Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

For the last 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 chart-topping success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution. Each game in the series offers a unique experience, 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 rankings:

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 the franchise. The game's focus on online event missions, though no longer supported outside Japan, still offers a robust single-player experience that showcases the series' beginnings.

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 introducing co-op play to a broader audience. While it retains some of the original's clunky controls, it's a pivotal entry that laid the groundwork for the series' handheld success.

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 predecessors, introducing iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. It's the largest game in the series at the time of its release and remains a fan favorite for its extensive content and engaging hunts.

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 refined the series' formula with a restructured story and new monsters. The addition of underwater combat and a more rounded weapon roster made it a standout entry, despite some camera challenges.

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

4 Ultimate marked a significant shift with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, enhancing the series' social aspect. The addition of Apex Monsters and vertical movement added depth and excitement, making it a crucial evolution in the series.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

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

Rise brought the series back to handhelds with a focus on speed and accessibility. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new layers of strategy and mobility, making it one of the best handheld experiences in the series.

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 monsters, a gothic setting, and enhanced endgame content. The addition of the Citadel and the challenging fight against Malzeno made it a memorable expansion that elevated the base game.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

Generations Ultimate is a celebration of the series' history, featuring the largest monster roster and innovative Hunter Styles. Its deep customization and extensive content make it a standout entry that honors 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 innovative Guiding Lands. Its new monsters, like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana, are among the series' best, making it a near-perfect sequel.

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 with expansive open zones and a dynamic ecosystem. Its breathtaking environments, engaging story, and seamless multiplayer experience make it the pinnacle of the Monster Hunter series.

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.