It’s fascinating to note that the “Monster Hunter” franchise, created by Capcom, has been thriving for over two decades now. Are there standout titles in this series that you should check out, and could there be undiscovered jewels among them? Let me guide you through some of the best games and their current relevance.
Here’s how we rank them.
Which are the best Monster Hunter games?
10 – Monster Hunter (2004)
Despite our desire to label the series’ origins as a hidden treasure or game worth rediscovering, this isn’t accurate. Launched on PlayStation 2 in September 2004, the original Monster Hunter was undeniably impacted by the early triumphs of online games like Phantasy Star Online. However, it didn’t follow suit for Capcom in the same way.
The majority of gamers didn’t engage in online play on PlayStation 2, leaving this feature largely underused. These players often chose to explore the game individually. However, if the game wasn’t designed for cooperative play, it became difficult or even impossible to capture some intriguing creatures solo, as they were intended to be caught with help from others.
To put it simply, this game, despite its flaws such as a tricky control system and camera issues, hasn’t exactly stood the test of time. However, it’s far from being a terrible game – especially for fans of the series who might appreciate seeing how the series has progressed throughout the years.
9 – Monster Hunter Freedom (2006)
It seems my fondness for the PSP never fades, but this initial version on Sony’s portable console has managed to age with a touch more elegance compared to its original game. Incidentally, it remains feasible to share the experience of Monster Hunter Freedom with your fellow PSP owners and embark on a cooperative hunt. Granted, it may not be likely, but it’s certainly possible.
Apart from its local multiplayer options, this version of Monster Hunter could be seen as a slightly enhanced adaptation of the PS2 original. It offers minor adjustments in difficulty levels, along with controls optimized for the PSP, making it smoother to play. In essence, it’s an excellent choice for both fans revisiting the originals and newcomers eager to tackle the challenging battles that lie ahead.
In essence, “Freedom 2” is just another name for the direct sequel to the original game, offering additional content. Therefore, you can think of it as part of this collection. Although neither game is flawless, they offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy traditional Monster Hunter adventures on portable devices, and will undoubtedly delight series enthusiasts seeking more action.
8 – Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2009)
As a gamer, I’ve dabbled with both Freedom titles, but it wasn’t until I got my hands on Monster Hunter Unite that the concept of a portable Monster Hunter game truly sparkled. Originally, Unite was a port from the PS2 game, which never ventured far beyond Japan’s borders. For many of us, the PSP version was our only chance to explore this gem.
For the initial time within this series, novel strategies for triumphing without requiring your companions (friends) were presented. Can anyone forget the tiny Palicos, who tagged along during numerous memorable (and less memorable) hunts?
It’s fair to say that Freedom Unite didn’t quite capture the hearts of players in the Western world as it did in Japan. However, if you’re seeking the ultimate version to play on your PSP, while not sacrificing too much compared to its console counterparts, Freedom Unite offers both enjoyment and challenges for you.
7 – Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2013)
We ranked this somewhat lower because it’s closely associated with Monster Hunter Tri, which was introduced on Nintendo home consoles for the first time. Regrettably, the initial release on the Nintendo Wii encountered some issues. The primary problem was its difficulty in appealing to consumers who primarily favored casual gaming on that console.
As a dedicated fan, I must admit that Tri is arguably one of the most challenging entries in the series to grasp, but let me tell you, the concept of exploring an expansive coastal region was brilliantly executed. This game marked the first time we could embark on underwater hunts, a feature that, while innovative, left some players, including myself, scratching our heads due to their intricate difficulty level. These underwater pursuits were indeed more complex than the traditional overland hunts, making them a tough nut to crack for many of us enthusiasts.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but suggest you explore the expanded edition of “Monster Hunter 3.” Released on both Wii U and 3DS, a few years after its original debut, this version offers enhanced controls, a wider variety of monsters to hunt (some even more challenging than the originals), and the convenience of portable gameplay. To top it off, you can transfer your saves from the home console to the portable edition, making it an exciting moment in the series’ evolution as it prepared for a shift in gears.
6 – Monster Hunter Generations (2015)
Regarding Nintendo 3DS installments, Capcom’s “Generations” undeniably moved in a commendable direction. Although not the most user-friendly game in the series, it presented fresh concepts that continue to be enjoyable, like the Prowler mode, which lets you command your Felyne companion.
Of course, if you’re considering playing “Generations”, the top choice would be the Ultimate Edition on the Nintendo Switch. Although it’s an older game, it offers user-friendly controls that make it a fantastic introductory point for the series.
Despite the potentially less-than-ideal timing, given that it followed closely on the heels of World, there are many appealing aspects to this game. For instance, the introduction of new Hunter Arts is truly commendable. They add a nice variety to the weaponry and manage to maintain an impressive visual appeal as well.
5 – Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)
If you’re seeking a title in this series that deviates from the conventional feel of traditional Monster Hunter games yet still draws newcomers into the franchise, then Stories 2 would be your choice. This is when the series made its leap from the Nintendo 3DS to the Nintendo Switch.
