Monster Hunter: Best Play Order Guide

Following its 20th anniversary celebrations, Capcom's acclaimed monster-hunting franchise returns with Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025. The series has evolved across console generations, achieving unprecedented success with 2018's Monster Hunter World and 2021's Monster Hunter Rise - now standing as both the franchise's and Capcom's top-selling titles of all time.

The Complete Monster Hunter Series Timeline

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28, we examine the franchise's evolution through its most significant releases.

Monster Hunter Game Count

**The series spans over 25 titles** including core games, expansions, and spinoffs. **This guide focuses on 12 essential Monster Hunter experiences**, excluding mobile/arcade exclusives (Monster Hunter i, Monster Hunter Spirits), discontinued MMOs (Monster Hunter Frontier, Monster Hunter Online), and Japan-only titles like the Animal Crossing-inspired Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

Which Monster Hunter Should New Players Try?

The franchise features standalone stories, allowing flexible entry points. If joining in 2025, consider waiting for Wilds' reception. For immediate play options, Monster Hunter World delivers deep exploration while Monster Hunter Rise prioritizes fast-paced action.

Core Monster Hunter Titles

Monster Hunter (2004)

The foundation of Capcom's hit franchise introduced cooperative monster hunting across PS2's online network alongside Auto Modellista and Resident: Evil Outbreak. Japan received an enhanced version (Monster Hunter G) in 2005.

Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

This PSP adaptation refined the formula for handheld play, launching Monster Hunter's portable dominance until World's 2018 console success.

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

The PS2-exclusive sequel introduced day/night cycles and socketable gems for deeper equipment customization.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007)

Expanding upon MH2's content, this portable version later received the comprehensive Monster Hunter Freedom Unite update adding Felyne companions.

Monster Hunter 3 (2009)

Originally a Wii exclusive despite PS3 development, Tri introduced underwater combat before receiving enhanced 3DS/Wii U versions as Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Monster Hunter 4 (2013)

The 3DS exclusive revolutionized movement with enhanced verticality, expanded further in the globally released Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015).

Monster Hunter World (2018)

Capcom's franchise-defining hit established new standards with 27 million sales, seamless open-world design, and simultaneous worldwide launches.

Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Building on World's foundation with vertical Wirebug mechanics, Rise became the second-best selling entry after its PC/console ports.

RPG Spinoffs

Monster Hunter Stories (2016)

This turn-based RPG departure let players befriend Monsties instead of hunting them, later expanding to multiple platforms.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 (2021)

The enhanced sequel deepened JRPG systems while maintaining the original's monster-collecting appeal.

Future Releases

Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

Building upon World and Rise's successes, Wilds promises dynamic environments and refined combat across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Additional Projects

Capcom and TiMi Studio Group are developing Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free-to-play mobile experience featuring co-op hunting in an open world. No release window has been confirmed.