11 recommended rankings for the Monster Hunter series. Let's go hunting solo or multiplayer!

The Monster Hunter series is famous for its catchphrase, “Let's go on a hunt!” As of December 2024, the cumulative number of units shipped in the series has exceeded 108 million, and it is a popular game software that is a big hit not only in Japan but also overseas.

So this time, we have picked up recommended series of Monster Hunter. We will comprehensively evaluate the games in terms of fun, ease of play, etc., and introduce them in a ranking format. Be sure to check it out, not only for those who haven't played it yet, but also for those with experience in the series.

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• table of contents
• The charm of the Monster Hunter series
• How to choose the Monster Hunter series
• Recommended ranking of Monster Hunter series

The charm of the Monster Hunter series

By: amazon.co.jp

The “Monster Hunter” series is a hunting action game where you can enjoy hunting in various fields such as jungles and isolated islands. The player becomes a hunter and goes on a hunt. It is a so-called hack-and-slash game where you strengthen your equipment with the items you have obtained and go out hunting again.

There are many attractive points about Monster Hunter, but the biggest feature is that up to 4 people can play cooperatively by connecting online or local communication. Even powerful enemies that are difficult to defeat alone may be defeated if everyone works together. This game software is recommended not only as an action game but also as a party game.

How to choose the Monster Hunter series

Choose by series

main series

By: playstation.com

This is the mainstream of the Monster Hunter series, and is what is called a “numbered title.” Each title has a different hunting base and a different story unfolds. Monster Hunter also has a passionate story. In addition to the latest games, we also recommend playing past games.

Please note that software with “G” in the title is an upgraded version. New fields, monsters, equipment, etc. have been added to the existing numbered titles. We recommend the unbranded version for those who just want to follow the story, and the upgraded version for those who want to get involved.

portable series

By: capcom-games.com

This series was sold on the PSP portable game console. At the time, the PS2 version of Monster Hunter required the use of a service called “Multi-matching BB'' if multiple people wanted to play. However, with the PSP, you can play cooperatively for free as long as you bring your own console and software. It has exploded in popularity because it is easy to play with.

The first game was a port of Monster Hunter G for PS2, but the second game takes an original route. The difficulty level is lower than the main series, and it is also attractive that you can quickly play it in your spare time. This series is recommended for first-time users.

frontier series

By: nintendo.co.jp

An online game formerly operated by Capcom. Based on Monster Hunter 2, it features original elements such as unique fields, monsters, and events that everyone can play together.

Another important point is that the title is changed to “Monster Hunter Frontier G” or “Monster Hunter Frontier Z” every time there is a major update. The challenging, high difficulty level unique to online games was popular among the core user base, but the service ended in December 2019.

spin-off works

By: nintendo.co.jp

Many works derived from the Monster Hunter series have also been released, including “Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Airu Village'', which focuses on the mascot character Airu, the falling object puzzle game “Puzzle with Airu'', and the first RPG work in the series, “Monster Hunter Stories''.

Monster Hunter is generally rated CERO “C'' (for ages 15 and up) throughout the series due to its bloody depictions, but many spin-off titles are rated CERO “A'' (for all ages), so even small children can play it. Recommended not only for fans but also for those who have never played the series.

Select by hardware

If you want to enjoy playing with high image quality, use a stationary machine.

By: amazon.co.jp

For those who want to prioritize the beauty of graphics, we recommend titles released on home consoles. You can enjoy powerful hunting on the big screen. The text and interface are displayed large, so visibility is good. Perfect for those who want to play for a long time.

However, stationary machines mainly rely on online communication. You may not be able to enjoy cooperative play with older titles because the service has ended or the number of players is decreasing. There is no need to worry about this if you are a solo player, but please keep this in mind if you want to play with multiple people.

If you want to bring your own games and play, use a “portable device”

By: amazon.co.jp

If you want to gather in one place and play Monster Hunter with friends, lovers, or other close people, we recommend titles released on mobile devices. PSP, 3DS, and Nintendo Switch support short-range wireless communication, so you can enjoy cooperative play as long as you have enough hardware and software for each player.

Note that older titles may have rough graphics or be unfriendly, but if you have friends to share the fun with, it doesn't bother you too much. The good thing about older titles is that the game software is cheap and easy to obtain.

Select by Monster Hunter play history

For beginners, we recommend “Portable 3rd”

By: capcom-games.com

For beginners who have never played Monster Hunter, we recommend the PSP version of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. This is the culmination of a portable series that has been adjusted to be enjoyable even for those who are not good at action games, and can be played comfortably. If you want to play on a big screen, we also recommend the HD version sold on PS3.