In comparison to the traditional tough-as-nails style of Capcom games, the gameplay in the Stories series leans more towards a style reminiscent of Pokémon. Unlike the usual Capcom series, this one features new elements such as allowing other characters to accompany you during hunts.
I too appreciate the anime-inspired visuals, not just going for the “cute” aesthetic but maintaining their distinct character. The gameplay is engaging due to its blend of casual button pressing with a unique system. We suggest giving this game a try on PC as it performs significantly better than its less optimal Switch version.
4 – Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
On this occasion, we jumped straight into Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate instead of starting with the base game. And let me tell you, it’s been a fantastic addition to our gaming series so far! This time around, we bid farewell to the underwater hunts and set our sights on the skies.
Certainly, the recent hunts involve climbing to great heights and employing innovative tools specifically designed for these pursuits. In an analogous manner to the game “Shadow of the Colossus“, you have the opportunity to mount certain beasts as they soar through the air.
Absolutely, you were faced with the constraints of the 3DS, particularly its graphics and limited control options, including that single joystick. However, if you don’t mind playing on a screen size smaller than what we have now, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate offers one of the most enjoyable experiences in the series, making it worth considering a remake.
3 – Monster Hunter World
Occasionally, lesser-known video games can grow into major franchises, yet this isn’t necessarily a positive development. For instance, the transformation occurred with the titles Yakuza/Like a Dragon and Monster Hunter, particularly following the release of World. It’s hard to deny that it has become one of the most prominent games of this console generation and also one of Capcom’s top-selling titles from recent years.
In this new game, instead of the traditional segmented maps filled with frequent load times, you’ll find interconnected open environments. Additionally, the maps in this version are more intricate, teeming with native wildlife and interactive items such as vines for swinging or boulders to drop on enemies’ heads.
The fresh gameplay in “World” significantly alters the general approach to hunting; it’s no longer just about aimlessly wandering and hoping to catch a glimpse of a far-off beast. Instead, in this game, you can hone your tracking abilities and search for indications of monster activity. This transformation truly makes you a seasoned hunter, and it’s been nearly twenty years since this change was introduced!
With humor out of the way, the gameplay has been refined to a polish and is less tedious than before, making World an excellent starting point for all players. While it had fewer creatures to pursue initially, our following release addressed this issue effectively.
2 – Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Instead of splitting the DLC from “Monster Hunter World,” we’ve decided to release it separately due to several factors, such as its cost, among other considerations. We feel that this is the optimal time for “World” to shine at its best. Although the series had some graphical shortcomings in the past, primarily due to handheld limitations, “Iceborne” boasts an incredibly beautiful visual presentation.
In addition to introducing fresh gameplay elements and nearly doubling the number of monsters, Iceborne also expands the story content significantly, offering a rich endgame experience. And let’s not forget the inclusion of high-rank monsters, which I think is the optimal way to enjoy World.
Although we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback, we’re hesitant to declare “World” the ruler of the series due to some elements that seemed lacking in its overall style and gameplay. Historically, this series has been known for blending fantasy with a touch of anime. However, “World” goes for a more hyper-realistic approach, which occasionally feels disjointed from the usual tone.
Even so, it’s challenging to argue against the fact that Iceborne seems more like a fresh game rather than an extension of the one before. Unlike Sunbreak being a DLC for Rise, this feels like a standalone title. The cost for it appears well-deserved, despite the series’ shift towards greater realism not appealing to everyone. However, if you prefer a different style, let me suggest our last recommendation instead.
1 – Monster Hunter Rise
It seems that fans aren’t pleased with the change in direction for Rise, moving towards a simpler, almost arcade-like gameplay style. However, this shift can be seen as Capcom’s response to widespread criticisms about the amount of time it took, in most previous series installments, to reach the enjoyable aspects.
It appears they’ve hit the mark by incorporating what made the earlier installments successful while shedding unnecessary elements, focusing solely on exciting monster-hunting experiences. Plus, the addition of Palamutes and various new rideable creatures brings an exciting twist to the gameplay.
Additionally, we’re quite fond of Rampage mode, a gameplay element that seems somewhat discordant with the overall flow of the game (or let’s face it, the entire series vibe), yet we adore the concept of protecting the town from monster assaults. It’s more like being in a game where you defend instead of hunt, such as Heroes of Might & Magic rather than Monster Hunter.
In summary, the last expansion, titled Sunbreak, essentially doubles the original material found in the base game. Moreover, it introduces two substantial areas for players to explore while hunting. Although not everyone was thrilled about this final DLC, it’s challenging to dispute the significant amount of content it provides to an already expansive game.
In the game Rise, we found it intriguing how Capcom reinvented the challenging gameplay to cater to a broader audience. The series took a new direction with this change, and while it might have seemed less realistic, it was undeniably more captivating.
It’s all about personal choice if you’d rather spend hours immersed in the realm of ‘Rise’ or ‘World’. It’s tough to dispute that both are outstanding games, and we eagerly anticipate where the series will go next with ‘Wilds’.
(The original sentence uses more formal language. This version aims to make it more conversational and easy to read.)
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2025-02-28 20:48