Discover the Chronological Journey of Monster Hunter Games

Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, roars back in 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds. The series, spanning generations of consoles, reached new heights with Monster Hunter World (2018) and Monster Hunter Rise (2021), Capcom's two best-selling games ever.

With Monster Hunter Wilds launching February 28th, let's explore the franchise's history through its most impactful titles.

The Extensive Monster Hunter Universe:

While over 25 Monster Hunter games exist (including spin-offs and mobile titles), this list focuses on the 12 most significant, excluding mobile, arcade, and discontinued MMO entries, and the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village.

IGN's Monster Hunter Reviews

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Starting Your Monster Hunter Journey:

The Monster Hunter series lacks a continuous narrative, allowing for flexible entry points. Newcomers in 2025 might prefer awaiting Monster Hunter Wilds reviews. However, Monster Hunter World (exploration and immersion) or Monster Hunter Rise (speed and fluidity) are excellent starting points.

Out February 28### Monster Hunter Wilds - Standard Edition

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A Chronological Look at Key Monster Hunter Games:

Monster Hunter (2004)

Initially conceived as part of a three-game PS2 online strategy (alongside Auto Modellista and Resident Evil: Outbreak), the original Monster Hunter established core gameplay: players hunt monsters, gather materials, craft equipment, and face increasingly challenging hunts, solo or online. Monster Hunter G, an expanded version, followed exclusively in Japan.

Monster HunterCapcom Production Studio 1Mar 11, 2004

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Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)

Launching on PSP, Monster Hunter Freedom (an enhanced Monster Hunter G port) marked the series' successful transition to portable consoles, selling over a million copies and establishing a trend of handheld dominance until Monster Hunter World.

Monster Hunter FreedomCapcom Production Studio 1Dec 1, 2005

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(The remaining game entries will follow a similar format, condensing descriptions for brevity while retaining key details and image placement.)

Monster Hunter 2 (2006)

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007) & Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008)

Monster Hunter 3 (2009) & Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2013)

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)

Monster Hunter 4 (2013) & Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)

Monster Hunter Generations (2015) & Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (2017)

Monster Hunter Stories (2016)

Monster Hunter World (2018) & Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)

Monster Hunter Rise (2021) & Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022)

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021)

Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)

The Future of Monster Hunting:

Beyond Monster Hunter Wilds (releasing February 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Capcom and TiMi Studio Group are developing Monster Hunter Outlanders, a free-to-play mobile game with multiplayer and a vast open world. A release date is yet to be announced. Further details on Wilds can be found through IGN First coverage:

How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide Hit How the Monster Hunter Wilds Team Select Their Beastly Lineup Monster Hunter Wilds Developers Talk Weapon Changes Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear Monster Hunter Wilds: The Final Preview

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