Dexerto / CapcomMonster Hunter Wilds‘ release date is upon us, which means it’s time to rank the very best games from across Capcom’s beast-slaying series.
Monster Hunter is brimming with amazing games, and each one brings something new to the table. Whether it’s the aquatic fights of Monster Hunter Tri to the aerial combat introduced in MH4U, Capcom has always been keen to evolve its man vs monster battles – taking them to new heights.
However, with Wilds promising a bigger and bolder experience, many Hunters will be wondering where exactly it ranks among the best Monster Hunter games. Well, I’ve sharpened my Long Sword, eaten a Well-Done Steak, and dusted off my Rathalos armor to hone in on the 10 best Monster Hunter games in the series.
10. Monster Hunter
Capcom- Release date: March 11, 2004
- Platform(s): PS2
Every best Monster Hunter games tier list worth its weight in Zenny should include the original that kickstarted the entire series. Yes, without the PS2 classic stomping onto Hunters’ screens back in 2004 (god, I feel old), we’d have no monolithic beasts to sink our Great Swords into.
While the game only had seven weapon types to choose from it did feature some of the most iconic toothy terrors we’ve ever seen. Veteran Hunters will never forget switching on their ancient CRT TVs, picking up their trusty controllers, and fighting for their lives as they took on Rathalos.
There were no fancy movement mechanics or flashy combos, it was just you and a big scaly boss that wanted nothing more than to put you in the dirt. The controls were terrible, and the hitboxes were unforgivable, but the times spent getting obliterated by Yian Kut-Ku were all worth it.
The feeling of besting these beasts and then seeing them reworked for future titles just makes me appreciate how far the series has come. If you can find a way to play this game, even if it’s just for a few minutes, every Monster Hunter fan should pay respect to this ancient Elder Dragon.
9. Monster Hunter Now
Capcom- Release date: September 14, 2023
- Platform(s): iOS & Android
Booo, a mobile game I hear you cry! But before you go getting your armor in a twist, hear me out. Monster Hunter Now is the only game that allows you to go Hunting in the real world, without becoming some strange crime-preventing vigilante.
While Monster Hunter Now can never replace the epic adrenaline-fueled hunts of the other games on this list, it does allow players to scratch the itch on the go. While playing marathon sessions of Wilds will undoubtedly be on every Hunter’s agenda for the next few weeks, it’s important to take care of yourself.
What better way to get your 10k steps in than bludgeoning a few wyverns over the head on the way? Burning those calories is pretty fun even when you have a Mizutsune Plate to grind for, (I still can’t get the damn thing to drop).
Monster Hunter Now’s fights take no longer than a minute, and tracking down Capcom’s beasts in the real world is surprisingly addictive. Niantic’s mobile game also includes a never-ending wave of seasonal events, multiplayer hunts, and an ever-expanding roster that will eventually trump all mainline games before it.
8. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Capcom- Release date: July 9, 2021
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4
Gotta slay ‘em all! Monster Hunter Stories 2 switches up the classic kill-and-craft loop by having you collect your very own monsters. While you’d be fooled into thinking Stories is a Pokemon clone, the game’s rock, paper, scissors-style combat brings out a new way of hunting your favorite wyverns.
While you can still whip out your Great Sword to attack your opponent, the real stars are the monsters themselves. After all, why do you need an oversized arsenal when you can simply get the monsters to do the battling for you?
Collecting baby monsters and raising them to do your bidding is just as fun as it sounds. This is especially true when you manage to successfully pull off an all-out attack that sees both man and monster band together. These killer moves have major Saturday morning cartoon vibes and are as comical as they are damaging.
The game also has this beautiful vibrancy to it, with characters, creatures, and environments giving off the same warmth seen in Studio Ghibli films. It might not be Monster Hunter as you know it, but it’s well worth giving a go when you need a break from those end-game hunts in Wilds.
7. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Capcom- Release date: December 8, 2012 / December 8, 2012
- Platform(s): 3DS & Wii U
Lagiacrus. That is all. No, jokes aside Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate has one of the most divisive mechanics the series has ever seen – aquatic combat. For the first time ever, Hunters could grab their Speedos and dive into the depths below to take on colossal sea serpents like Lagiacrus and Ceadeus.
While underwater fights often felt a little clunky, they did bring a new dynamic to each hunt. There’s a horror that comes from fighting a sluggish monster on land, only for it to turn into a speed demon in water. This is especially true in G rank where one wrong hit or misplaced dodge can land you in hot water.
Monster Hunter 3U also had some of the most iconic monsters in the entire series, with the likes of Alatreon, Deviljho, Brachydios, and everyone’s favorite – Lagiacrus. We’ll never forget the epic reveal of the sand-dwelling Elder Dragon Jhen Mohran and fighting it aboard the sand ship in the Great Desert. Just don’t get us started on the Kelbi Bow…
6. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Capcom- Release date: March 27, 2008
- Platform(s): PSP, PlayStation Vita, iOS
For many Hunters, Freedom Unite was their first experience with the Monster Hunter series. And boy, what an experience it was. Teaming up with your buddies via the game’s ad hoc party mode and slapping a Congala silly with your Bone Bludgeon is just so satisfying.
Sure, wrestling with the game’s controls was just as difficult as the monstrous fights themselves, but Freedom Unite has a special place in our hearts. Freedom 2 and its newer, shinier brother also introduced Felyne Comrades, Longsword, Gunlance, Hunting Horn, and Bow.
