Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

For the last 20 years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the groundbreaking success of Monster Hunter: World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution. Each game in the series brings its unique flavor, but we've ranked them, including the major DLCs, to identify the ultimate Monster Hunter experience. Note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games. Let's dive into the top 10:

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 series' future. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter. The game's focus on online event missions was innovative, though the lack of active servers outside Japan limits this feature. However, the single-player mode remains a testament to the series' beginnings, showcasing the thrill of hunting massive beasts.

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 marked the series' transition to handheld devices with its release on the PlayStation Portable. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it brought numerous quality-of-life improvements and introduced Monster Hunter to a broader audience. While the game's controls and camera system may feel dated, its importance in expanding the series' reach and setting the stage for future handheld iterations cannot be overstated.

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 is a comprehensive expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, bringing new monsters like the iconic Nargacuga and introducing Felyne companions. Despite its challenging gameplay, the addition of these elements enriched the hunting experience, making it one of the largest and most enjoyable entries in the series at the time.

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

Built on the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate refined the series' formula with a restructured story and new challenges. The reintroduction of key weapons and the addition of underwater combat added depth and variety. Despite some camera issues, it remains the definitive Monster Hunter 3 experience, showcasing the series' evolution.

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 game-changer, introducing dedicated online multiplayer to handhelds. With Apex Monsters providing formidable endgame challenges and vertical movement expanding the game's scope, it marked a significant leap forward. While it's not the pinnacle of the series, it's a crucial stepping stone.

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 experience on the Nintendo Switch. Introducing Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, it brought a sense of scale and mobility to the series, creating 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 Monster Hunter Rise with new locations, monsters, and a revamped weapon system. The gothic horror theme and challenging endgame content made it a standout expansion, with the final battle against Malzeno being particularly memorable.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

A tribute to the series' past, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate offered the largest monster roster and extensive customization options. The introduction of Hunter Styles and Hunting Arts added depth to combat, making it a fan-favorite and a celebration of Monster Hunter's history.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne expanded upon the success of Monster Hunter: World with a new campaign and the innovative Guiding Lands. Featuring some of the series' most memorable monsters, it felt like a sequel rather than just an expansion, solidifying its place near the top of our list.

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 to consoles and attracting a global audience. With its expansive open zones, dynamic ecosystems, and stunning environments, it set a new standard for the series. The game's narrative and high-quality cutscenes further enhanced its immersive world, making it the ultimate Monster Hunter experience.

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.