A year after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Capcom's beloved monster-hunting franchise is set to captivate fans once again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025. This prolific series has spanned multiple generations of home and portable consoles, achieving unprecedented success with Monster Hunter World in 2018 and Monster Hunter Rise in 2021—the series' best-selling titles and Capcom's top-selling games of all time.

With Monster Hunter Wilds slated for release on February 28, we're taking a nostalgic journey through the franchise's history, presenting a chronological list of the series' most pivotal games.

How Many Monster Hunter Games Are There?

There are over 25 Monster Hunter games when you include all base games, spinoffs, mobile versions, and enhanced editions. For this list, we've selected the 12 most significant Monster Hunter titles. We've left out mobile and arcade-only games (such as Monster Hunter i and Monster Hunter Spirits), discontinued MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier and Monster Hunter Online), and the Japan-exclusive, FromSoftware-developed Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village, which resembles Animal Crossing.

Every IGN Monster Hunter Review

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Which Monster Hunter Game Should You Play First?

The Monster Hunter franchise does not have a continuous storyline, so you're free to start with any game. If you're diving into the series in 2025, consider waiting for feedback on the latest release, Monster Hunter Wilds, coming out on February 28. For those eager to experience the series before Wilds, we recommend starting with Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise. World appeals more to those who enjoy exploration and immersion, while Rise is ideal for those who prioritize 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 was one of three titles developed to explore the potential of the PS2's online network, as Capcom's Ryozo Tsujimoto explained to Eurogamer in 2014. This inaugural game established the series' core mechanics, where players, alone or with others online, embark on quests to hunt monsters and use the harvested materials to craft and upgrade weapons and armor for tackling even tougher foes. An expanded version, Monster Hunter G, was released the next year, exclusively in Japan.

Monster Hunter
Capcom Production Studio 1
Mar 11, 2004

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

In 2005, the series found its footing on portable consoles with Monster Hunter Freedom, an enhanced version of Monster Hunter G optimized for single-player on the PSP. This marked the beginning of a trend where portable versions of Monster Hunter consistently outsold their home console counterparts until the success of Monster Hunter World in 2018.

Monster Hunter Freedom
Capcom Production Studio 1
Dec 1, 2005

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Capcom brought the series back to home consoles with Monster Hunter 2 (also known as Monster Hunter Dos), released exclusively in Japan for PS2. This installment introduced a day-night cycle and gems, enhancing customization options for weapons and armor.

Monster Hunter 2
Capcom Production Studio 1
Feb 16, 2006

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

The second handheld entry, Monster Hunter Freedom 2, was an adaptation of MH2 with additional content and a focus on single-player play. It was further expanded in 2008's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, which added new monsters, missions, maps, and the ability to have a Felyne fighter join the player in battle.

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

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Monster Hunter 3 (also known as Monster Hunter Tri) debuted in Japan in 2009 and globally in 2010. Originally developed for the PS3, it was released as a Wii exclusive. It introduced underwater combat alongside new monsters, weapons, and locations. Later, it was enhanced and re-released for Wii U and 3DS as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, featuring new monsters, an improved single-player experience, updated graphics, and a new multiplayer area.

Monster Hunter Tri
Capcom Production Studio 1
Aug 1, 2009

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

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, it became the best-selling handheld-exclusive Monster Hunter game, with 4.9 million copies sold.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
Capcom Production Studio 1
Dec 1, 2010