All of these weapons have received a lot of love in Wilds, but they wouldn’t be here without Freedom Unite. However, one thing we’re glad that has stayed in the past is Plesioth; the hipcheck still sends a shiver down our spine. However, all the broken monster hitboxes can be forgiven thanks to the Pokke Village theme, which remains the best village in all of Monster Hunter.
5. Monster Hunter World
Capcom- Release date: January 26, 2018
- Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Monster Hunter World helped put Monster Hunter on the menu, and made it the global feast it is today. Not only did it remove the series’ archaic PS2 graphics, but it also completely overhauled the game’s ancient and often frustrating mechanics. Everything from environmental gathering and traversal was sped up, which helped get Hunters, well, hunting.
All 14 weapon types were significantly overhauled and each one felt weighty and incredibly addictive to master. We’ll never forget the sheer adrenaline rush that came from landing critical True Charge Slash on Fatalis, narrowly dodging a fiery attack that would have cooked us more than a Well-Done Steak.
World also gave us the meaty Iceborne expansion which helped to alleviate the base game’s lackluster monster roster. However, the dull weapon designs and introduction of the Clutch Claw mechanic do stop it from claiming a top three spot.
4. Monster Hunter Rise
Capcom- Release date: March 26, 2021
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Ah, the age-old battle. Monster Hunter World vs Monster Hunter Rise. You either love one or hate the other (Editor’s note: or have no strong feelings for either). If you’re me and you just want to spam back-to-back hunts with little regard for anything else, then you can’t go wrong with Rise. This game feels like an arcade version of Monster Hunter, and I love it.
Being able to zip through the air with your Wirebug and wall-run across ancient ruins like a prehistoric version of Spider-Man is something I didn’t know I needed. The Wirebug mechanics are also just stupid fun. I mean, being able to control a monster and use their attacks in colossal beast vs beast brawls just activates something in my brain.
Then there’s the adorable Palamutes, the series’ first canine companions. These good boys are both used as transportation and can even assist you in combat. While Seikrets are cool in Wilds, nothing comes close to Akira sliding around the Shrine Ruins on your own doggo. Rise’s yokai-inspired monsters, fun weapon designs, and Japanese-themed setting also just looked a lot more vibrant.
3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Switch)
Capcom- Release date: August 25, 2017
- Platform(s): 3DS & Switch
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a grand celebration of the series, where every iconic monster, even Plesioth gets to enjoy the fun. As an expanded version of the 3DS version, Generations Ultimate packs everything you could ever want from an old-school MH title into its tiny Switch cartridge – huge amounts of armor, 93 large monsters, over 20+ locales, and one of the most cutesy end-game credits we’ve ever seen.
However, despite having more content that you can shake a Long Sword at, Generation Ultimate’s Hunting Styles take center stage. These flashy combat-enhancing abilities completely shake up the way you hunt your monolithic foes.
Whether you’re charging up your Great Sword like a Dragon Ball Z Super Saiyan or effortlessly leaping through the air to deliver a barrage of bullets DMC style, Generation’s wacky Hunting Styles are so ludicrous that they never fail to put a smile on my face.
This is a world where Aerial Bow exists and Valor Heavy Bowgun takes the win for being the most OP combination we’ve ever seen in Monster Hunter. Using siege pierce and killing monsters in two minutes feels so wrong, but at the same time, it’s never been more right.
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom- Release date: February 28, 2025
- Platform(s): PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S
Monster Hunter Wilds might be the new Palico on the block, but it’s already stomped into second place on our list. As we mentioned in our glowing review of the game, Wilds is a triumphant culmination of mechanics, monsters, and ideas that have been masterfully forged from 21 years of experience.
With seamless open-world environments, ever-changing weather effects, and complete reworks for all 14 weapon types, the series is certainly heading in an exciting direction. The new Focus Mode also helps to remove the clunky camera controls that have haunted the series, making it easier than ever to target monster weak points.
Breaking monster parts has also never been so satisfying, with visible wounds opening up that can then be exploited. Wailing on a tail or wing and then following up with colossal Focus Stike is just so cathartic.
In its current form though, Wilds misses out on top spot due to it only having High Rank content and very limited monsters to hunt. However, Capcom will be releasing new content updates that should fill out the end-game experience more. Until then, Wilds takes our second spot.
1. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Capcom- Release date: October 11, 2014
- Platform(s): 3DS
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate takes the gold crown for being the best Monster Hunter game in the series. Despite being released on the pint-sized 3DS (I know, it’s a crime), 4U offers way more content than the likes of its shinier, newer cousins.
Not only did Capcom cram in a massive 86 large monsters, but they also introduced two new weapons and aerial combat. For the first time, Hunters’ feet weren’t glued to the ground and they could use the terrain to their advantage, leaping off ledges to perform powerful aerial attacks.
This led to some incredibly epic moments, where players manically wrestled with their monolithic foes, toppling them to the ground after some intense button-mashing. Adding to this addictive adrenaline rush cocktail, were the hard-as-nails G-Rank and level 140 Guild Quests.
If you thought Master Rank in World was hard, well, try dialing this up by 9000. Just ask any 4U veterans about the horrors of double Rajang and Kirin/Oroshi Kirin Guild Quests, and watch as the life drains from their faces. I still have nightmares…
So, there you have it, those are the best Monster Hunter games you can play. Now that you know where Monster Hunter Wilds ranks, be sure to check out our Wilds review and monster roster.
