Top 10 Monster Hunter Games Ranked

Over the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has enthralled fans with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its inception on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the blockbuster success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has seen remarkable evolution. Each game brings unique elements to the table, and we've ranked the entire series, including major DLCs, to identify the top experiences. Note that our rankings focus 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. While its complex controls and steep learning curve can make it challenging to revisit, the essence of what makes Monster Hunter compelling is evident. Players faced off against colossal creatures armed only with their weapons and survival skills, which was groundbreaking in 2004. Though the official servers are no longer available outside Japan, the single-player mode still offers a taste of the hunts that launched this 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 in 2005, expanding its reach significantly. It included enhancements from Monster Hunter G and introduced quality-of-life improvements. The shift to a portable platform was pivotal, making Monster Hunter accessible to a broader audience and emphasizing cooperative play. Despite its dated controls and camera issues, Freedom remains a key entry that shaped the future of the series on handhelds.

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 upon Monster Hunter Freedom 2, introducing iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. As the largest game in the series at its release, it offered a vast hunting experience. While the Felynes didn't make the toughest challenges easier, they added enjoyment to the journey. Freedom Unite was a significant milestone, showcasing the series' growth and depth.

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 experience with a restructured story and difficulty curve. It reintroduced weapons missing from Tri and added new monsters and quests. The introduction of underwater combat added variety, though it came with camera challenges. Despite aging, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate remains a strong entry in the series, offering a comprehensive Monster Hunter 3 experience.

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 with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, revolutionizing the series' social aspect. The addition of Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, while vertical movement expanded the gameplay significantly. Despite its innovations, 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 console-scale gameplay for the Nintendo Switch. The introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic enhanced mobility and added new combat dynamics. Rise's faster pace and streamlined features created one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences, blending the series' big design ideas into a more compact form.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 30, 2022 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review

Sunbreak expanded upon Rise with a new location, new monsters, and a revised weapons system. Its gothic horror aesthetic and challenging endgame hunts added depth to an already excellent game. The fight against Malzeno stands out as a highlight, making Sunbreak a significant enhancement to the 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 celebrated the series' history with a vast monster roster and extensive customization options. The introduction of Hunter Styles and Hunting Arts offered players unprecedented control over their combat style. This experimental approach, combined with cooperative play, made Generations Ultimate a fitting tribute to the series' past.

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 substantial new campaign and a wealth of new hunts. The Guiding Lands and numerous quality-of-life improvements enhanced the experience. Iconic monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana cemented Iceborne's place as one of the series' best entries, nearly topping 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 redefined the series, bringing it to consoles with stunning open zones and a dynamic ecosystem. Its sense of scale, from epic monster encounters to diverse environments, set a new standard. Enhanced storytelling through high-quality cutscenes and a vibrant world made World an unforgettable experience and a must-play for both newcomers and veterans.

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.