If you have experience with the series, we recommend “Monster Hunter 4 and later”

By: capcom-games.com

For those who have experience with Monster Hunter and know how the game works, we recommend “Monster Hunter 4” and later titles. The game system is sophisticated, so the point is that you can play comfortably. Quests for advanced players have also been introduced, allowing you to enjoy challenging hunting.

Recommended ranking of Monster Hunter series

1st place Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak Set[Switch, PS5, Steam]

A great value package that includes “Monster Hunter Rise'' and the large expansion content “Sunbreak.'' Actions such as “Kakerimushi'' and “Dragon Control'' have been added, allowing you to move more freely.

The main story is set in the beautiful mountains and rivers of Kamura no Sato, while Sunbreak is set in the exotic land of Observation Base Elgado, where you will take on the challenge of hunting various monsters. In addition, big attacks from monsters often occur in Kamura Village. Make full use of hunting equipment and weapons, and work together with the villagers to protect the village from threats.

This game allows you to explore the field more freely, so it is also recommended for those who want to play solo to the fullest. Online multiplayer is also available, with difficulty varying depending on the number of participants, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of players from beginners to experts.

Watch on YouTube

・Package version (Switch version)

・Download version (Switch version)

2nd place Monster Hunter: World[PS4, Steam]

“Monster Hunter: World” is a completely new version of the traditional game system. As of March 2024, the cumulative number of units shipped worldwide has exceeded 25 million units, making it a huge hit not only in Japan but also overseas.

This work is an open world-like map, and the feature is that there is no need to switch screens when moving. Another point is that you can use gimmicks in the field, and the range of hunting has expanded, such as using vines to restrain monsters, bursting dams and washing them away in muddy waters, and inciting hostile creatures to fight.

In 2019, the expanded content “Iceborne'' will be released. By installing it after the main story is introduced, new fields and monsters will be added. For those who want to start playing in earnest, we recommend “Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition”, which is a set that includes the main game and expansion content.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter: World (PS4 version) Package version

・Monster Hunter: World (PS4 version) Download version

・Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition (PS4 version) Package version

・Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition (PS4 version) Download version

3rd place Monster Hunter Double Cross[3DS, Switch]

“Monster Hunter Double Cross” was released on Nintendo 3DS in 2017. This is the fifth upgraded version of the main series. It is characterized by inheriting elements from “4'' while removing negative elements such as the “extreme state” that was often criticized. The difficulty level is also relatively low, making it a game that is suitable for everyone.

This game is equipped with a new “hunting style”. You can change your style depending on your situation, such as a balanced guild style, an aerial style that specializes in aerial techniques, or a bushido style that aims for powerful counter attacks.

Another point is that you can enjoy stylish actions such as consuming the gauge to use “hunting techniques'', which are so-called special techniques. Many popular monsters from previous games have also returned, so it's also recommended for long-time fans.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter Double Cross (3DS version)

・Monster Hunter Double Cross Nintendo Switch Ver. (Switch version) Package version

・Monster Hunter Double Cross Nintendo Switch Ver. (Switch version) Download version

4th place Monster Hunter Portable 3rd[PSP, PS3]

“Monster Hunter Portable 3rd” was released on PSP in 2010. This is the last work in the Portable series, and it is characterized by incorporating the playability of the previous work and elements from the latest work at the time, “3''. It has become a bit of a social phenomenon, with lines forming at game shops all over the country on the day of release.

The base of this work is Yukumo Village, a hot spring resort with a Japanese atmosphere. A new mountain stream has been added to the field, and a new monster, the fanged dragon species “Jinogre”, has appeared. New motions have been added to existing monsters, making the volume comparable to the main series even though it's for mobile devices.

In addition, the “palico air system”, which was popular in the previous work, has been strengthened. You can now take up to two CPU characters with you even when offline, making solo play even more enjoyable. This game software is also recommended for beginners.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (PSP version)

・Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. (PS3 version)

5th place Monster Hunter 3G[3DS, Wii U]

“Monster Hunter 3G” was released on 3DS in 2011. Although it is software for portable game consoles, it is an upgraded version of “3 (Try)'', which is part of the main series. Operability has been improved by placing shortcut buttons on the touch panel of the 3DS. Now you can enjoy hunting more comfortably.

The base is Moga Village, a small fishing village floating on the sea. It is characterized by many water-related fields such as isolated islands and submerged forests, and you can enjoy underwater battles as a unique element of this work. The controls are different from those on land, so it may take some getting used to, but it is recommended for those who want to experience a unique battle experience.

