Monster Hunter Games: How to Play in Order
- By Skylar
- Apr 02,2025
A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's iconic monster-hunting franchise is set to make a thrilling return in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series has traversed multiple generations of gaming consoles, both home and portable, culminating in the record-breaking success of Monster Hunter World in 2018 and Monster Hunter Rise in 2021. These titles not only became the best-selling games in the series but also rank as Capcom's top-selling games of all time.
With Monster Hunter Wilds slated for release on February 28, we take a nostalgic journey through the franchise's history, presenting a chronological list of the most pivotal Monster Hunter games.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?
There are over 25 Monster Hunter games when you count all base games, spinoffs, mobile entries, and enhanced versions. However, for the purpose of this list, we've carefully selected the 12 most significant Monster Hunter games. Our compilation excludes mobile- and arcade-exclusive titles (such as Monster Hunter i and Monster Hunter Spirits), discontinued MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, FromSoftware-developed game with an Animal Crossing-like feel, Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.
Every IGN Monster Hunter Review
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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?
There's no overarching story connecting the Monster Hunter games, allowing you the freedom to choose your entry point. If you're diving into the series in 2025, consider waiting for reviews of Monster Hunter Wilds, releasing on February 28. For those eager to experience the series before Wilds, we recommend starting with Monster Hunter World for its expansive exploration and immersion or Monster Hunter Rise for its focus on 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)
Monster Hunter, along with Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was developed to explore the online capabilities of the PS2, as Ryozo Tsujimoto from Capcom shared with Eurogamer in 2014.
This groundbreaking game established the core mechanics of the franchise, tasking players with hunting monsters solo or online, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade gear for battling increasingly formidable beasts. An enhanced version, Monster Hunter G, was released exclusively in Japan the following year.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
In 2005, the series made a successful transition to portable consoles with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G tailored for the PSP's single-player experience. This release marked the beginning of a trend where portable Monster Hunter games outsold their home console counterparts until Monster Hunter World broke the pattern in 2018.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Returning to home consoles, Capcom released Monster Hunter 2 (also known as Monster Hunter Dos) exclusively in Japan for the PS2. This sequel introduced a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing customization options for weapons and armor.
Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld entry, expanded on Monster Hunter 2 with new content and a focus on single-player gameplay. In 2008, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite further enhanced the experience with new monsters, missions, maps, and the addition of Felyne companions in battle.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 3 (2009)
Monster Hunter 3 (also known as Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009 and was later released internationally in 2010. Initially developed for the PS3, it became a Wii exclusive, introducing underwater combat among other innovations. The game later expanded to the Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, featuring new monsters, an enhanced single-player experience, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
Following the trend, Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for the PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, and later for the PS3 as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite not being released in the West, this game became the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter, selling 4.9 million copies.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
