How to Play the Monster Hunter Games in Order

Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. This prolific series, spanning multiple console generations, achieved new heights with Monster Hunter World (2018) and Monster Hunter Rise (2021), becoming Capcom's top-selling titles.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's explore the franchise's history through its most impactful games.

The Extensive Monster Hunter Universe

While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist (including base titles, spin-offs, mobile releases, and enhanced editions), this list focuses on the 12 most significant entries. Excluded are mobile and arcade-only titles (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits), discontinued MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

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Starting Your Monster Hunting Journey

The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative, allowing players to jump in at any point. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer to await reviews of Monster Hunter Wilds. However, Monster Hunter World (emphasizing exploration) and Monster Hunter Rise (prioritizing speed and fluidity) are excellent starting points.

Out February 28

Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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Chronological Overview of Monster Hunter Games

Monster Hunter (2004)

The foundational title, establishing core gameplay: hunting monsters, gathering materials, crafting weapons and armor, and tackling progressively challenging beasts. A Japan-only expansion, Monster Hunter G, followed.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

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Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

An enhanced port of Monster Hunter G for PSP, initiating the franchise's successful portable console presence. Its single-player focus boosted sales, surpassing its console counterparts.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

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(The remaining game descriptions will follow a similar shortened format for brevity, maintaining the key information and image placement.)

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Monster Hunter 2Capcom Production Studio 1Feb 16, 2006

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Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007) & Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008)

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

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Monster Hunter 3 (2009) & Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2013)

Monster Hunter TriCapcom Production Studio 1Aug 1, 2009Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsQuestsMoga Village Quests

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Monster Hunter Portable 3rdCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2010

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Monster Hunter 4 (2013) & Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)

Monster Hunter 4CapcomJun 30, 2013Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughCaravan QuestsBasics

Monster Hunter Generations (2015) & Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (2017)

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 StoriesCapcomOct 8, 2016+2Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewAmiibo Functionality and UnlockablesDLCPre-Order Bonuses

Monster Hunter World (2018) & Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)

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: Sunbreak (2022)

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 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 WildsCapcomFeb 28, 2025 WishlistRelated GuidesOverviewMonster Hunter Wilds Beta DetailsMultiplayer Guide - Crossplay, Link Parties and MoreMonster Hunter Wilds Monsters

The Future of Monster Hunting

Beyond Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom and TiMi Studio Group are developing Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free-to-play mobile game featuring multiplayer hunting in a vast open world. A release date is yet to be announced.