There is no established official timeline that places every Monster Hunter action game in one precise in-universe sequence. For the main hunting-action series, the clearest route is release-era order, which follows how the games and their mechanics developed. The separate Monster Hunter Stories RPGs do have a documented internal sequence. This guide covers the major action releases and the Stories trilogy, not every regional, mobile, online, arcade, or minor spin-off.
What order should you play the main Monster Hunter games?
Use the order below as a game-history route, not as a canon chronology of events. Enhanced versions and expansions are included where they fit; regional names are noted when they differ.
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| Order | Game | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monster Hunter | The original hunting-action game. |
| 2 | Monster Hunter G | An enhanced version of the first game. |
| 3 | Monster Hunter 2 (Dos) | The next major action-series release. |
| 4 | Monster Hunter Freedom (Portable in Japan) | A portable-series release. |
| 5 | Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (Portable 2nd in Japan) | Followed by its expanded version in the next entry. |
| 6 | Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (Portable 2nd G in Japan) | Expanded edition of Freedom 2. |
| 7 | Monster Hunter Tri | A major numbered-series entry. |
| 8 | Monster Hunter Portable 3rd | A portable entry released after Tri. |
| 9 | Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate | Expanded version in the third-generation line. |
| 10 | Monster Hunter 4 | The next numbered-series entry. |
| 11 | Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate | Expanded version of Monster Hunter 4. |
| 12 | Monster Hunter Generations (Monster Hunter X in Japan) | A celebratory entry drawing on the series’ history. |
| 13 | Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Monster Hunter XX in Japan) | Expanded version of Generations. |
| 14 | Monster Hunter: World | The start of the modern World pair. |
| 15 | Monster Hunter World: Iceborne | Expansion that continues World. |
| 16 | Monster Hunter Rise | A separate mainline hunting-action entry. |
| 17 | Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak | Expansion that continues Rise. |
| 18 | Monster Hunter Wilds | Released February 28, 2025, according to Capcom. |
| 19 | Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance | Announced as a paid expansion continuing Wilds; Capcom scheduled it for 2027. |
The PlayStation series retrospective covers the evolution of several of these releases and their mechanics. The list is useful for experiencing that progression; it should not be read as proof that the games share a single, officially ordered story timeline.
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What is the chronological order of the Monster Hunter Stories games?
Stories is a separate, turn-based RPG branch. Capcom describes its players as Monster Riders who bond with and raise monsters, rather than hunters following the action series’ real-time weapon-based format. The developers have explicitly described the sequence of its stories:
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- Refined Graphics: Originally released in 2016 on the Nintendo 3DS, players can now experience riding Monsties in stunning detail on larger screens, enhanced with improved modeling, textures, and lighting in high definition.
- Now Fully Voiced: Immerse yourself in the adventure with full Japanese and English voiceovers.
- Additional Language Support: Monster Hunter Stories will have additional language support, newly featuring Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, and Arabic.
- Museum mode: Delve deeper into the world of Monster Hunter Stories through the newly added Museum mode, featuring the game’s background music and developer sketches.
- Included Title Updates (TU): Previously only available in Japan, players can now enjoy title updates, unlocking content from TU 1.20 and TU 1.30.
- Monster Hunter Stories
- Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin — set four years after the first game.
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection — set approximately 200 years after the previous game’s timeline.
The third game introduces a new story and cast. In a November 2025 Xbox Wire interview, the developers said prior knowledge of the first two games is not required to enjoy it. Playing the trilogy in order is still the way to follow its references and the series’ progression.
Where should a new player start?
If you want the modern action games
Start with Monster Hunter: World, then play Iceborne, Rise, Sunbreak, Wilds, and, when available, Ascendance. This shorter path skips older entries while keeping each expansion after its base game. Check the edition and platform available to you before choosing a game; availability varies by release.
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If you prefer a turn-based RPG
Start with Monster Hunter Stories and continue through Stories 2 and Stories 3. Capcom producer Ryozo Tsujimoto said Stories can be an introduction for players less comfortable with action games, as well as an option for a wide range of ages.
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If you want the series’ mechanical evolution
Follow the main action list from the original game onward. Older releases include enhanced editions and portable entries, so this route is a longer tour through the franchise’s release history rather than a requirement for understanding World, Rise, or Wilds.
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- Introduces Kirin, a lightning-charged elder dragon mega boss that delivers one of the most demanding and strategic hunts in Monster Hunter World: The Board Game.
- Expands campaign depth with branching quests, rare loot rewards, and powerful crafting paths that reshape how hunters prepare for future encounters.
- Features escalating difficulty as Kirin grows more dangerous, forcing players to adapt tactics, optimize builds, and master risk-reward decisions.
- Includes a highly detailed Kirin miniature with commanding table presence, enhancing immersion and visual impact during epic boss battles.
- Designed for experienced tabletop players seeking intense cooperative gameplay, advanced strategy, and meaningful long-term progression.
Why isn’t there one chronological order for every game?
“Chronological” can mean release order or the order of events within a fictional timeline. The action-series list above uses release-era order because the reviewed sources do not establish one authoritative timeline connecting every core game and spin-off. Stories is different: developers have stated the time gaps between its entries. Side projects also do not form a required sequence with the major releases covered here.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Contains both Monster Hunter: World and the Iceborne expansion
- Explore sprawling locales teeming with undiscovered creatures and thriving ecosystems
- Battle fearsome monsters not only to craft new weapons & armor, but also to drive the story forward and uncover the mysteries of the New World and Hoarfrost Reach
- Extensive single-player campaign that also allows drop-in multiplayer; use the SOS Flare to summon other hunters for an assist!
- Use monster materials, as well as items found growing in the wild, to craft new items and gear
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