A year after its 20th anniversary, Capcom's monster-hunting behemoth 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 journey through the franchise's history with a chronological look at its most impactful titles.
How Many Monster Hunter Games Exist?
Counting base games, spin-offs, mobile titles, and enhanced versions, there are over 25 Monster Hunter games. This list, however, focuses on the 12 most significant entries, excluding mobile and arcade-only games (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits, etc.), 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
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Where to Begin Your Monster Hunter Journey?
The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous storyline, offering flexibility in your starting point. New to the hunt in 2025? Consider waiting for reactions to Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th. However, if you're eager to begin now, Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise are excellent choices. World prioritizes exploration and immersion, while Rise emphasizes 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 of Capcom revealed to Eurogamer in 2014, Monster Hunter, alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak, was part of a three-game initiative to gauge the PS2's online network potential.
The original Monster Hunter laid the series' foundation, introducing core mechanics. Players, solo or online, undertake quests to hunt monsters, using harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for increasingly challenging hunts. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, followed exclusively in Japan.
Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
The series found its portable footing in 2005 with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced port of Monster Hunter G optimized for single-player PSP gameplay. Selling over a million copies, according to Capcom, it initiated a trend of portable Monster Hunter titles outselling their console counterparts—a trend lasting until Monster Hunter World's 2018 success.
Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Capcom returned to home 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 1
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)
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 a Felyne combat companion.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2Capcom Production Studio 1
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 in the series), alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate later arrived on Wii U and 3DS, adding monsters, a refined single-player experience, updated visuals, and a new multiplayer area.
Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Rate 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 copies sold.
Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1
Monster Hunter 4 (2013)
Monster Hunter 4, initially a Japan-only 3DS release, saw global launch with the enhanced Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) for the New Nintendo 3DS. This generation significantly improved traversal with increased verticality and smoother movement, enhancing the single-player experience through a richer story and more NPCs.
Monster Hunter 4CapcomRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics
Monster Hunter Generations (2015)
Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan), another 3DS exclusive, blended past and present mechanics, as our review described, “like a greatest hits album.” Hunting Styles and Arts added customization and combat depth. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter Generations XX in Japan) was the first Monster Hunter title on Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunter Generations UltimateCapcomRate 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, prioritizing story and exploration. Initially on 3DS, it expanded to PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile.
Monster Hunter StoriesCapcom+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, boasting a Metascore of 90. Capcom shifted primary development back to home consoles (PS4, Xbox One), aiming for wider Western appeal through seamless open-world design, simplified systems, global online support, and simultaneous global release. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, a massive expansion, followed, adding monsters, mechanics, and a substantial new story.
Monster Hunter WorldCapcomRate 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, emphasized verticality through the Wirebug, enabling wall-climbing and fluid movement. It built upon Generations Ultimate and World, streamlining elements while retaining features from older games. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak expanded the game with a new storyline, monsters, and locations.
Monster Hunter RiseCapcom+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: turn-based combat, character customization, and a story-driven narrative. Players fight alongside Monsties, creating a party system reminiscent of Pokémon RPGs.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of RuinCapcomRate 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 evolved action. As our 2024 preview noted, it blends the accessibility of Rise with the scale and spectacle of World.
Monster Hunter WildsCapcom WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters
Upcoming Monster Hunter Games
Following *Monster Hunter Wilds* (February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Capcom and TiMi Studio Group (*Call of Duty Mobile*, *Pokémon Unite*) are developing *Monster Hunter Outlanders*, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer and a large open world. A release date is yet to be announced.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
