Celebrating 20 Years of Monster Hunter: A Ranked List

Over the past 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captured the hearts of fans with its thrilling mix of tactical strategy and electrifying monster battles. From its modest beginnings on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to dominating the charts in 2018 with Monster Hunter: World, the series has seen incredible growth over two decades.

Each Monster Hunter game is unique, but we’ve ranked the entire series, including major DLCs, to determine the finest entry. A quick note: since Capcom has released multiple versions of certain titles, our ranking considers only the Ultimate editions where applicable. With that clarified, let’s dive in!

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 established the foundation for what would become a legendary franchise. While its cryptic instructions and clunky controls may feel dated now, the core elements that define the series—taking down colossal monsters with a mix of skill and survival instincts—were already present. Despite its steep learning curve, it stood out in 2004 as a unique gaming experience.

Created as part of Capcom’s initiative to focus on online multiplayer for the PlayStation 2, the game emphasized online event missions. Although official servers are no longer active outside Japan, the single-player mode offers a glimpse into the hunts that started it all.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

Monster Hunter Freedom, released for the PlayStation Portable in Japan in 2005 and globally a year later, marked the series' debut on handhelds. It expanded upon Monster Hunter G, introducing quality-of-life improvements and adapting the series for portable play.

The game’s focus on co-op multiplayer allowed players to team up with friends anytime, anywhere. Despite the PSP’s limitations, such as awkward controls and camera issues, it paved the way for future handheld titles and expanded the series' reach.

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 enhanced version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (itself an expanded edition of Monster Hunter 2), Freedom Unite was the series' largest entry at the time. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and added Felyne companions, making hunts more enjoyable even during challenging moments.

The game’s extensive content and features, such as a larger monster roster, solidified its importance in the franchise, despite its high difficulty.

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 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate added a revamped story, adjusted difficulty, and introduced new monsters. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, giving players a more complete arsenal.

While underwater combat offered unique gameplay, its camera controls were sometimes frustrating. Co-op multiplayer on the Wii U, though limited compared to other platforms, remained a highlight.

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 landmark entry, introducing online multiplayer for handheld consoles. Apex Monsters added endgame challenges, while vertical movement mechanics revolutionized combat and exploration, effectively doubling map scale.

Featuring a vast monster roster and innovative gameplay, 4 Ultimate marked a turning point in the series’ evolution.

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 after the success of Monster Hunter: World. It introduced mechanics like the Wirebug for aerial combat and traversal, as well as rideable Palamutes for faster navigation.

By condensing the grand ideas of World into a streamlined handheld experience, Rise won over fans.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

The Sunbreak expansion built upon Rise with new monsters, gothic-themed locales, and enhanced weapon systems. Its flagship monster, Malzeno, introduced a vampiric horror element to battles.

With its atmospheric setting and robust endgame, Sunbreak solidified Rise as a modern classic.

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 "greatest hits" collection, boasting the largest monster roster in the series and introducing Hunter Styles, which significantly altered combat mechanics. Players could stick to traditional gameplay or explore new styles like Striker or Aerial.

It was a love letter to long-time fans, offering countless hours of entertainment.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

More than an expansion, Iceborne felt like a sequel to Monster Hunter: World. It introduced the Guiding Lands, a hybrid zone combining elements from previous maps, and added fan-favorite monsters like Velkhana and Fatalis.

The expansion refined an already exceptional experience, securing its place as a fan-favorite.

1. Monster Hunter: World

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

Monster Hunter: World redefined the series, introducing expansive open environments, a vibrant ecosystem, and stunning visuals. Its immersion and sense of scale attracted both loyal fans and newcomers.

With seamless zones, compelling storytelling, and dynamic monster interactions, World is not only the best Monster Hunter game but also one of the greatest video games of all time.

What’s your favorite Monster Hunter game? Share your rankings and let us know if you’re excited for the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds!

Jesse Vitelli is a freelance writer and published author. A former associate editor at Prima Games, he has also written for Kotaku, Inverse, Game Informer, and more.