How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting phenomenon 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 explore the franchise's history with a chronological look at its most impactful titles.

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-exclusive titles (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 series lacks a continuous narrative, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th. If you can't wait, Monster Hunter World (favoring 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 Ryozo Tsujimoto of Capcom revealed 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-exclusive version, Monster Hunter G, followed.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

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 (per Capcom), it initiated a trend of portable versions outselling console releases—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 (or Monster Hunter Dos) was 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, 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 Felyne fighter companions.

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

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) added content, enhanced single-player, updated graphics, 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 saw 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 copies sold.

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) for the New Nintendo 3DS. This generation 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) followed, another 3DS exclusive. Described as a "greatest hits" album, it blended past and present mechanics, introducing Hunting Styles and Arts to enhance customization and combat. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (the enhanced edition) became 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 later appeared 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 and Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal through a seamless open world, simplified systems, global online play, and simultaneous regional releases. 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 series' second best-seller, emphasizes verticality through the Wirebug mechanic, enhancing traversal. Building on Generations Ultimate and World (developed concurrently), it streamlined gameplay while retaining elements from older titles. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game with new content.

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., continued the RPG spin-off, enhancing JRPG elements like turn-based combat and character customization. The party system, featuring Monsties, will be familiar to Pokémon fans.

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. It aims to combine the accessibility of Rise with the scale and 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

How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide HitHow the Monster Hunter Wilds Team Select Their Beastly LineupMonster Hunter Wilds Developers Talk Weapon ChangesBehind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series GearMonster Hunter Wilds: The Final Preview