Over the past two decades, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has captivated fans worldwide with its thrilling blend of strategic gameplay and intense monster battles. From its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 to the chart-topping success of Monster Hunter: World in 2018, the franchise has undergone significant evolution. Each game in the series offers a unique experience, and we've ranked them, including major DLCs, to identify the best of the best. Note that our rankings focus on the Ultimate editions of the games. Let's dive into the top 10:

10. Monster Hunter

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 21, 2004 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter review

The original Monster Hunter set the stage for the next 20 years of the series. Although its complex controls and directions might make it challenging to revisit today, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter. The game's focus on hunting massive beasts with limited resources established a new genre, despite its steep learning curve which was initially frustrating for many players.

Developed as part of Capcom's push towards online gaming on the PlayStation 2, Monster Hunter emphasized online event missions. While official servers are no longer active outside Japan, the single-player mode still allows players to experience the hunts that started it all.

9. Monster Hunter Freedom

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: May 23, 2006 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom review

Monster Hunter Freedom, released on the PlayStation Portable, marked the series' first foray into handheld gaming. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it included numerous quality-of-life improvements and introduced the series to a broader audience. The portability of the game, combined with its focus on co-op play, was a game-changer, allowing millions to hunt together on the go.

Despite its clunky controls and camera issues, which highlight the series' evolution, Freedom remains a fun and pivotal entry. It set the stage for future handheld Monster Hunter games.

8. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 22, 2009 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite review

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite expanded on Monster Hunter Freedom 2, which itself was an enhanced version of the Japan-only Monster Hunter 2. At its release, it was the largest game in the series, introducing iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. While these companions didn't make the game's toughest challenges easier, they added enjoyment to the hunting experience.

7. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 19, 2013 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate review

Built on the foundation of Monster Hunter Tri, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offered a more streamlined experience with a restructured story and difficulty curve. It reintroduced weapons like the Hunting Horn, Bow, Gunlance, and Dual Blades, enhancing the weapon roster. The addition of underwater combat added variety, though it came with camera challenges.

Despite the Wii U's less advanced online multiplayer, the inclusion of co-op was essential to the Monster Hunter experience. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate represents a significant evolution of the series, though it shows its age compared to newer entries.

6. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1 | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: February 13, 2015 (NA) | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate review

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was a turning point, introducing dedicated online multiplayer to handhelds, allowing global co-op hunts. The game also introduced Apex Monsters, challenging endgame content, and vertical movement, which expanded the gameplay and map size. These innovations marked a significant leap forward, though it's not the pinnacle of the series.

5. Monster Hunter Rise

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review

Monster Hunter Rise returned the series to handhelds after the console and PC success of Monster Hunter: World. Initially exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, Rise refined the series' larger-scale elements for handheld play, offering a faster-paced and smoother experience.

The introduction of Palamutes, rideable dog companions, and the Wirebug mechanic, which allowed for new weapon attacks and aerial movement, added a sense of scale and excitement. Rise delivered one of the best handheld Monster Hunter experiences, blending the serene atmosphere of Kamura Village with thrilling hunts.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: June 30, 2022 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review

Sunbreak expanded on Monster Hunter Rise with a new location, new monsters, and a revised weapons system. It embraced gothic horror themes with the Citadel castle and vampire-inspired monsters, enhancing the series' atmosphere. Sunbreak also added challenging endgame content, with the final battle against Malzeno being a highlight of the expansion.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: August 28, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate review

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate served as a tribute to the series' past decade, featuring the largest monster roster and extensive customization options. The introduction of Hunter Styles and Hunting Arts allowed for diverse combat approaches, making it a highly experimental and enjoyable entry. It's a celebration of the series' iconic elements and the joy of playing with others.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: September 6, 2019 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne review

Following the success of Monster Hunter: World, Iceborne expanded the game with a new campaign and numerous hunts, feeling like a true sequel. The Guiding Lands offered a seamless blend of previous zones, and the expansion introduced quality-of-life improvements. New monsters like Savage Deviljho, Velkhana, and Fatalis became fan favorites, making Iceborne a close contender for the top spot.

1. Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: January 26, 2018 | Review: IGN's Monster Hunter: World review

Monster Hunter: World sparked a global phenomenon, bringing the series back to consoles and reaching a new audience. Its expansive open zones and focus on the thrill of tracking and hunting massive monsters set it apart. The game's sense of scale, from the jungle to the Coral Highlands, created a vibrant ecosystem where players felt immersed in a living world.

Enhanced by high-quality cutscenes and a compelling story, Monster Hunter: World is not only essential for fans but also a landmark video game. Its success paved the way for future entries and solidified the series' place in gaming history.

The 10 Best Monster Hunter Games

That's our ranking of the 10 best Monster Hunter games of all time. Which ones have you played, and which do you think are the best? Tell us your ranking in the Tier List above. Will you be preparing to hunt again with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments.