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Monster Hunter Games in Order
Every major Monster Hunter game in release order. The series has no story to follow, so newcomers can start anywhere, with World (2018), Rise (2021), and Wilds (2025) the easiest modern entry points.
Monster Hunter Games in Order — complete list
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Why this order?
Monster Hunter is Capcom's long-running action-RPG series about hunting enormous beasts, harvesting their parts, and crafting ever-better gear to take on even tougher prey. The single most important thing to know before you start is that there is no required order. Each mainline game is a fresh standalone adventure with a new region, a new roster of monsters, and its own self-contained progression loop. You will not miss any plot by skipping older titles, because the "story" is really just a frame for the hunt.
We default to release order because it shows how the series evolved, from the rough PlayStation 2 original in 2004 through the handheld-defining PSP and 3DS eras to the global breakout of World. It is the most honest way to see how the formula was refined generation after generation. But release order is explicitly not a recommendation to play them in sequence. If you are new, do not start at the beginning.
Instead, jump straight to one of the modern entry points: Monster Hunter: World (2018), Monster Hunter Rise (2021), or the newest Monster Hunter Wilds (2025). These three rebuilt the series for mainstream audiences with smoother controls, clearer tutorials, and seamless online multiplayer. World is the deepest and most cinematic, Rise is faster and more mobile-friendly thanks to its handheld roots, and Wilds is the current showcase. Any of the three is an excellent first hunt.
The big gotcha is the series' confusing "Ultimate" and "G-rank" re-releases. Games like Freedom Unite, 4 Ultimate, and Generations Ultimate are expanded versions of earlier base titles, so you only need the definitive edition. Separately, the spin-off lines run on their own tracks: Monster Hunter Stories is a turn-based RPG with its own continuity, and the online Monster Hunter Frontier ran parallel to the mainline for years. Both sit outside this list. Fans of Capcom's other gear-grind loops, like Dragon's Dogma, will feel right at home.
Timeline 2004–2025
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
What order should I play Monster Hunter in?
There is no required order, because every mainline game is a standalone story with its own region and monsters. Most newcomers should skip straight to a modern entry: Monster Hunter: World (2018), Rise (2021), or Wilds (2025). Release order is best for fans tracing how the series evolved, not for first-timers.
How many Monster Hunter games are there?
This page lists the eight major mainline and definitive titles from the 2004 original through 2025's Wilds. Counting every handheld port, regional 'Ultimate'/G-rank expansion, and spin-off like Monster Hunter Stories, the full catalog runs to dozens of releases. We focus on the major titles that matter most.
Which Monster Hunter game should a beginner start with?
Monster Hunter: World, Rise, or Wilds. World is the deepest and most cinematic, Rise is faster and more accessible with its Wirebug mobility, and Wilds is the newest and most polished. All three have modern controls and easy online multiplayer, making any of them a great first hunt.
Are the Monster Hunter games connected by story?
Not in a way that requires playing them in order. Each game has its own self-contained narrative used mainly as a frame for hunting. You can jump in at any title without feeling lost, which is why the series is so beginner-friendly despite being two decades old.
What is the difference between Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter Ultimate versions?
Titles like Freedom Unite, 4 Ultimate, and Generations Ultimate are expanded 'G-rank' editions of earlier base games, adding monsters, gear, and high-difficulty content. They supersede the originals, so you only need the definitive Ultimate version rather than both.
Should I bother playing the older Monster Hunter games?
Only if you enjoy a modern entry and want to dig into the series' history. The pre-World games use stiffer, more deliberate controls and lack quality-of-life features like seamless multiplayer, so they can feel dated. Start with World, Rise, or Wilds first; if you fall in love with the hunt, classics like Freedom Unite and 4 Ultimate are worth revisiting.
Last verified · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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