How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting franchise roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has spanned generations of consoles, achieving 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 journey through the franchise's history, exploring its most significant titles in chronological order.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

Counting base games, spin-offs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions, the Monster Hunter family boasts over 25 games. This list, however, focuses on the 12 most impactful titles, excluding 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 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 series lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds' reception on February 28th. If you can't wait, Monster Hunter World (emphasizing exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (prioritizing speed and fluidity) are excellent entry points.

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) revealed to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, aimed to test the PS2's online network.

The original Monster Hunter laid the series' foundation, introducing core gameplay: players (solo or online) accept quests to hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for tougher challenges. An expanded Japanese-only version, Monster Hunter G, followed the next year.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionBasicsWalkthrough: One Star Quests

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

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 Monster Hunter titles outselling their console counterparts—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005Rate this game

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Capcom returned to home consoles with Monster Hunter 2 (Monster Hunter Dos), a PS2 exclusive (Japan only). It introduced day-night cycles and gems, expanding weapon and armor customization.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006Rate 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 a Felyne combat companion.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 22, 2007Rate 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. Later ported to Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, featuring updated graphics, new monsters, and a revised single-player experience.

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Similar to its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 received a PSP port (Monster Hunter Portable 3rd), also released on PS3 as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite a Western release absence, it's Capcom's best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title (4.9 million copies).

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010Rate this game

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially a Japan-only 3DS release, Monster Hunter 4 saw global release as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a launch title for the New Nintendo 3DS. This generation enhanced traversal with increased verticality and fluid movement, improving the single-player experience with a richer story and more NPCs.

Monster Hunter 4CapcomJun 30, 2013Rate 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, as described in our review as "a greatest hits album." Hunting Styles and Arts added customization and combat depth. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) followed, becoming the first Monster Hunter title on the Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomAug 25, 2017Rate 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, an RPG spin-off, shifts from real-time action to turn-based combat, emphasizing story and exploration. Initially a 3DS title, it expanded to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.

Monster Hunter StoriesCapcomOct 8, 2016+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, with a Metascore of 90. Capcom shifted primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal through a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online play, and simultaneous worldwide release. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed, adding new content and a substantial story.

Monster Hunter WorldCapcomJan 26, 2018Rate 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, emphasizes verticality through the Wirebug mechanic, enhancing traversal. Building on Generations Ultimate and World, it streamlines gameplay while retaining features from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game with new content.

Monster Hunter RiseCapcomMar 25, 2021+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., continues the RPG spin-off, incorporating JRPG elements like turn-based combat, character customization, and a strong narrative. It features a party system similar to Pokémon games, allowing players to fight alongside monsters (Monsties).

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomJul 9, 2021Rate 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 improved immersion. Our 2024 preview highlights its blend of Rise's accessibility and World's grand scale.

Monster Hunter WildsCapcomFeb 28, 2025 WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters

Upcoming Monster Hunter Games

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