Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

For the last two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has enthralled fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. Starting from its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004, the series has undergone significant evolution, culminating in the blockbuster success of Monster Hunter World in 2018. Each game in the franchise offers a unique experience, but we've ranked them, including their major DLCs, to crown the best. Note that our rankings focus on the Ultimate versions of the games. Let's dive in and explore the top 10 Monster Hunter games.

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. Although its complex controls and instructions can make it challenging to revisit, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter. The thrill of battling giant creatures with nothing but your chosen weapon and survival skills was groundbreaking in 2004, despite its steep learning curve. Developed as part of Capcom's push towards online gaming on the PlayStation 2, Monster Hunter's focus on online event missions was innovative, though the closure of official servers outside Japan limits this aspect today.

9. Monster Hunter Freedom

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

Launching on the PlayStation Portable in 2005 in Japan and a year later globally, Monster Hunter Freedom was the first handheld entry in the series. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it brought significant quality-of-life improvements and introduced Monster Hunter to a broader audience through its portable format. Despite its control and camera issues, Freedom's emphasis on co-op play helped forge a community of hunters, making it a pivotal title in the series' history.

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 version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, which itself was an extension of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 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. Despite its challenges, Freedom Unite's additions and improvements made it a memorable and enjoyable entry.

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, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offered a refined experience with a restructured story, new monsters, and quests. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn and Bow, missing from Tri, enriching the weapon roster. The addition of underwater battles added variety, though not without camera challenges. Despite the Wii U's limitations in multiplayer, 3 Ultimate remains a standout for its comprehensive Monster Hunter 3 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 evolution with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, expanding the series' reach. It also introduced Apex Monsters, challenging endgame content, and vertical movement, which transformed the gameplay and map exploration. Though not the best, it was a crucial step forward for the franchise.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

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

Returning to handhelds after the console success of Monster Hunter World, Rise refined the series' core elements for a smoother, faster-paced experience on the Nintendo Switch. It introduced Palamutes for swift map traversal and the Wirebug mechanic for dynamic combat and exploration. Rise's blend of action and serene moments in Kamura Village made it one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak expanded on Rise with new locations, monsters, and a refreshed weapon system, enhancing the already stellar base game. Its gothic horror-inspired Citadel and monster designs added a unique atmosphere, while new endgame content challenged seasoned hunters. The battle against Malzeno, the vampiric flagship monster, stands out as a highlight.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: August 28, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review

Generations Ultimate served as a tribute to the series' history with the largest monster roster and extensive customization options. The introduction of Hunter Styles allowed for varied combat approaches, making it a versatile and enjoyable entry. It celebrated the series' legacy with a vast array of hunts and cooperative play.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne expanded on the success of Monster Hunter World with a new campaign and numerous hunts, feeling more like a sequel than an expansion. The Guiding Lands offered a seamless blend of previous zones, and the introduction of new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana captured fans' hearts. Iceborne's improvements and new content make it a close second to the original.

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 reaching a global audience. Its large, open zones and emphasis on tracking and battling in a dynamic ecosystem set a new standard. From the diverse environments to the high-quality cutscenes, World offered a comprehensive and immersive experience. It's not only essential 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.