How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

by

After celebrating its 20th anniversary a year ago, Capcom’s popular monster-hunting franchise is back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. Over the years, this series has thrived across multiple generations of home and portable gaming systems, achieving new heights with 2018’s Monster Hunter World and 2021’s Monster Hunter Rise – the top-selling games in the franchise so far and also Capcom’s highest-grossing titles.

In anticipation for the release of Monster Hunter Rise on February 28, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the significant titles in this franchise’s history, arranged in the order they were made available to players.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?

Over 25 games make up the Monster Hunter series when you count base games, spinoffs, mobile adaptations, and improved versions. However, for this particular list, we’ve narrowed it down to the 12 most significant Monster Hunter games. We’ve excluded mobile-only and arcade exclusives like Monster Hunter i and Monster Hunter Spirits, as well as shuttered MMOs such as Monster Hunter Frontier and Monster Hunter Online. The FromSoftware-developed, Japan-exclusive Animal Crossing-style game, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village, is also not included on our list.

Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

In the Monster Hunter series, each game stands independently, allowing you to choose any entry point. If you’re considering diving into Monster Hunter in 2025, it might be wise to hold off and observe the response to the upcoming title, Monster Hunter Wilds, set for release on February 28. However, if you can’t wait and want to experience the series beforehand, we suggest either Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise. World is more appealing for those who prioritize exploration and immersion, while Rise caters more to those who prefer speed and smooth gameplay.

Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order

Monster Hunter (2004)

In an interview with Eurogamer back in 2014, Ryozo Tsujimota from Capcom revealed that Monster Hunter was among a trio of games, including Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, which were created to gauge the market’s response to the PlayStation 2’s online functionality.

In the initial Monster Hunter game, a solid basis for the series was established by incorporating numerous key features. This first installment allowed players to either explore solo or team up online, receiving tasks to hunt various creatures. Upon completion of these hunts, materials from the environment and the defeated monsters could be collected and used to create and enhance weapons and armor. These items were essential for facing even more formidable adversaries in future battles.

An expanded version called Monster Hunter G was released exclusively in Japan the following year.

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

Back in 2005, I discovered my beloved series had nestled comfortably on handheld consoles with Monster Hunter Freedom, an upgraded version tailored for solo play on the PSP, derived from Monster Hunter G. This inaugural portable venture of the franchise surpassed a million copies sold, as reported by Capcom, paving the way for a pattern where Monster Hunter’s handheld versions consistently outperformed their home console counterparts – until the groundbreaking success of Monster Hunter World in 2018.

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

In a return to home consoles, Capcom launched the second main installment of the series, known as “Monster Hunter 2” or “Monster Hunter Dos.” This game was initially released in Japan only, on PlayStation 2. Monster Hunter 2 enriched the possibilities for weapon and armor customization by incorporating a day-night cycle and gems.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

In the series, the handheld sequel titled Monster Hunter Freedom 2 continued from its console predecessor (MH2), enhancing the original with fresh content while emphasizing a solo gameplay experience. This game was subsequently developed further in 2008’s Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, introducing new monsters, quests, maps, and the option to have a Felyne combat ally assist the player in battles.

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Back in 2009, I got my hands on the third installment of the Monster Hunter series, known in Japan as Monster Hunter Tri, though it was later released internationally as Monster Hunter 3 in 2010. This game was initially designed for the PlayStation 3, but due to some changes along the way, it ended up being a Wii exclusive instead.

New monsters, weapons, and locations were introduced in this game, but what really stood out was the underwater combat feature, which unfortunately didn’t last long in the series. So, I spent countless hours diving deep into the waters, hunting down monstrous creatures, and upgrading my arsenal. It was an unforgettable experience!

As a dedicated fan, I was thrilled when Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate made its way onto the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms. This version introduced fresh monsters, revamped the single-player adventure, upgraded graphics, and added a brand-new multiplayer zone for us to conquer together!

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Just like its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adjusted and moved to the PlayStation Portable as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. In contrast to the two portable versions that came before it, this game also saw a console release on PS3 under the name Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Version.

Although it was not launched in the Western world, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd stands as Capcom’s top-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter game, with a total of 4.9 million units sold.

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially, Monster Hunter 4 was exclusively available on the 3DS console, only in Japan. However, the upgraded version, titled Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (or Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), was launched globally as a New Nintendo 3DS debut game. This particular series of Monster Hunter games is particularly renowned for enhancing exploration with increased verticality and smoother player movement. Additionally, it significantly boosted the single-player aspect by offering a more engaging narrative and a larger number of non-player characters (NPCs).

