10 Hardest Monster Hunter Games of All Time

Summary

Monster Hunter Rise is one of the easier games in the series with more accessibility and quality of life improvements.
Monster Hunter Wilds is considered less challenging, but still has frustrating and challenging monster fights.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite remains one of the most challenging entries in the series due to limited fighting options.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come across video game series that are notoriously tough nuts to crack. Even though certain franchises have made strides over time to be more inclusive and less challenging, series like the Monster Hunter franchise continue to deliver formidable challenges with each new release they unleash upon us players.

The “Monster Hunter” series is centered around tracking down and slaying massive, perilous beasts. Unlike other games in this genre, “Monster Hunter” stands out by offering continuous enjoyment for many decades. Despite its popularity, the games are notably difficult, particularly the recent installments.

9. Monster Hunter Rise

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.1/5

In the latest installment of the Monster Hunter series, players find it relatively accessible compared to other games within the franchise. Yet, it offers distinct challenges and shouldn’t be mistaken for easy. The reason for its accessibility lies in the abundance of tools available for battling colossal monsters, although it’s far from being a simple game compared to other franchises.

In Monster Hunter Rise, hunting becomes more achievable when players take time to prepare. Compared to earlier series installments, there are numerous minor accessibility and quality-of-life enhancements that facilitate dealing with monsters more effortlessly, even though some battles remain incredibly demanding. A fresh feature called Silkbind attacks simplifies immobilizing monsters significantly, making hunts swifter and the gameplay slightly less difficult overall.

8. Monster Hunter Wilds

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.13/5

As a dedicated Monster Hunter fan, I’ve got to say that the latest addition to our beloved franchise has been making waves, but some fellow hunters have pointed out that the difficulty seems to be dwindling with each new release. They claim that Wilds might just be one of the easiest entries so far. However, don’t let that fool you! There are still plenty of monster battles that can leave you frustrated, surprised, and most definitely challenged from start to finish.

In the fast-paced assaults of Xu Wu, and the escalating difficulty of Uth Duna as you advance in rank, Wilds is a game that emphasizes patience and strategy. Skilled players may find ways to mitigate some challenges with careful preparation, leading many seasoned Monster Hunter players to claim it’s less challenging for veterans than for newcomers.

7. Monster Hunter Generations

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.65/5

As a dedicated Monster Hunter fan, I’ve got to say that one of the less-discussed titles, Generations, stands out as a unique challenge. Released exclusively for Nintendo handheld devices back in 2016, this game introduced some novel elements that ramped up the difficulty level. For instance, the new Hunting Arts system required a significant adjustment, altering the very essence of the hunting experience we were accustomed to.

The portable editions of Monster Hunter games have had varying success because it’s tricky to adapt the game controls for these devices. Sometimes, the challenge in Generations is unintended. However, Generations remains a popular and cherished addition to the series due to its enjoyable gameplay.

6. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.76/5

The enhanced edition of “Monster Hunter World,” complete with the Iceborne DLC expansion, is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional Monster Hunter experiences ever, sparking discussions among fans about which game – World or Rise – reigns supreme. What sets “Monster Hunter World” apart is its ability to enhance player experience throughout gameplay without significantly lessening the challenge level.

In the latest installment of Monster Hunter World, there was less emphasis on grinding compared to previous versions. The processes of gathering materials and tracking creatures were streamlined, making them less tedious and taking up more time overall. Despite this, the game’s challenge remains unapologetically engaging for players, thanks in part to its excellent co-op features. With Monster Hunter World becoming Capcom’s highest-selling game ever, there’s no reason for the creators to feel remorse about the level of difficulty they’ve provided.

5. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.87/5

In comparison to the base game, Monster Hunter Tri, the Ultimate upgrade of this generation’s Monster Hunter series encountered difficulties in various aspects. While introducing novel elements like underwater combats, the games lacked cohesion in certain areas which resulted in this generation performing below its potential.

As an avid enthusiast, I must confess that the thrill of numerous hunting expeditions, particularly the underwater ones, was exceptionally steep, and the underwater combats never made a comeback in the series. Innovations like a sprawling map for players to hunt beyond quests were introduced, yet not all hurdles in crafting this experience had been overcome at that point.

4. Monster Hunter

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 3.96/5

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admit that even a renowned series like Monster Hunter wasn’t immune to the challenges of finding the perfect balance between difficulty and enjoyment. Initially designed to be tough from the outset, it was launched on the PS2 during an era when game developers were yet to fully embrace accessibility. Consequently, the thrill of each hunt could sometimes border on the brutally extreme, reminiscent of the Souls-like gaming experience.

In simpler terms, players were supposed to master every creature’s actions and test their skills by repeatedly dying in an attempt to figure out how to defeat them. Although the controls weren’t fully refined and the game balance wasn’t completely figured out, Monster Hunter was still one of the toughest games around during its era.

3. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 4.05/5

In the Western world, the fully developed version of “Monster Hunter 2” stands tall as one of the most difficult feats in the series. While certain control mechanisms improved compared to the initial game, the variety of methods players could use to battle creatures was somewhat restricted in this particular release.

Furthermore, mastering each monster in the Monster Hunter series proved challenging due to the vast array of creatures introduced in the second generation of games. Consequently, newcomers found it particularly tough to grasp the mechanics right away.

2. Monster Hunter Frontier

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 4.29/5

Released: June 21, 2007
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360

In the MMORPG adaptation of the Monster Hunter series, the gradual progression and persistent grinding system presented one of the toughest challenges the franchise has to offer. With an abundance of new equipment to acquire, the difficulty of various monsters, particularly those introduced later on, reached absurd levels.

In the game, Frontier, it was notorious for being a tough opponent for the player due to the demanding challenges it presented. The developers aimed to keep their audience on their toes by regularly increasing the difficulty level, which often made certain fights incredibly challenging, given the extensive effort required from players to prepare themselves for battling the toughest creatures in the game.

1. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Game FAQ Difficulty Score: 4.3/5

In the western world, the tough and action-packed edition known as Monster Hunter 4 was initially released exclusively for handheld devices in an Ultimate form. The challenges presented were not only numerous but also varied, with more emphasis on height and verticality within the hunts and maps, and a greater focus on environmental difficulties that added an extra layer of complexity during gameplay.

At the point where gamers reach G-Rank, the level of difficulty might be as intense as the series gets. The distribution of challenges was generally balanced and reasonable when compared to other games, but players frequently opted to drop down ranks to steer clear of this increased challenge because it was a significant leap above most games in the franchise during its hardest moments.

2025-03-21 14:54