts with limited resources established its unique identity in 2004, even if the steep learning curve proved challenging for many. Developed for online play on the PlayStation 2, its online event missions were a key focus (though official servers are now offline outside Japan). The single-player experience still allows players to enjoy the hunts that started it all.

9. Monster Hunter Freedom

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: May 23, 2006 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom review

Released on the PlayStation Portable, Monster Hunter Freedom (2005 in Japan) was the series' first handheld entry, expanding upon Monster Hunter G. It introduced the series to a wider audience by making co-op a central feature, enabling players to hunt together regardless of location. Despite its dated controls and camera, Freedom remains enjoyable and holds significant historical importance as a catalyst for the series' growth on portable devices.

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 expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), Monster Hunter Freedom Unite was the series' largest game at launch. It introduced memorable monsters like Nargacuga and featured the debut of Felyne companions, enhancing the overall experience.

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

Based on Monster Hunter Tri (2010), Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate boasts a refined story and difficulty, along with new monsters and quests. The return of the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, absent from Tri, provided a more complete weapon selection. Underwater combat added variety, although the camera presented some challenges. While online multiplayer on the Wii U wasn't as advanced as on other platforms, its inclusion was crucial 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 turning point with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, allowing for global co-op hunts. Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, and vertical movement significantly altered gameplay and map exploration.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review

Returning to handhelds after Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise refined the series' mechanics for a smoother, faster-paced experience. The introduction of rideable Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, enabling acrobatic maneuvers, added a new dimension to exploration and combat.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak, a massive expansion for Rise, introduces a new location, challenging monsters, and a revamped weapon system. Its gothic-horror themed Citadel location and monster designs, along with demanding endgame hunts, elevate the already excellent Rise experience.

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 features the series' largest roster of monsters (93) and a deep customization system, including Hunter Styles that drastically alter gameplay. The ability to choose from four unique movesets for each weapon type significantly expands combat options.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne, a massive expansion for Monster Hunter World, feels like a full sequel, adding a substantial new campaign, numerous hunts, and quality-of-life improvements. The Guiding Lands provide a seamless blend of previous zones, and new monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis are considered among the best 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 catapulted the series to global recognition, bringing it to a wider audience on consoles. Its large, open zones and emphasis on the thrill of tracking and hunting massive monsters set it apart. The detailed environments and unique monsters create a sense of scale and immersion rarely seen in the series, making it a standout title for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

This ranking represents our selection of the top 10 Monster Hunter games. Share your own rankings and thoughts on the series, and discuss your anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds in the comments.