The Best Monster Hunter Console Games

With Monster Hunter Wilds just over the horizon now, there’s no better time to catch up on some of the best Monster Hunter console games of the past. Grab your weapon of choice and get ready to go hunting, because we’re visiting some of the finest console titles this franchise has to offer.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

The original Monster Hunter Tri on the Nintendo Wii saw the series return to home consoles after a very successful run of PlayStation Portable games. It was a decent enough attempt, with some distinctive and somewhat controversial elements. Like its predecessor, Monster Hunter Tri got an improved version with added content. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate released on both the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Wii U, and both versions are quite playable. With the online servers down you’ll have to hunt alone in this game, should you choose the console route. Consider it a challenge.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Initially released on the Nintendo 3DS in Japan, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate was a bit too late in the handheld’s life cycle to get a localization. Fortunately, Capcom decided to port the game to the Nintendo Switch. Generations adds some new aspects to the Monster Hunter formula, such as the new Hunting Styles and playable Felynes via the new Prowler mode. Even with all of that, there’s a certain old-school flavor to this game that many players enjoy. For those seeking that pre-Monster Hunter: World style, this is the best still-active Monster Hunter console game.

Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak

While it will soon lose this title, Monster Hunter Rise is currently the newest release in the series. It originally launched on the Nintendo Switch but is now available on every modern platform. Some of the biggest additions in this entry concern traversal. The new Palamutes offer you a chance to ride into battle in style. The Wirebugs allow you to swing around like a true webslinger. Is it the absolute best? That’s a tough question, but it’s easily in conversation for the best Monster Hunter console game. The Sunbreak expansion introduces the new Citadel, Jungle, and Forlorn Arena hunting areas, each with their own distinct vibe. It also adds Elgado, an outpost filled with new characters to meet. Most importantly, there are three new terrifyingly strong monsters to battle: Malzeno, Garangolm, and Lunagaron.

Monster Hunter: World and Iceborne

The Monster Hunter game that helped the series finally break out in a big way all over the globe, Monster Hunter: World is popular with good reason. Pushing the tech of the then-cutting edge gaming hardware, Monster Hunter: World discards the zone system of prior games in favor of fully connected spaces. Combined with more intelligent monsters, this game forces veteran hunters to rethink their strategies while welcoming in new players. The expansion, Iceborne, keeps the good times rolling, picking up from the ending of the base game. Working from the frosty new headquarters in Seliana, you’ll have to explore the treacherous Hoarfrost Reach. You’ll tackle a menagerie of additional monsters, including returning favorites like Tigrex and deadly new faces like Velkhana.

Monster Hunter Stories

While we’re mainly focusing on the core games in the series, I wanted to leave some space to talk about Monster Hunter Stories. Capcom’s attempt to create a spin-off that would appeal to a slightly younger demographic resulted in an excellent JRPG. It plays very differently from the mainline games, but offers plenty of Monster Hunter touches. While originally a Nintendo 3DS game, it has since been ported to other platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows. You can even play it on your phone, if you’re that-way inclined. The sequel, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, is also worth checking out.

What’s your favorite Monster Hunter game? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!