Master the Monster Hunter Series: A Gameplay Guide

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, 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 journey through the franchise's history with a chronological list of its most significant titles.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

Counting all base games, spin-offs, mobile entries, 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 Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village developed by FromSoftware.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

12 Images### Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

The Monster Hunter franchise lacks a continuous storyline, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28th release). If you're eager to begin now, Monster Hunter World (emphasizing exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (prioritizing speed and fluidity) are excellent choices.

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 Japanese-only version, Monster Hunter G, followed.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

Rate 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 for PSP, optimized for single-player. Selling over a million copies (per Capcom), it began a trend of portable versions outselling console releases—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's success in 2018.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Rate this game### Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 (or Monster Hunter Dos) launched exclusively in Japan for PS2. It introduced day-night cycles and gems, expanding customization options.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006

Rate this game### Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld installment, 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 Felyne fighter companions.

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

Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewVillage Quests### Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, with an international release in 2010. Initially planned for PS3, it became a Wii exclusive, introducing underwater combat (short-lived in the series), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Wii U and 3DS) later added content, a refined single-player experience, updated visuals, and a new multiplayer area.

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate 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 (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 1Dec 1, 2010

Rate this game### Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Initially a Japan-only 3DS release, Monster Hunter 4 saw its global debut as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a New Nintendo 3DS launch title. It notably improved traversal with increased verticality and fluid movement, enhancing 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, offered a blend of classic and new mechanics. Its "greatest hits" approach (as our review stated) featured Hunting Styles and Arts, enhancing customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) was the first Monster Hunter title on 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, 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 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 and Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal with a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online support, and simultaneous global release. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed, adding monsters, mechanics, and a substantial new 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, the second best-performing title, builds upon Generations Ultimate and World. The Wirebug mechanic enhances vertical traversal and fluidity. Streamlined elements from World are combined with features from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game with new story content, monsters, and locations.

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 co-developed by Marvelous Inc., utilizes turn-based combat and emphasizes story and character customization. Players fight alongside Monsties, creating a party system reminiscent of Pokémon RPGs.

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 evolved action. Our 2024 preview suggests a blend of Rise's accessibility and World's scale and spectacle.

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

Following *Monster Hunter Wilds* (February 28th release 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 and a massive open world. A release date is yet to be announced.

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