A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting franchise roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has thrived across generations of consoles, reaching new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the series' and Capcom's two best-selling games ever.
With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's revisit the franchise's history with a chronological list of its most significant titles.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?
While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist, including base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, this list focuses on the 12 most impactful. Excluded are mobile and arcade exclusives (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-only, Animal Crossing-esque title, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.
Every IGN Monster Hunter Review
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### Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?
The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28th). If you're eager to begin now, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent choices. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.
Out February 28### Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
2See it at AmazonEvery Monster Hunter Game in Release Order
Monster Hunter (2004)
Developed alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak to test the PS2's online capabilities (as revealed by Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto to Eurogamer in 2014), the original Monster Hunter laid the series' foundation. Players solo or online hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade gear for tougher hunts. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, followed exclusively in Japan.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
The series found its portable home in 2005 with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced Monster Hunter G port optimized for the PSP's single-player experience. Selling over a million copies (according to Capcom), it initiated a trend of portable versions outselling console counterparts, lasting until Monster Hunter World's success in 2018.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
Returning to consoles with Monster Hunter 2 (Monster Hunter Dos), exclusively for the Japanese PS2 market, Capcom introduced a day-night cycle and gems, expanding customization options.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld installment, built upon its console counterpart (MH2) with new content and a single-player focus. Further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, it added monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne combat companion.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, launching internationally in 2010 as a Wii exclusive (initially planned for PS3). Introducing new monsters, weapons, locations, and short-lived underwater combat, it later became Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on Wii U and 3DS, adding new content, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests### Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
A PSP port of Monster Hunter 3, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, also received a PS3 release as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite its Western absence, it's Capcom's best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title, with 4.9 million copies sold.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
Initially a Japan-only 3DS release, Monster Hunter 4 saw its global launch as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) for the New Nintendo 3DS. This generation significantly improved traversal with enhanced verticality and fluid movement, alongside a deeper single-player story and more NPCs.
Monster Hunter 4CapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics### Monster Hunter Generations (2015)
Following MH4, Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan) arrived exclusively on 3DS, blending older and newer mechanics. Its defining features were Hunting Styles and Arts, adding new layers to customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Generations XX in Japan) followed as an enhanced edition, marking the series' debut on the Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewThings to Do FirstThings Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Doesn't Tell YouWhat's New in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?### Monster Hunter Stories (2016)
Monster Hunter Stories, a spin-off RPG, traded real-time action for turn-based combat, emphasizing story and exploration. Initially a 3DS title, it later expanded to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.
Monster Hunter StoriesCapcom+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewAmiibo Functionality and UnlockablesDLCPre-Order Bonuses### Monster Hunter World (2018)
Monster Hunter World, a critical and commercial high point, sold 27 million copies, becoming the series' and Capcom's best-selling game, boasting a Metascore of 90. Shifting development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), it aimed for broader Western appeal with a seamless open world, streamlined systems, global online support, and simultaneous worldwide release. The Iceborne expansion added significant new content.
Monster Hunter WorldCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBeginner's Guide to Monster Hunter WorldHow to get the Frozen Speartuna Greatsword - Trophy Fishin' Event QuestIceborne Expansion### Monster Hunter Rise (2021)
Monster Hunter Rise, the second best-performing title, introduced the Wirebug for enhanced verticality and fluid traversal. Building on Generations Ultimate and World, it retained streamlined elements from World while incorporating features from older games. Sunbreak expanded the game significantly.
Monster Hunter RiseCapcom+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewSunbreak ExpansionSunbreak Armor - Master RankSunbreak Layered Armor### Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, co-developed by Marvelous Inc., continued the RPG spin-off, enhancing turn-based combat, character customization, and story. It allows players to fight alongside monsters (Monsties), similar to Pokémon games.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewUpdate 2 - Kulve Taroth, Boltreaver Astalos, Hellblade GlavenusTips and Things MHS2 Doesn't Tell YouHow to Unlock Deviant Monster Quests### Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)
Monster Hunter Wilds, launching February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds upon World and Rise, featuring dynamic environments and evolved action. As previewed in 2024, it combines the accessibility of Rise with the spectacle of World.
Monster Hunter WildsCapcom WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds MonstersUpcoming Monster Hunter Games
Following *Monster Hunter Wilds* (February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Capcom and TiMi Studio Group (*Call of Duty Mobile*, *Pokémon Unite*) are developing *Monster Hunter Outlanders*, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer hunting and a massive open world. A release date is yet to be announced.
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