How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's iconic Monster Hunter series is set to thrill fans once again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025. This franchise has evolved across numerous generations of home and portable consoles, achieving remarkable success with titles like Monster Hunter World in 2018 and Monster Hunter Rise in 2021, which not only became the best-selling games in the series but also Capcom's top-selling games ever.

As we approach the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the rich history of the franchise. We've curated a chronological list of the 12 most significant Monster Hunter games, focusing on those that have shaped the series' legacy.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?

There are over 25 Monster Hunter games, encompassing base games, spinoffs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions. For our list, we've selected the 12 most pivotal entries, excluding mobile-only and arcade-exclusive titles, discontinued MMOs, and the Japan-exclusive, FromSoftware-developed game, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

The Monster Hunter series does not follow a continuous narrative, allowing you to dive into any game as your starting point. If you're new to the series in 2025, consider waiting for feedback on the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds, releasing on February 28. Alternatively, for an earlier taste of the series, Monster Hunter World offers a deep, immersive experience, while Monster Hunter Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.

Out February 28

Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order

Monster Hunter (2004)

Monster Hunter was part of Capcom's strategy to explore the PS2's online capabilities, according to Ryozo Tsujimoto's 2014 interview with Eurogamer. This inaugural game established the core mechanics of the series, where players embark on quests to hunt monsters and craft gear from harvested materials.

An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, was released exclusively in Japan the following year.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

With Monster Hunter Freedom, the series found its stride on portable consoles. This PSP-enhanced port of Monster Hunter G focused on single-player gameplay and sold over a million copies, marking the beginning of the series' dominance on handheld platforms until the success of Monster Hunter World in 2018.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Returning to the PS2, Monster Hunter 2 introduced new elements like a day-night cycle and gems, enriching the customization of weapons and armor. Released exclusively in Japan, it set a new standard for the series.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 brought the essence of Monster Hunter 2 to the PSP, enhancing it with new content and a focus on single-player. Its successor, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, further expanded the game with additional monsters, missions, and the inclusion of Felyne fighters in combat.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 22, 2007

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3, initially developed for the PS3 but released as a Wii exclusive, introduced underwater combat among other new features. It later expanded to Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, with enhanced graphics and multiplayer options.

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Ported to the PSP, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd adapted and expanded upon Monster Hunter 3, and later received a PS3 version. Despite not being released in the West, it became the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter game with 4.9 million copies sold.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010