Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

Over the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to its blockbuster success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has seen significant evolution and growth.

Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, but we've ranked the entire series, including major DLCs, to identify the top titles. Note that our ranking focuses on the Ultimate versions of the games. 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. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter. Hunting giant beasts with limited resources was groundbreaking in 2004, and while official servers are no longer available outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a taste of the series' origins.

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 brought the series to the PlayStation Portable, expanding its reach and refining the gameplay from Monster Hunter G. The transition to handhelds was a game-changer, emphasizing co-op play and introducing the series to a wider audience. Despite its control issues, Freedom remains a pivotal entry in the series.

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

Freedom Unite expanded on its predecessor with new monsters and the introduction of Felyne companions. It was the largest game in the series at the time and introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga. While the Felynes didn't make the game easier, they certainly enhanced the experience.

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, 3 Ultimate offered a more streamlined experience with new monsters and quests. The return of popular weapons and the addition of underwater combat added variety, despite some camera challenges. It's the definitive Monster Hunter 3 experience, though it shows its age today.

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 shift with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, allowing global co-op. It also introduced Apex Monsters and vertical movement, revolutionizing the series' gameplay. Despite these advancements, it's not the pinnacle of 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 returned the series to handhelds, refining the console experience for the Nintendo Switch. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to the game, making 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 revised weapons system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, including the fight against Malzeno, elevated the already excellent Rise experience.

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' past, featuring the largest monster roster and innovative Hunter Styles. With 93 large monsters and customizable gameplay, it offered a comprehensive Monster Hunter experience and a celebration of the series' legacy.

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 the Guiding Lands, offering a seamless and expansive experience. New monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana became fan favorites, making Iceborne feel like a full sequel rather than just an expansion.

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 consoles with unprecedented success, introducing it to a global audience. Its expansive open zones, dynamic ecosystem, and stunning environments created an immersive experience. The game's detailed world, engaging story, and diverse monster roster make it a standout in the series and a must-play 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.