Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

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

Each Monster Hunter game brings its unique flavor to the table, but we've ranked them all, including the major DLCs, to pinpoint the ultimate experience. Note that our rankings focus on the Ultimate versions of the games, as Capcom has released multiple iterations of some titles. 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 instructions may challenge modern players, the core elements that define Monster Hunter's appeal are evident. Facing off against giant creatures with just a weapon and survival skills was groundbreaking in 2004, despite the steep learning curve that could frustrate newcomers.

Designed as part of Capcom's push towards online gaming on the PlayStation 2, Monster Hunter emphasized online event missions. While the official servers are no longer available outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a taste of the hunts that launched 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, launched on the PlayStation Portable in 2005 in Japan and the following year globally, marked the series' first foray into handheld gaming. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it introduced numerous quality-of-life improvements and, crucially, brought Monster Hunter to a portable format. This shift expanded the series' reach, emphasizing cooperative play and connecting millions of players worldwide in their hunt, regardless of location.

Despite its dated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains enjoyable and pivotal, setting the stage for the series' 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 (itself an expansion of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2), was the largest game in the series at its release. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions, enhancing the journey despite the game's challenging encounters.

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

Building on Monster Hunter Tri from 2010, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the story and difficulty, adding new monsters and quests. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn and Bow, offering a more diverse arsenal. The inclusion of underwater battles added variety, though camera issues persisted. Despite less advanced online multiplayer on the Wii U, co-op remained essential to the Monster Hunter experience.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a solid evolution of the series, though it's showing its age compared to newer entries.

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 was a pivotal release, introducing dedicated online multiplayer to handheld consoles, enhancing the series' cooperative play. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement expanded map exploration. Despite these advancements, it falls short of being the best in 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 brought the series back to handhelds with a focus on speed and streamlined gameplay. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dynamics to movement and combat, making it one of the best handheld experiences in the series. The serene atmosphere of Kamura Village complements the high-energy hunts, showcasing Capcom's ability to scale down big ideas effectively.

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, introduced a new location, fearsome monsters, and an updated weapons system. Its gothic horror theme, highlighted by the Citadel and vampire-inspired monsters, added a unique atmosphere. The expansion also tackled the series' endgame content, culminating in the epic battle against Malzeno, making Sunbreak a significant enhancement to Rise.

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 serves as a celebration of the series' past, boasting the largest monster roster and extensive customization options. The Hunter Styles system revolutionized gameplay, offering varied combat approaches. This experimental depth, combined with endless hunts, makes it a standout title in the series.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne, the expansion for Monster Hunter World, feels like a full sequel with its expansive campaign and new hunts. The Guiding Lands and numerous quality-of-life improvements elevated the game further. Memorable new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana cemented Iceborne's place as a top-tier Monster Hunter experience.

1. Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: January 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter: World review

Monster Hunter: World brought the series to global prominence, returning to consoles and expanding its audience. Its large open zones and emphasis on tracking and hunting in a dynamic ecosystem set a new standard. From the lush jungles to the towering cliffs of the Coral Highlands, World's environments and high-quality cutscenes enriched the experience, making it an essential title for both veterans and newcomers.

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.