Have you heard the hubbub and decided you want to dive into the Monster Hunter series? Great choice! But with nearly two decades of games, spin-offs, and expansions, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Should you go with the latest entry, or do you want to experience it from the very beginning? Well, grab some Well-done Steak and a bottle of Energy Drink, we’re about to break it all down for you.
Where to Start With the Monster Hunter Series?
Before we jump into release order, let’s settle one thing: You don’t have to play Monster Hunter in chronological order. Each game has its own world, monsters, and mechanics, meaning you can start with the latest release and still have a blast. But, if you want to compare how the series has evolved and understand subtle nods to other entries, then you can start from way back.
However, in case you’re still unsure, here’s a quick recommendation guide:
- Always grab the Ultimate version or a bundle with the Master Rank expansions for the complete package. Base game starts from Low Rank and only goes up to the second difficulty level, High Rank.
- If you want the easiest way in, Wilds or World are the most beginner-friendly.
- If you care about plot and some semblance of narrative continuation, we suggest playing through 4 Ultimate, World, Rise, and Wilds.
- If you want to try the classic games, then Freedom Unite and Generations Ultimate are considered to be the peak of each generation.
- If you love handheld gaming, Generations Ultimate and Rise are great portable experiences.
- If you like flashy special moves and faster gameplay, then Rise and Wilds is for you.
- If you and your friends all play on different platforms, Wilds lets you play together on PC and consoles with crossplay.
Now, let’s go on a tour through the Monster Hunter series, from its humble beginnings to the massive worlds we have today.
1. Monster Hunter
- PS2 – March 11, 2004 (Japan) / September 21, 2004 (Worldwide).
- Monster Hunter G expansion – PS2 – January 20, 2005 (Japan Only)
- Monster Hunter Freedom expansion – PSP – December 1, 2005 (Japan) / May 23, 2006 (Worldwide)
The one that started it all. Released on the PlayStation 2, Capcom was experimenting on a PS2 Network Adapter and online-based multiplayer games. It was an ambitious project, but also rough around the edges. Combat was slower, movement was stiff, and there was no real story mode. Still, it built a passionate fanbase and introduced the core mechanics that still define the series today.
Capcom later released Monster Hunter G, a Japan-exclusive expansion that added G Rank (now called Master Rank) and additional content like Dual Blades. However, Capcom brought its content to the PSP as Monster Hunter Freedom, which became the starting point for many Western players.
2. Monster Hunter 2 (Dos)
- PS2 – February 16, 2006 (Japan Only).
- Monster Hunter Freedom 2 expansion – PSP – February 22, 2007 (Japan) / August 29, 2007 (Worldwide).
The PS2 sequel introduced Bow, Gunlance, Hunting Horn, and Long Sword, along with Elder Dragons through Kushala Daora and Armor Skill Decorations. This is also where Capcom started to add gameplay ‘gimmicks’ with each new entry. Here, you got the day-night cycle, seasons that affected monster and materials availability, and a proper village hub with a more developed single-player campaign.
The series was still finding its identity, but it was now clear Monster Hunter was here to stay. However, once again, it never got a global release, Thankfully, Capcom took notice of PSP’s popularity and made Monster Hunter Freedom 2 for the handheld console and worldwide audience.
3. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- PSP – March 27, 2008 (Japan) / June 22, 2009 (Worldwide).
It’s safe to say that this is the point where the series start to take off in the West. With over 70 monsters and 410 quests, it was considered the most complete Monster Hunter experience at the time. The game was packed with content and anyone who had a PSP, more often than not, also poured hundreds of hours into this game.
4. Monster Hunter Frontier
- PC, Xbox 360 – June 21, 2007 (Japan Only).
- Frontier G expansion – PC, Xbox 360, WiiU – April 17, 2013 (Japan Only).
- Frontier Z expansion – PC, Xbox 360, WiiU, PS3, PS Vita – November 9, 2016 (Japan Only).
Monster Hunter Frontier was an online-only MMO spin-off developed by the now-defunct Capcom Online subsidiary. Unlike the mainline games, this entry had frequent updates and expansions, adding new monsters, weapons, and game mechanics over the years. The most notable ones are two exclusive weapons: the Tonfa and Magnet Spike. It even received rereleases on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PS Vita, but never made it outside Japan.
While unfortunately the servers shut down in 2019, an underground effort successfully created a private server for this underrated entry.
5. Monster Hunter 3 (Tri)
- Wii – August 1, 2009 (Japan) / April 20, 2010 (Worldwide).