Monster Hunter Generations (2015)

Capcom released Monster Hunter Generations (known as Monster Hunter X in Japan), a sequel to MH4, exclusively for the 3DS system. Our review noted that Generations had the charm of a “best-of” collection, combining elements from the series’ decade-long history. Notably, it introduced new customization and combat options through Hunting Styles and Arts.

Later generations were given an upgraded version of the game, titled “Monster Hunter Generations XX” in Japan and “Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate” overseas. This was the initial Monster Hunter game to be launched on the Nintendo Switch console.

Monster Hunter Stories (2016)

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “Monster Hunter Stories is a fresh take on the Monster Hunter series, diving deep into the realm of Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Unlike the fast-paced real-time action in the main games, Stories introduces a turn-based combat system that adds a new layer of strategy. It also shifts focus towards storytelling and exploration, offering an immersive adventure that’s different from what we usually experience.

It was originally released for 3DS, though it’s since come to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.

Monster Hunter World (2018)

From the heart of a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that Monster Hunter World stands tall as the pinnacle of the series so far, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. With an impressive 27 million copies sold, it holds the title as the best-selling game in the series (and for Capcom too). Furthermore, its Metascore of 90 makes it the highest-rated game in the Monster Hunter series to date.

After shifting the main development of Monster Hunter, Capcom decided to focus on home consoles such as PS4 and Xbox One. This move aimed at appealing to a broader Western audience. To achieve this goal, they opted for an open-world design that is more user-friendly, simplified the learning process of the game’s complex systems, ensured seamless online play with global servers, and launched the game simultaneously in all regions.

The next year saw the launch of a colossal expansion for Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world! Just like previous Ultimate editions, this expansion brought fresh monsters and gameplay mechanics to the table, along with an entirely new narrative that rivals the scope of the original World campaign.

Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Monster Hunter Rise is the second most successful game in the series, with sales and Metascore ratings trailing only those of World. The title ‘Rise’ suggests a greater emphasis on verticality compared to the previous game, as indicated by its global approach denoted by the subtitle ‘World’. This shift is supported by the inclusion of the Wirebug, a new feature that enables wall-climbing and more seamless movement overall.

In its development, Rise draws inspiration from both Switch’s Generations Ultimate and World, as these two were being created simultaneously at one point. As mentioned in our review, many of the improvements World introduced have been incorporated into Rise. Additionally, features like distinct Village and Hub questlines for single-player and multiplayer, as well as adjustable weapon playstyles, are reminiscent of older Monster Hunter games.

In the year following its initial release, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak made its appearance. This expansion offers a fresh narrative, an assortment of new monsters, and exciting new locales to explore.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)

Capcom released Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin as a follow-up to the 2016 role-playing game (RPG), titled Rise. This game was developed in collaboration with Marvelous Inc., known for creating Story of Seasons. Similar to traditional Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), Wings of Ruin incorporates features like turn-based combat, customizable characters, and a strong narrative focus. In Monster Hunter Stories 2, as in many Pokemon RPGs, you can join forces with monsters (referred to as Monsties) rather than merely hunting them. This results in a party system that should feel familiar to those who have played Pokemon RPGs.

Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

The upcoming release of Monster Hunter Wilds marks the latest addition to the series, hitting stores on February 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As a core Monster Hunter game, Wilds carries forward the design concepts of World and Rise. It promises “evolving, unpredictable landscapes” and what Capcom calls “its most refined action and heightened immersion.

According to our 2024 Monster Hunter Wilds sneak peek, it appears to be a Monster Hunter game that takes the appealing aspects of Rise while still maintaining the grandeur and spectacular elements that made World stand out as a more lasting title.

Upcoming Monster Hunter Games

Next up for the franchise is the aforementioned Monster Hunter Wilds, due out February 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. You can read up on all we know about Wilds through our extensive iggn.ru First coverage:

  • How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide Hit
  • How the Monster Hunter Wilds Team Select Their Beastly Lineup
  • Monster Hunter Wilds Developers Talk Weapon Changes
  • Behind Monster Hunter Wilds’ New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear
  • Monster Hunter Wilds: The Final Preview

Capcom is teaming up with TiMi Studio Group (known for Call of Duty Mobile and Pokemon Unite) to develop Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free mobile game featuring multiplayer hunters in a vast open world. However, the launch date for this game has not been specified yet.

Read More

2025-02-15 21:58