How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting juggernaut 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 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 entries.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

Counting base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, there are over 25 Monster Hunter games. This list, however, focuses on the 12 most impactful, excluding mobile and arcade exclusives (like Monster Hunter i and Monster Hunter Spirits), defunct MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, 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 starting points. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds' reception on February 28th. However, 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

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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, aimed to test the PS2's online network.

The original Monster Hunter established the franchise's core mechanics. Players, solo or online, undertake quests to hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for tougher hunts. An enhanced Japanese-exclusive version, Monster Hunter G, followed the next year.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

The series found its portable footing 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 that persisted until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

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

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006

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, it added monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne fighter companion.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 22, 2007

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Initially planned for PS3, Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) became a Wii exclusive, launching in Japan in 2009 and internationally in 2010. It introduced underwater combat (short-lived in the series), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (on Wii U and 3DS) later expanded the game.

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

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd adapted Monster Hunter 3 for PSP, also receiving a PS3 release (Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver.). Despite not releasing in the West, it's Capcom's best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter title, with 4.9 million copies sold.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially a Japan-only 3DS release, Monster Hunter 4 saw global release with its enhanced version, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a New Nintendo 3DS launch title. This generation improved traversal with increased verticality and fluid movement, along with a deeper single-player story.

Monster Hunter 4CapcomJun 30, 2013Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics

Monster Hunter Generations (2015)

Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan) followed, another 3DS exclusive. As our review noted, it was a "greatest hits" album, blending old and new mechanics. Hunting Styles and Arts added new combat and customization layers. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate was the enhanced edition.

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, a spin-off RPG, traded real-time action for turn-based combat, emphasizing story and exploration. Initially on 3DS, it later arrived on 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 a wider Western audience with a seamless open world, streamlined systems, global online servers, and simultaneous global release. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed.

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, the second best-performing title, builds on World and Generations Ultimate, incorporating the Wirebug mechanic for enhanced vertical traversal. It retains World's streamlining while reintroducing elements from older games. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game.

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, a sequel to the 2016 RPG, utilizes turn-based combat, character customization, and a strong narrative. Players fight alongside Monsties, creating a party system reminiscent of Pokémon.

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, releasing February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds upon World and Rise, featuring dynamic environments and enhanced action and immersion.

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

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