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 its blockbuster success with Monster Hunter World in 2018, the franchise has seen significant evolution and growth.

Each Monster Hunter game offers a unique experience, but we've compiled a definitive ranking of the entire series, including the major DLCs, to highlight the best. Note that our list focuses on the Ultimate versions of the games, which provide the most comprehensive experience. 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 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 focus on online event missions, though no longer supported outside Japan, allowed players to experience the thrill of hunting in a pioneering way.

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 to a handheld audience. While it retained some of the original's clunky controls, it significantly improved the quality of life and introduced co-op play, setting a new standard for the series' handheld iterations.

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, providing a robust and enjoyable hunting 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, quests, and the return of several weapon types. The addition of underwater combat added variety, despite some camera challenges, making it 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

A pivotal release, 4 Ultimate introduced dedicated online multiplayer, significantly enhancing the series' connectivity. With the addition of Apex Monsters and vertical movement, it offered a fresh and challenging experience, though not the series' best.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

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

Returning to handhelds after the success of World, Rise refined the series for the Nintendo Switch. With the introduction of Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, Rise offered a faster-paced and more dynamic experience, becoming one of the best handheld entries 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 a new location, new monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror theme and challenging endgame content, highlighted by the fight against Malzeno, made it a memorable addition to the series.

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 featured a massive roster of monsters and introduced Hunter Styles, offering unprecedented customization and gameplay variety. 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 World with a new campaign, numerous quality-of-life improvements, and iconic monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana. Its seamless world design and challenging hunts make it a near-perfect addition to the series.

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, bringing it to consoles and a global audience. Its expansive open zones, dynamic ecosystems, and engaging story, enhanced by high-quality cutscenes, set a new benchmark for the franchise. It's a must-play for both fans and newcomers, solidifying its place as the best Monster Hunter game to date.

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.