Master the Monster Hunter Series: A Gameplay Guide

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, achieving new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the series' and Capcom's best-selling games ever.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's explore the franchise's history through its most impactful titles, chronologically ordered.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist, including base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, this list focuses on the 12 most significant. Excluded are mobile and arcade exclusives (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), 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 series lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in starting points. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28th) reviews. However, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent starting points. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes speed and fluidity.

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 franchise's groundwork. Players solo or online hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for tougher hunts. An expanded Japanese-only version, Monster Hunter G, followed.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

The series transitioned to portable consoles in 2005 with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced Monster Hunter G port optimized for PSP single-player. Selling over a million copies (according to Capcom), it initiated a trend of portable versions outselling their console counterparts—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's success in 2018.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 ( Monster Hunter Dos) launched exclusively in Japan for PS2. It introduced a day-night cycle and gems, expanding weapon and armor customization.

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006

Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld installment, built upon its console counterpart (MH2) with new content and single-player focus. Further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, it added monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne battle companion.

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

Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, releasing internationally in 2010 as a Wii exclusive (initially planned for PS3). Featuring new monsters, weapons, locations, and the short-lived underwater combat, it later appeared on Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, boasting new monsters, 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)

Similar to its predecessors, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, also receiving a PS3 release as 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

Initially a Japan-exclusive 3DS title, Monster Hunter 4 saw global release as the enhanced 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, enhancing single-player with a deeper 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 past and present mechanics. Featuring Hunting Styles and Arts, it offered new customization and combat options. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate ( Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan), the enhanced edition, was the first Monster Hunter game 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 triumph (27 million copies sold, Metascore 90), marked the series' peak. Shifting primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), Capcom broadened its Western appeal with a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online support, and simultaneous regional releases. The massive Iceborne expansion followed, adding new monsters, mechanics, 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 via the Wirebug mechanic, enhancing traversal. Building on Generations Ultimate and World, it retains World's streamlining while reintroducing elements like separate Village and Hub questlines and weapon customization options from older games. Sunbreak, the expansion, added a new storyline, 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, co-developed by Marvelous Inc., continues the RPG spin-off, featuring turn-based combat, character customization, and a strong narrative. 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, launching February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, builds upon World and Rise, featuring dynamic environments and enhanced action and immersion. It aims to blend the accessibility of Rise with the spectacle of World.

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

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