Fans clamoring for a Monster Hunter game on the NintendoSwitch will finally get one with the upcoming Monster Hunter: Rise. As its reveal teased, the game marks the franchise's return to a more portable experience away from Monster Hunter: World. With Rise, fans of Capcom's monster-hunting franchise can hunt alongside cat-like Palicoes as well as new mounts called Palamutes.
Hardcore fans of Monster Hunter might already be preparing their gear for Rise's eventual arrival. After all, new mounts and monsters mean strategizing how to best utilize traps, armor, and weapons. Players may also start their training by going back to a few older titles in the franchise. Which Monster Hunter titles will help players prepare for Rise?
10 Monster Hunter Stories
Players who want a lighter Monster Hunter experience before Rise should try out Monster Hunter Stories. This Nintendo 3DS game serves as a unique spinoff to the franchise. Instead of taking the role of a Hunter, players become a Rider in charge of taming monsters to solve the Black Blight plaguing their village.
As such, this game has a weird feeling of Pokémon on the side. Players can tame the very creatures Hunters used to hunt in previous games. Players need to form a team of monsters to overcome many challenges in their journey. Moreover, the monsters in the game have unique attributes and skills that players can customize to their liking.
9 Monster Hunter
Of all the games in the Monster Hunter franchise, the PlayStation 2 title is a must-try. The first Monster Hunter game in the PS2 didn't become as popular internationally due to its lack of advertising. However, its success in Japan and its small fanbase in the West slowly helped the game (and the franchise) get its following.
Monster Hunter starts small, with only 29 large monsters and 11 small monsters. However, the game immediately introduces some highlights: including popular weapons like the Great Sword, and Felyne skills.
8 Monster Hunter Freedom
Despite being based on Monster Hunter G, Monster Hunter Freedom for the PlayStation Portable isn't a direct port of the game. Rather, it gives the first look of a portable Monster Hunter experience. This game also introduces a lot of quality-of-life features that enhances a Hunter's journey outside combat.
Monster Hunter Freedom introduces the Yian Garuga, the more aggressive cousin of the notorious Yian Kut-Ku. Interestingly, players can hunt Monster Subspecies, but aren't told if they're hunting that specific variant unless quests mention their color. This game serves as a perfect introduction to the franchise's more elaborate mechanics.
7 Monster Hunter Freedom 2
Players of the PlayStation Portable love Monster Hunter Freedom 2 for reinvigorating the MH concept for portable devices. This game serves as the first release of Monster Hunter 2 outside Japan. Interestingly enough, the game isn't simply an "adaptation" of MH2 but also introduces some new concepts. This game first introduces the Akantor, Tigrex, and Giadrome. Moreover, while the game drastically improves Farming, there's a lack of G-Rank Quests for Hunters.
Interestingly, time is fixed in MHF2, with the game showing players the time they'll be taking a quest. This allows them to adjust to the quest time once they get into the area. Moreover, the game introduces new weapons such as the Bow, Long Sword, Hunting Horn, and Gunlance.
6 Monster Hunter 3
Fans who own the Nintendo Wii should definitely give Monster Hunter 3 a shot. Interestingly, this first entry in the game's third generation removes most monsters from previous games as well as their subspecies. Only the Diablos, Rathalos, and Rathian return as the game's large monsters. MH3 and MH3U are the only two games in the franchise to include underwater combat and swimming mechanics.
Players should try MH3 to experience some unique changes in terms of weapon systems. While the game introduces the Switch Axe, there's the absence of Dual Swords, Hunting Horns, Gunlances, and Bows. As such, players need to adjust their strategies if they primarily focus in these weapons.
5 Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate serves as the expansion for the Wii's Tri, now capable of supporting cross-play between the two platforms via special tools. As with Tri, the Shakalaka returns as companions in the game. The new Target Camera feature allows players to focus more on larger monsters. This game starts the trend of introducing new and handy features to simplify the Hunter's experience.
More importantly, the touch-screen bottom of the 3DS can organize various menus and information that the players see fit. Their entire 3Ds transforms into a handy hunting companion. In addition, features from Tri such as Free Hunt, or new features such as nocturnal monster sub-variants become prominent in MH3U.
4 Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Players who still have access to the Nintendo 3DS should definitely give Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate a shot. In this game, players become Hunters who join a traveling caravan as they explore new areas. Aside from the new premise, players might notice how this game first introduces the Insect Glaive and Charge Blade, both of which are weapons with unique features.
4 Ultimate game sets itself apart from other titles with its heavy emphasis on platforming. Players can grab and traverse walls and other vertical spaces, as well as grab onto their prey. Moreover, a Frenzy Virus system can force creatures to behave more ferociously in combat.
3 Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Fans of Monster Hunter would fondly remember Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for the PlayStation Portable (PSP).Some consider this game the franchise's biggest release in the platform. Outside the 3Ds games, this PSP title defined the co-op Monster Hunter experience for its generation.
Freedom Unite introduced the concept of Felyne Comrades to assist solo Hunters – a welcome addition against bosses. Moreover, the game also allows players to skip the title's long animation openings as well as a speed-up in the form of the Data Install System.
2 Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Players who want a modern interpretation of Monster Hunter's signature gameplay should try out Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate for the Nintendo 3DS and the Switch. After all, the game serves as a tribute to all previous titles in the franchise. Generations Ultimate features all monsters and villages from the previous games. Interestingly, the game returns with Palicos and introduces Nyanta, a Palico variant that's playable. Players who choose to be Nyanta can also fight enemies with their own moveset and special features.
Moreover, the game features Hunting Styles for each weapon, letting players have offensive and defensive options available for them. These act as Skills that help players gain the upper hand in battle. However, the game also challenges players with Deviant monsters – or unique variations of creatures with more aggression and unique attacks.
1 Monster Hunter: World
Fans of Monster Hunter who want a comprehensive look at the franchise's future should try out Monster Hunter: World. This title– available on the PC, Xbox One, and PS4– provides a fresh take on the franchise's mechanics. Unlike other titles, World introduces territories for larger monsters, a grappling hook, as well as a riding mechanic that allows Hunters to deal more damage.
World now features a bustling open-world environment where players can approach their hunt without being interrupted by load screens. This environment also means monsters have "set routines" and may even fight one another. World features a simple plot that takes players through their journey from novice Hunters into pros.