Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

For the past two decades, 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 its monumental success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution, continually refining its formula to deliver unforgettable gaming experiences.

Each Monster Hunter game brings something unique to the table, but we've taken the liberty of ranking the entire series, including the major DLCs, to identify the cream of the crop. It's worth noting that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of the games, as these represent the most comprehensive experiences Capcom has offered. So, without further ado, 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 the franchise: hunting colossal beasts with nothing but skill and strategy. Although the official servers are no longer active outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a taste of the pioneering hunts that launched a genre.

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 it to a broader audience. As the first handheld entry, it refined the gameplay from Monster Hunter G and emphasized co-op play, allowing players to hunt together from anywhere. Despite its dated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains a pivotal title in the series' history.

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 expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Freedom Unite introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. It was the largest game in the series at the time of its release, offering a vast array of challenges and enjoyable moments, despite its tough battles.

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, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate streamlined the experience with a restructured story and difficulty curve. It reintroduced popular weapons and added underwater combat, enhancing the variety of gameplay. Despite some camera struggles, it remains a definitive entry in the series.

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, revolutionizing the series' social aspect. It also introduced Apex Monsters and vertical movement, expanding the gameplay and map size. While a major step forward, 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 with a focus on speed and streamlined features. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic added new dimensions to movement and combat, 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 locations, monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, including the fight against Malzeno, elevated the already excellent base game to new heights.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

A celebration of the series' history, Generations Ultimate offered the largest monster roster and introduced Hunter Styles, allowing for deep customization and varied combat experiences. It's a testament to the series' evolution and a joy to play with friends.

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, the innovative Guiding Lands, and some of the series' most memorable monsters. It felt like a full sequel, enhancing the already stellar base game with quality-of-life improvements and epic battles.

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 focus on immersion. Its breathtaking environments, dynamic ecosystem, and enhanced storytelling made it a global phenomenon 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.