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Best Mainline Monster Hunter Games

Oct 22, 2026
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Welcome to our guide on the best mainline Monster Hunter games! This ranking breaks down the most iconic entries in the legendary action RPG series, with each game scored and ranked based on its own unique set of metrics!

At A Glance

Monster Hunter: World (including Iceborne)
#1
4.8
Progression
4.5
Graphics
5.0
World Design
5.0
Combat
4.5
Co-op and Multiplayer
5.0

Monster Hunter: World (including Iceborne)

Monster Hunter Wilds
#2
4.6
Progression
4.0
Graphics
4.5
World Design
5.0
Combat
5.0
Co-op and Multiplayer
4.5

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Rise (including Sunbreak)
#3
4.3
Progression
4.0
Graphics
3.5
World Design
4.0
Combat
5.0
Co-op and Multiplayer
5.0

Monster Hunter Rise (including Sunbreak)

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
#4
4.0
Progression
4.5
Graphics
3.0
World Design
3.5
Combat
5.0
Co-op and Multiplayer
4.0

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
#5
3.9
Progression
5.0
Graphics
3.0
World Design
4.5
Combat
5.0
Co-op and Multiplayer
2.0

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Best Mainline Monster Hunter Games Frequently Asked Questions

Monster Hunter: World (including Iceborne) ranks first on this list with an overall score of 4.8/5.

No, none of the games on this list are free to play.

Yes, Monster Hunter Wilds support cross-platform play, though not every game on this list does.

Between them, these games are available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch.

Every game is scored against a defined rubric built from real player feedback on Steam, Reddit, and gaming forums, not press reviews. Each metric is scored out of 5, and games are ranked by their combined score for this specific list.

Detailed Breakdown

#1
Monster Hunter: World (including Iceborne)

Monster Hunter: World (including Iceborne)

Action RPG
multiplayer
4.8
Jan 2018
Progression
Graphics
World Design
Combat
Co-op and Multiplayer

The Good

  • Deep and rewarding progression system tied to gear crafting
  • Large detailed environments that feel alive and interconnected
  • Strong co-op experience for hunting with friends
  • Satisfying combat with a wide variety of weapon types
  • The primary endgame loop (Guiding Lands) offers a unique regional leveling system that isn't found in other entries

The Bad

  • Story pacing can feel slow with frequent interruptions
  • Multiplayer system can be awkward to set up during story missions
  • Inventory and UI systems can feel overly complex at first

Final Verdict

"Monster Hunter: World delivers a deep and rewarding gameplay loop built around hunting, crafting and mastering its combat systems. The world design and visuals elevate the experience, while Iceborne adds a strong endgame that keeps progression going for dozens of hours. Although multiplayer setup and grinding can occasionally frustrate, the overall experience remains a very satisfying cooperative action RPGs experience."

#2
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

Action RPG
multiplayer
4.6
Feb 2025
Progression
Graphics
World Design
Combat
Co-op and Multiplayer

The Good

  • Expansive seamless environments with dynamic weather systems
  • Excellent combat depth with fluid weapon switching
  • Improved traversal with mounts and open world design

The Bad

  • Progression pacing can feel uneven at times
  • Multiplayer still has a few friction points when joining hunts

Final Verdict

"Monster Hunter Wilds pushes the series forward with its seamless world design and refined combat systems. The dynamic environments and improved traversal make hunts feel more immersive, while the core gameplay remains as satisfying as ever. Although progression pacing and performance issues hold it back slightly, the overall experience stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the series."

#3
Monster Hunter Rise (including Sunbreak)

Monster Hunter Rise (including Sunbreak)

Action RPG
multiplayer
4.3
Mar 2021
Progression
Graphics
World Design
Combat
Co-op and Multiplayer

The Good

  • Extremely fluid and fast paced combat system
  • Wirebug traversal adds verticality and mobility to hunts
  • Wide variety of weapons and viable builds
  • Sunbreak expansion adds strong endgame content
  • Follower system in Sunbreak expansion effectively makes the game a Co-op experience even in single-player

The Bad

  • Visual quality is limited compared to other modern entries
  • Maps feel less immersive than larger open world designs
  • Rampage mode is not as well received as standard hunts
  • Cross-Save exists specifically within the Xbox ecosystem only
  • Steam Region Lock (for PC) make it hard to find random Join Requests

Final Verdict

"Monster Hunter Rise delivers one of the most fluid and enjoyable combat systems in the series, with mobility and speed that set it apart from other entries. The addition of Sunbreak strengthens the experience with more challenging content and deeper build variety. While the visuals and world design are less ambitious than newer titles, the core gameplay and excellent multiplayer make it a standout entry for both solo and co-op play."

#4
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Action RPG
multiplayer
4.0
Aug 2018
Progression
Graphics
World Design
Combat
Co-op and Multiplayer

The Good

  • Strong co-op hunting experience
  • Wide variety of weapons and playstyles
  • Deep and rewarding combat system
  • Huge amount of content and quests

The Bad

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Limited guidance and tutorials
  • Early progression can feel slow
  • Visuals feel dated compared to newer entries

Final Verdict

"Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate earns a high score thanks to its outstanding combat depth and huge amount of content. The variety of weapons and hunting styles gives the gameplay long term replayability, while the core loop of hunting and crafting remains consistently rewarding. Although the visuals feel dated and the onboarding can be difficult for new players, the strength of the combat system carries the experience. For those willing to invest the time, it offers one of the most satisfying action RPG loops available."

#5
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Action RPG
multiplayer
3.9
Feb 2015
Progression
Graphics
World Design
Combat
Co-op and Multiplayer

The Good

  • Extremely deep and rewarding progression system
  • One of the strongest combat systems in the series
  • Introduction of mounting adds a new layer to fights
  • Strong co-op experience both locally and online

The Bad

  • Visuals are limited by the 3DS hardware
  • Lack of modern quality of life features
  • Multiplayer setup is less streamlined than newer titles
  • As of April 2024, Nintendo officially shut down online servers for the 3DS

Final Verdict

"Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate stands as one of the most content rich and mechanically refined entries in the series. The combat and progression systems are exceptionally rewarding, offering long term depth that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours. While the visuals and quality of life features show their age, the core gameplay remains one of the stronger Monster Hunter experiences available."

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