For 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 blockbuster success of Monster Hunter World in 2018, the series has undergone significant evolution.

Each game in the Monster Hunter series offers a unique experience, but we've ranked them, including the major DLCs, to identify the best of the best. Note that our rankings focus solely on the Ultimate versions of games where applicable. Let's dive into our list:

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 series' future. Despite its challenging controls and steep learning curve, it introduced the core elements that define Monster Hunter, such as battling colossal beasts with a mix of strategy and survival skills. Initially focused on online event missions, the single-player mode still allows players to experience the hunts that launched a genre, even if official servers outside Japan are no longer active.

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 brought the series to the PlayStation Portable, expanding the audience significantly. An enhanced version of Monster Hunter G, it introduced numerous quality-of-life improvements and emphasized co-op play, making it a pivotal title for the series' handheld success. Despite some control and camera issues, it remains a fun and crucial entry in the Monster Hunter saga.

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

Freedom Unite, an expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, introduced iconic monsters like Nargacuga and the beloved Felyne companions. As the largest game in the series at its release, it set a new standard for content and gameplay, making it a landmark title despite some challenging encounters.

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 refined the experience with a restructured story and new content. It reintroduced beloved weapons and added underwater combat, enhancing the variety of gameplay. Though the camera could be challenging, the game remains a strong entry in the series, especially for its multiplayer features.

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 marked a significant shift with the introduction of dedicated online multiplayer, revolutionizing the series' social aspect. It also introduced Apex Monsters and vertical movement, expanding the game's scope and challenge. While a major step forward, 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

Returning to handhelds, Monster Hunter Rise refined the series' mechanics for a smoother, faster-paced experience on the Nintendo Switch. Introducing Palamutes and the Wirebug mechanic, Rise brought new dynamics to exploration and combat, making it one of the best handheld Monster Hunter games.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

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

Sunbreak expanded Rise with a new location, new monsters, and a revamped weapons system. Its gothic horror-inspired setting and challenging endgame content, especially the fight against Malzeno, make it a standout expansion that enhances an already excellent game.

3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

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

Generations Ultimate celebrated the series' history with the largest monster roster and innovative Hunter Styles, offering unprecedented customization. This game is a testament to the series' diversity and the joy of playing with friends, making it a cherished entry.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

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

Iceborne expanded Monster Hunter World with a massive campaign and new monsters like Savage Deviljho and Velkhana. Its seamless integration of previous zones into the Guiding Lands and numerous quality-of-life improvements make it feel like a sequel, securing its place as one of the best Monster Hunter experiences.

1. Monster Hunter: World

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

Monster Hunter: World brought the series to a global audience on consoles, redefining the series with its expansive open zones and immersive ecosystem. Its breathtaking environments, engaging story, and dynamic monster interactions make it not just the best Monster Hunter game, but a landmark title in gaming.

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.