Monster Hunter Wilds is set to release next week (28 February). The series is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, spanning more than two decades with titles and ports on all platforms. The premise of slaying and trapping monsters has become such an enjoyable gameplay loop that completing the story of each game is really just a tutorial to prepare for the biggest challenges with friends. As we eagerly await Monster Hunter Wilds, we count down the top five Monster Hunter games that are available right now to prepare you for the best hunts yet.
5. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
This list starts with 3 Ultimate, the definitive version of Monster Hunter Tri. Here we have updated graphics and new monsters in what really established the series as a dominant force in all formats. While the opening hours are potentially the most difficult to move through for both new and returning gamers, the slow progression with tactics does ensure better preparation when the big fights hit. This series is about teaching yourself, using your style and weaponry. 3 Ultimate, at the time, was really the best example of this and scales up the monsters to 100. The campaign is a training ground for the co-op action, and this loop serves the series well. In the earlier games, taking on monsters could become cumbersome with angles, graphics and functionality. 3 Ultimate really paved the way for all the technical elements to come together and immerse players in fights. The precision took a leap here, and while 4 Ultimate and others perfected this, 3 Ultimate remains a staple in the series.
Best monster: Gobul
4. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Freedom Unite for the PSP, at the time of release, was unmatched. This may be the most unforgiving game in the Monster Hunter catalogue, even ahead of 3 Ultimate, and therefore has a sub-section of players that crave its punishing runs. The content is stacked despite running on a handheld (400+ missions) and there is a greater sense of ‘figure this out yourself’ that is not really applied to the newer titles with better tutorials. This sees the progression become extremely rewarding, much like a Souls fanatic may rave about when getting good. The hunts are long. The hit boxes are punishing. Rarity 9 and 10 armour and weapons were added, and the ‘unite’ demonstrates the applied connectivity. While it may be difficult to delve back into Freedom Unite after the most contemporary additions, this is a great ‘test’ for any hunter that considers themselves a pro. Freedom Unite is slightly ahead of 3 Ultimate based on its impact and ability to push the series in multiple quality-of-life areas.
Best monster: White Fatalis
3. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is the newest title on this list and therefore is expected to have the best features to learn from player feedback. The polish is also best in class. While not the strongest package or longest game in the series, Rise does introduce new players to the mechanics in a more streamlined process for accessibility. Terrain is not as difficult as World, and the number of game modes provides options in tackling giant beasts alone or with friends. This also means that many of the hunts are faster than other entries. It is efficient. Traversal is seamless, movement is sharp and menu-sifting is much easier overall. Where the other titles may take hours to get into a good boss fight with competence, Rise throws you into the action faster. Tools are more important than environment here (World is opposite) so much of this comes down to player preference. Rise is a fantastic entry and deserves its podium finish, with most players preparing for Wilds in these battlegrounds.
Best monster: Malzeno
2. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
A great Monster Hunter game needs strong monster designs and challenge. It needs weapons that play well, and an engaging atmosphere. These are 4 Ultimate’s best traits, noting this is years before the release of World and Rise. The variety of monsters in this title is impressive and all have distinct characteristics, but what may serve as nostalgic power is really that this game changed up the formula through the added meat. Story, difficulty and progression became more aligned. This is the best 3DS game available and provides fantastic online multiplayer on the handheld. The free DLC, guild quests and expeditions promoted a layer of replayability on-the-go. Soundtrack is brilliant. But what may really stand out is the first five minutes. Boom, you’re in. Keep yourself alive before you learn anything else. Sure, there are opportunities missed to better inform the player. But this game gives hunters exactly what they want: a lengthy roster of crazed beasts to destroy with an assortment of options (oh, and Insect Glaive).
Best monster: Stygian Zinogre
1. Monster Hunter World
The biggest in scope and story, Monster Hunter World changed the landscape of Monster Hunter games and saw a new horde of players enter the field. With a graphical boost, the intricate nature of the world and the depth of mechanics, MH World still stands as the best game in the series despite not being the newest release. The world is so untamed and offers rewarding exploration that can provide new options in tackling giant beasts. In these types of games, the gamer needs to feel immersed and the world lived-in. World achieves this through the interaction, monster mechanics and reactions to in-game events. The lighting, day/night fights, array of weapons and tactics, the wildlife and even the monster behaviour creates an organic and authentic atmosphere. Each hunt feels unique. World is still the benchmark by which to judge Wilds, along with its expansions, due to the closest resemblance in style and structure.
Best monster: Fatalis
This all leads us to Monster Hunter Wilds. Where will the newest release land on our list? With a greater emphasis on story, mechanics, environments (and the use of latest hardware) the latest entry is certain to challenge World as the best Monster Hunter yet.