- Portable 3rd side release – PSP, PS3 – December 1, 2010 (Japan Only).
- 3 Ultimate expansion – 3DS, Wii U – 2011 Japan / 2013 Worldwide)
Monster Hunter Tri marked a big turning point, shifting the series to Nintendo consoles for the next couple of years. Even though it was actually planned to be released on the PS3. Aside from the changing of allegiance, it also introduced underwater combat as its gimmick… which had mixed receptions thanks to gimped movesets.
Nevertheless, the third generation also added the Switch Axe and a more expansive maps and monster combat thanks to the underwater mechanics. For its loyal fans on PlayStation consoles, Capcom released a Japan-exclusive ‘side release’ called Portable 3rd. While it featured the same core mechanics as Tri, it ditched underwater combat and comes with Zinogre and a heavy Japan-inspired hub, Yukumo Village.
6. Monster Hunter 4
- 3DS – September 14, 2013 – (Japan Only).
- 4 Ultimate expansion – 3DS – October 11, 2014 (Japan) / February 13, 2015 (Worldwide)
Not giving up on verticality element, Capcom removed swimming but added ledge vaulting and monster mounting for the first time here. This entry also introduced two beloved weapons: the Charge Blade and the Insect Glaive.
The fourth generation is also when Capcom start experimenting with longer cutscenes and heavier plot elements. Here, we join up a traveling caravan in search of treasure, which ends up getting entangled with a cat-and-mouse chase against Gore Magala. The improved multiplayer system, narrative, and dynamic combat made it a standout title on the 3DS.
7. Monster Hunter Generations
- 3DS – November 28, 2015 (Japan) / July 15, 2016 (Worldwide).
- Generations Ultimate expansion – Switch – August 25, 2017 (Japan) / August 28, 2018 (Worldwide).
A love letter to longtime fans, Generations Ultimate brought with it 129 monsters new and old, 24 areas, and flashy Hunter Styles and Arts skills. This is currently considered to be the most definitive Monster Hunter experience for anyone interested or familar with the series. Although, because of its gigantic amount of content, it can get overwhelming and not exactly the best entry point for newcomers.
8. Monster Hunter: World
- PS4, Xbox One – January 26, 2018 (Worldwide) / PC – August 9, 2018 (Worldwide).
- Iceborne expansion – PS4, Xbox One, PC – September 6, 2019 (Worldwide).
It’s safe to say that this is the game that made Monster Hunter a global phenomenon. World completely modernized the series with seamless expansive maps, longer narrative, and a more dynamic multiplayer system like 16-player raid Siege quests. Capcom also introduced major quality-of-life changes staple in other action games, such as damage numbers, waypoint system, and fast travel.
The Iceborne expansion added the snow-covered Hoarfrost Reach and Master Rank hunts. If you’re new to the series, World is still an excellent place to start — especially since Capcom put it on discount often.
9. Monster Hunter Rise
- Switch – March 26, 2021 / PC – January 23, 2022 / PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X – January 20, 2023 (Worldwide).
- Sunbreak expansion – Switch, PC – June 30, 2022 / PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X – April 28, 2023 (Worldwide).
Following World, Capcom brought Monster Hunter back to handheld-style gameplay with Rise. Its main gimmicks are the Wirebug-based movement, Silkbind special moves, Wyvern Riding, and new rideable companion called Palamute. The base game also comes with an experimental tower defense hunting missions called Rampage.
Like other G or Master Rank expansion, Sunbreak expanded the world with new Silkbind moves, areas, monsters, and Qurio Augment endgame mechanic. If you’re fans of fast-paced action games like DMC or Bayonetta, Rise and Sunbreak could feel like it’s tailor-made for you. As it offers a blend of classic and faster modern Monster Hunter system.
10. Monster Hunter Wilds
- PS5, Xbox Series X, PC – February 28, 2025 (Worldwide).
The next evolution of the series, Monster Hunter Wilds, opens up the hunting experience even more. All five hunting areas are now interconnected with dynamic weather, you can set up Pop-up Camps, and Alpha monsters like Doshaguma hunts in a pack. Focus Mode allows you to tenderize monster parts dynamically for extra damage or a flinch. Meanwhile, some weapons are armed with Offset Attack or Power Clash to defend against monsters’ devastating moves.
This time, Hunters can also bring two weapons into the hunt, carried by the Seikret bird mount complete with horseback combat. This latest entry brought the biggest overhaul yet, with PC and console crossplay and new environments that feel more alive than ever.
