Monster Hunter Tri, the series’ first main entry on a Nintendo console, marks a major shift with underwater combat, four-player online co-op, and a fresh visual overhaul. Released on the Wii in 2009, it also introduced a more narrative-driven quest structure, moving away from the series’ previous checklist-style progression. It was a key
Critically and commercially beloved the world over, the Monster Hunter franchise is set to unleash its most ambitious offering yet in Monster Hunter Wilds. Second only to the juggernaut Resident Evil franchise in lifetime sales, it’s fair to say that Capcom’s long-running Monster Hunter series has been and continues to be a tentpole for the Japanese publisher/developer. Thus, in preparation for what looks to be one of the biggest launches of the year, here is the core history of Capcom’s Monster Hunter series to get you appropriately jazzed.
Monster Hunter (2004)
Kicking the whole thing off on Sony’s beloved PlayStation 2 home console back in 2004, Capcom’s Monster Hunter gave gamers a monster-hunting adventure quite unlike any they had experienced before. With two different hunter types (Gunners and Blademasters), Monster Hunter invited players to specialise in several subtype classes as they set out to take down a range of hulking beasts – in a surprisingly substantial game world – by using attacks, special skills, traps and more. With a robust progression system underpinned by a pleasingly broad haul of new gear that can be scooped up, Monster Hunter arguably got its claws into its super passionate fanbase early on. Notably, Monster Hunter was also one of the few games to support the PS2’s ill-fated modem accessory, providing players with the option to go online with two other hunters to tackle special Event Quests.
Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Typifying an approach that favours refinement over revolution, Monster Hunter 2 (or Monster Hunter Dos, as it was also known), sought to iterate on an already resoundingly sound design bedrock. Never released outside of Japan, Monster Hunter 2 brought several fresh features to the table such as seasonal weather, that can stymie or benefit hunters during combat, a proper day-night cycle and, of course, all-new monsters and weapons to boot. Finally, in addition to a gem socketing system that allows for additional boosts to armour and weapons, Monster Hunter 2 also allows players to take on special quests where they choose between hunting small or large beasts, with approximate rewards issued in each case. Hardly a revolution then, but still an important part of the Monster Hunter legacy all the same.
Monster Hunter Tri (2009)
Monster Hunter 4 (2013)
Monster Hunter 4 marks a major leap for the series on the 3DS, introducing full online play on handheld for the first time, a stronger focus on story, and more NPCs and base camps than ever before. Gameplay evolved with improved traversal, wall-scaling, and the ability to mount monsters. While underwater combat was removed, new features like Guild Quests (with tradable, randomized rewards) and Exploration Missions added replayability and depth, making it a standout entry in the franchise.
Monster Hunter Stories (2016 & 2021)
Though not a core entry in the strictest terms, the Monster Hunter Stories games, which ultimately spanned two titles, are nonetheless worthy of mention solely because of how brazenly they shun the traditional Monster Hunter formula. As alluded to by the title, the Monster Hunter Stories represented a shift away from the traditional, mission-based hunting structures embraced by the core games in favour of a JRPG-style affair. With vibrant, though simplistic visuals and a turn-based battle system that in turn underpins a fairly epic story filled with bouncy and charming characters, Monster Hunter Stories couldn’t be more different from the core offerings in the franchise and as something of a palette cleanser, it roundly succeeded as a means for the series to branch out beyond its long-established raison d’etre.
Monster Hunter World (2018)
If the Monster Hunter Stories games represented a bouncy and somewhat lively diversion from traditional series trappings, then 2018’s Monster Hunter: World is a Laviente-sized lurch back in the other direction. Making full use of the impressive horsepower of eighth-generation home consoles, Monster Hunter: World not only boasted very large and seamless open-world maps where nary a loading screen could occur during play but also provided a sizable uptick in monster, NPC and environmental detail as well.
Bringing some 34 new monsters to the table and then rendering them into terrifying life with a level of fidelity previously not seen and tying it together with a fully fleshed-out storyline with actual characters that you might care about, Monster Hunter: World was every bit the next generation franchise entry that fans had hoped for. Supplementing such sizable improvements, Monster Hunter: World also made several more subtle and meaningful tweaks to the formula as well – introducing new ‘Tempered State’ monsters that presented an elevated challenge for seasoned players, along with a generally higher combat speed to make Monster Hunter: World feel like the most responsive game we had seen in the series to date at that point. Oh, and it’s also worth noting that Monster Hunter: World marked the series’ arrival on PC in the West – and they certainly picked a great one to make the leap with!
Monster Hunter Rise (2021)
Originally developed and released for Nintendo Switch in 2021 before enjoying ports to PC and other consoles in the years that followed, the more colourful and less fidelity-focused Monster Hunter Rise is arguably a step back from the epic spectacle of Monster Hunter: World in some ways, although it did have a couple of tricks up its digital sleeve to still make it a worthwhile entry in Capcom’s long-running series. First off, traversal had seen something of an upgrade, with hunters able to run along walls, ride into battle on new Palamute companions and sprint through the environment with speeds previously not seen in previous series offerings. Elsewhere, a reworked skill system allowed players to switch out skill sets mid-battle, providing Monster Hunter Rise with a tactile feeling in combat that was missing from some of the series’ previous entries.
If you’ve enjoyed past Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to take the experience to a whole new level. With deeper storytelling, seamless exploration, and fresh mechanics that build on everything fans love, it’s shaping up to be the most immersive entry yet. Whether you’re a longtime hunter or a newcomer looking for an epic adventure, there’s never been a better time to jump in. Don’t miss out – grab Monster Hunter Wilds now at Green Man Gaming and get ready to embark on your next great hunt!