"Guide to Playing Monster Hunter Games Sequentially"
A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's iconic monster-hunting franchise is set to thrill fans once again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025. This beloved series has spanned multiple generations of gaming platforms, achieving remarkable success with titles like Monster Hunter World (2018) and Monster Hunter Rise (2021), which stand as the best-selling games in the series and Capcom's top-selling titles overall.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, let's take a nostalgic journey through the franchise's history, highlighting the most significant games in chronological order.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?
The Monster Hunter series boasts an impressive catalog, with over 25 games encompassing base games, spinoffs, mobile releases, and enhanced editions. For the purpose of this overview, we've narrowed it down to the 12 most influential Monster Hunter games, excluding mobile-only, arcade-exclusive, and discontinued MMOs like Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, Monster Hunter Frontier, and Monster Hunter Online. We've also omitted the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village, developed by FromSoftware and resembling Animal Crossing.
Every IGN Monster Hunter Review
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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?
The Monster Hunter franchise doesn't follow a continuous storyline, allowing you the freedom to start with any game. If you're diving into the series in 2025, you might want to consider waiting for the buzz around Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch on February 28. If you're eager to explore the series beforehand, both Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise are excellent entry points. World offers a rich experience focused on exploration and immersion, while Rise caters to those who enjoy faster-paced gameplay and fluidity.
Out February 28
Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition
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Every Monster Hunter Game in Release Order
Monster Hunter (2004)
The inaugural Monster Hunter game, developed alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of Capcom's initiative to tap into the PS2's online capabilities, as shared by Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto with Eurogamer in 2014. This game set the stage for the franchise, introducing core mechanics like quest-based monster hunting, crafting, and upgrading gear. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, was released exclusively in Japan the following year.
Monster Hunter
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Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
With Monster Hunter Freedom, the series found a new home on portable consoles in 2005. This enhanced port of Monster Hunter G was tailored for the PSP and focused on single-player experiences. Its success, with over a million copies sold, marked the beginning of a trend where portable versions of the game outsold their home console counterparts until Monster Hunter World broke the mold in 2018.
Monster Hunter Freedom
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Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Returning to home consoles, Monster Hunter 2 (also known as Monster Hunter Dos) was exclusively released in Japan for the PS2. This sequel introduced a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing the customization of weapons and armor.
Monster Hunter 2
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Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)
Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the second handheld game in the series, expanded on the core gameplay of Monster Hunter 2 with new content and a focus on single-player. It was further enhanced with Monster Hunter Freedom Unite in 2008, adding new monsters, missions, maps, and the option to team up with a Felyne fighter.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2
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Monster Hunter 3 (2009)
Monster Hunter 3 (also known as Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009, followed by an international release in 2010. Initially developed for the PS3, it was ultimately released as a Wii exclusive, introducing underwater combat. The game was later enhanced and released on the Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, featuring new monsters, an overhauled single-player experience, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.
Monster Hunter Tri
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Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
Monster Hunter 3 was adapted for the PSP as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, and later received a console release on the PS3 as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. Despite not being released in the West, it became the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter game, with 4.9 million copies sold.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
Capcom Production Studio 1
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