Unleash the Hunt: Unveiling the Legendary Monster Hunter Series

Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise has enthralled gamers for two decades with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its 2004 PlayStation 2 debut to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution.

This ranking considers only the "Ultimate" versions of games where multiple releases exist.

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 established the series' core elements. While its dated controls and instructions may present challenges for modern players, the foundation of what makes Monster Hunter compelling remains. Its unique premise of facing colossal beasts with limited resources was groundbreaking in 2004, despite a steep learning curve. Primarily focused on online missions (though official servers are defunct outside Japan), its single-player mode still allows players to experience the origins of the 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

Launched on the PlayStation Portable, Monster Hunter Freedom (an expanded version of Monster Hunter G) marked the series' handheld debut. Its portability broadened the player base, emphasizing cooperative gameplay and enabling hunts from anywhere. Despite its less-refined controls and camera, it remains enjoyable and holds significant historical importance for the franchise.

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 expansion of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Freedom Unite was the series' largest game at launch. It introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and featured the debut of Felyne companions, enhancing the gameplay 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

A refined version of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate boasted a streamlined story, improved difficulty, new monsters, and the return of several weapon types absent from Tri. Underwater combat added variety, although camera control remained a challenge. While online multiplayer on the Wii U was less advanced than on other platforms, its inclusion was crucial to the Monster Hunter 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

This title introduced dedicated online multiplayer, significantly expanding the series' accessibility. Apex Monsters provided challenging endgame content, and the addition of vertical movement enhanced gameplay and map size.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

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

Returning to handhelds after Monster Hunter World, Rise refined console features for a portable experience. Palamutes (rideable canine companions) and the Wirebug mechanic (allowing for acrobatic maneuvers) enhanced movement and combat.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

This massive expansion added a new location, challenging monsters, and a revised weapon system. Its gothic horror aesthetic and demanding endgame hunts are highlights.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

Featuring the series' largest monster roster (93), Generations Ultimate offered extensive customization options and Hunter Styles, radically altering gameplay.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: September 6, 2019
• Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review

This expansion to Monster Hunter World introduced a substantial campaign, numerous hunts, and the Guiding Lands, a combined environment from previous zones. New monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana elevated the experience.

1. Monster Hunter: World

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: January 26, 2018
• Review: IGN's Monster Hunter: World review

Monster Hunter: World catapulted the series to global recognition, bringing console-based gameplay to a wider audience. Its expansive open zones, emphasis on monster tracking and hunting, and immersive ecosystem design set it apart. The improved story and high-quality cutscenes further enhanced the experience.

This ranking reflects a subjective assessment. Your personal preferences may differ. What are your favorite Monster Hunter titles?