A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting behemoth returns in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has spanned generations of consoles, reaching new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the franchise's, and Capcom's, two best-selling games ever.
With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's journey through the series' history, exploring its most impactful titles in chronological order.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?
Counting all base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, there are over 25 Monster Hunter games. This list, however, focuses on the 12 most significant entries. Excluded are mobile and arcade-exclusive games (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, Animal Crossing-esque title, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village developed by FromSoftware.
Every IGN Monster Hunter Review
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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?
The Monster Hunter franchise lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in your starting point. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer to await reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28th release). However, if you're eager to begin your hunt sooner, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent choices. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.
Out February 28th
Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order
Monster Hunter (2004)
As Ryozo Tsujimoto (Capcom) explained to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of a three-game initiative to gauge the PS2's online network potential.
The original Monster Hunter established the franchise's core gameplay loop. Players, solo or online, undertake quests to hunt monsters, utilizing harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for increasingly challenging hunts. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, followed exclusively in Japan.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionBasicsWalkthrough: One Star Quests
Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
The series found its portable footing in 2005 with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G optimized for the PSP's single-player experience. Capcom reported over a million copies sold, initiating a trend of portable Monster Hunter titles outselling their console counterparts—a trend that persisted until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this game
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Capcom returned to home consoles with Monster Hunter 2 (Monster Hunter Dos), a PS2 exclusive in Japan. This introduced day-night cycles and gems, expanding weapon and armor customization.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Rate this game
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld entry, built upon its console predecessor (MH2) with new content and a single-player focus. Further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, adding monsters, missions, maps, and Felyne fighter companions.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewVillage Quests
Monster Hunter 3 (2009)
Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, launching internationally in 2010 as a Wii exclusive (initially planned for PS3). It introduced underwater combat (short-lived), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Wii U and 3DS) later expanded the game.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
Similar to its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, also receiving a PS3 release (Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver.). Despite its Western absence, it's Capcom's best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title (4.9 million copies).
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this game
Monster Hunter 4 (2013)
Monster Hunter 4, initially a Japan-only 3DS release, saw global distribution with its enhanced version, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a New Nintendo 3DS launch title. This iteration significantly improved traversal with enhanced verticality and fluid movement, also deepening the single-player experience.
Monster Hunter 4CapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics
Monster Hunter Generations (2015)
Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan), another 3DS exclusive, blended classic and new mechanics from the series' history. Hunting Styles and Arts added new dimensions to customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Switch) served as its enhanced edition.
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 on 3DS, it 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 triumph (27 million copies sold, Metascore 90), marked the series' peak. Capcom shifted primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal through seamless open-world design, streamlined systems, global online servers, and simultaneous global release. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed.
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, second only to World in sales and Metascore, emphasized verticality through the Wirebug mechanic, enhancing traversal. It blended elements from World and Generations Ultimate, streamlining gameplay while retaining features from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game further.
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, a sequel to the 2016 RPG, co-developed by Marvelous Inc., refined JRPG elements like turn-based combat, character customization, and narrative focus. It features a party system reminiscent of Pokémon RPGs.
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 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds upon World and Rise. Capcom promises dynamic environments and evolved action. Our 2024 preview suggests a blend of Rise's accessibility and World's scale.
Monster Hunter WildsCapcom WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters
Upcoming Monster Hunter Games
Following *Wilds* is *Monster Hunter Outlanders*, a free-to-play mobile game developed with TiMi Studio Group (*Call of Duty Mobile*, *Pokémon Unite*), featuring multiplayer hunts and a vast open world. A release date is yet to be announced.How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide HitHow the Monster Hunter Wilds Team Select Their Beastly LineupMonster Hunter Wilds Developers Talk Weapon ChangesBehind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series GearMonster Hunter Wilds: The Final Preview
