Master the Monster Hunter Series: A Play Order Guide

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting saga roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has thrived across generations of consoles, reaching new heights with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise—the franchise's, and Capcom's, two best-selling games ever.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's journey through the series' history with a chronological list of its most impactful titles.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?

Counting base games, spin-offs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions, the Monster Hunter family boasts over 25 games. However, this list focuses on the 12 most significant entries, 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 freedom in choosing your starting point. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds' release (February 28th) and initial reception. However, eager players could begin with Monster Hunter World (emphasizing exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (prioritizing 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) revealed to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, aimed to test the PS2's online network potential.

The original Monster Hunter laid the series' groundwork, introducing core systems. Players, solo or online, undertake hunts, gathering materials from the environment and slain monsters to craft and upgrade gear for tougher challenges. An expanded Japanese-only version, Monster Hunter G, followed.

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. Capcom reported over a million sales, initiating a trend where portable Monster Hunter titles outsold their console counterparts—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Capcom returned to 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 installment, built upon its console counterpart (MH2) with new content and a single-player focus. 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite further expanded the game, adding monsters, missions, maps, and a Felyne combat companion.

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

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3 (Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, with international release in 2010. Initially planned for PS3, it became a Wii exclusive, introducing underwater combat (short-lived), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate later arrived on Wii U and 3DS, adding monsters, revamped single-player, 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, with 4.9 million units sold.

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

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

Monster Hunter 4, initially a Japan-exclusive 3DS title, saw global release as the enhanced Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan), a New Nintendo 3DS launch title. This generation significantly improved traversal with increased verticality and smoother movement, also deepening the single-player experience.

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 layers to customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) 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, a spin-off RPG, 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, holds the title of the series' and Capcom's best-selling game (27 million copies) and boasts a Metascore of 90.

Capcom shifted primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for a wider Western audience through a streamlined open world, simplified systems, global online servers, and simultaneous regional releases. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed, adding 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 through the Wirebug mechanic, enabling wall-climbing and smoother traversal. It builds upon Generations Ultimate and World, retaining streamlined elements from World while incorporating features like separate questlines and weapon customization from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game with new story, 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 to the 2016 RPG, co-developed by Marvelous Inc., utilizes familiar JRPG elements like 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 on World and Rise, featuring dynamic environments and enhanced action and immersion. It blends the accessibility of Rise with the grand scale of World.

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

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