In the standard version, some hunters expressed sadness because they could not use the twin swords, gunlance, hunting horn, and bow, but they are all restored in the upgraded version. Also, the number of monsters that appear is increasing, so if you are starting to play now, we recommend “3G”.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter 3G (3DS version)

・Monster Hunter 3G HD Ver. (WiiU version)

6th place Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G[PSP, PS Vita]

“Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G” was released for PSP in 2008. This is an upgraded version of the portable series “2nd” with new elements. The game is characterized by a significantly lower level of difficulty compared to the previous main series. The player base expanded, and sales exceeded 4.2 million copies.

In addition to containing almost all the elements of the old work, new monsters such as “Nargacuga'' and “Ukamulbas'' have appeared. Furthermore, it has a volume that is hard to believe for a portable game machine, such as reimporting “Hypnock'' and “Volganos'' from the online game “Monster Hunter Frontier.''

Another point is that a new “Otomo Airou” system has been introduced from “2nd G” in this work. With a CPU that supports hunting, you can enjoy pseudo-cooperative play even by yourself. This is a recommended game software that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts.

・Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP version)

7th place Monster Hunter 4G[3DS]

A game software released for 3DS in 2014. This is an upgraded version of “4'' and features many monsters that have appeared in the past. Popular among veteran hunters, such as “Miraboreas'', “Oonazuchi'', and “Ukamulbas'' have also returned, making the number of monsters that appear in this game the largest in the series.

The main character is a member of a caravan that travels from place to place. An epic story unfolds around the “Madragonization” incident that disrupts the ecosystem. Another point is that unique NPCs, including the lead hunter, appear. It is highly rated by players who value the story.

On the other hand, the high difficulty level added in “4G'' has mixed reviews. There are almost no opportunities to attack, and the game design is based on party play. In particular, the “extreme state” in which monsters are super-strengthened is an overkill. Recommended for advanced hunters who are no longer satisfied with regular hunting.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter 4G (3DS version)

No. 8 Monster Hunter Portable[PSP]

“Monster Hunter Portable” is a game software released for PSP in 2005. Although it is based on the original upgraded version of “Monster Hunter G'', its appeal is that it has been adjusted so that you can quickly play it in your free time. This title introduces familiar systems for the first time, such as the “Farm” system where you can gather items at your base, and the “Gathering Tour” system where you can only gather items in the field.

Another point is that by reviewing the balance of weapons and monsters, the difficulty level is suitable for everyone. Coupled with the fact that you could easily play cooperatively by bringing your own hardware and software, it became a huge hit. Recommended for those who want to experience the origins of Monster Hunter.

・Monster Hunter Portable (PSP version)

9th place Monster Hunter 2[PS2]

“Monster Hunter 2” was released on PS2 in 2006. In addition to the addition of new weapons such as the long sword, hunting horn, gunlance, and bow, it also features various new elements such as the concept of seasons, day and night, and the appearance of ancient dragon species.

While there are elements that have been carried over into the sequel, there are also some rough edges that stand out here and there. In particular, monsters are given preferential treatment overall, so much so that even the most powerful monsters are difficult to defeat. Also, it takes time to collect items, making it a slow game for better or worse. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a challenging hunt that is different from high-difficulty quests.

・Monster Hunter 2 (PS2 version)

10th place Monster Hunter G[PS2, Wii]

“Monster Hunter G” was released on PS2 in 2005. This is an upgraded version of the original Monster Hunter, and introduces various new elements such as highly difficult G-class quests, a new weapon “twin swords”, subspecies monsters, and a training center.

A Wii version was released in 2009. Reimported game systems up to “Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G'', such as the addition of the charged attack of the great sword and the ability to send rewards directly to the item box. It's even easier to play. If you value ease of play, we recommend the Wii version.

Watch on YouTube

・Monster Hunter G (PS2 version)

・Monster Hunter G (Wii version)

No. 11 Monster Hunter Stories[Switch, PS4, Steam]

A spin-off work released on Nintendo 3DS in 2016 is now fully voiced. Furthermore, in addition to all the monsters and content added in the update, a “museum function” where you can enjoy over 200 design art and BGM has also been added.

Monster Hunter Stories, the first RPG in the series, differs from the main series in which players defeat monsters as hunters, and is characterized by a story that fosters bonds with monsters. Let's go on a great adventure around the world of Monster Hunter with the “Otomon” that you raised yourself.

This work is based on the worldview of Monster Hunter, but the appeal is that traditional elements are firmly incorporated into an RPG. There are plenty of elements to play, and you can continue playing even after clearing the story. This game software is recommended not only for adults but also for small children.

Watch on YouTube

・Package (Switch version)

・Download (Switch version)

・Download (PS4 version)