Monster Hunter is a very long series of games from the publisher and developer Capcom. If it was a great success in Japan, it was not until Monster Hunter World that it exploded in the West. Capcom was therefore right to persevere and continue to translate these games from Japanese, since now the series has become so popular that it has been adapted to the cinema.
The principle is simple: as its name suggests, it is about hunting monsters between 1 to 4 players (1 per console / computer) in unique environments and universe mixing feudal, heroic fantasy and Japanese mythology.
Hunted monsters are fantastic creatures, sometimes gigantic, inspired by different animals and mythologies. They each have their own behavior, character and it will be necessary to learn and learn about their subjects in order to apprehend them.
To hunt them, players have the choice between a multitude of weapons: swords, pistols, crossbows, cannons, machine guns, daggers. If it seems obvious to choose a powerful firearm a priori, each of the weapons has been balanced to have strengths and weaknesses.
In the Monster Hunter games, we attack monsters but it’s in a fantasy universe. When the monsters are knocked out, they are simply stunned, or on the ground.
Although these are very action-oriented role-playing games, there is no level of experience to accumulate. Here it is about finding the best objects to improve or make your equipment. Your character is controlled in third-person view.
The Monster Hunter game series is suitable for both teenagers and adults. There is violence and blood (because of the fighting), and alcohol.
The games are quite difficult to take in hand, therefore the tutorial at the beginning of each game is rather long. Games require a significant time investment.
The article is subject to updates based on releases and availability of the games concerned.
In this article, we focus on the games available for sale on recent consoles.
Monster Hunter World (2018)
It is the fifth main game in the Monster Hunter series.
As in previous games in the series, the player takes on the role of a character he created who travels to the “New World”, an unpopulated landmass filled with monsters, to join the research commission that studies the country from its central command base in Astera. The research commission commissions the hunter to hunt down and kill or capture the large monsters that roam outside Astera in order to protect the commission and study the monsters there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Hunter%3A_World
The game is huge, beautiful, great with several BUT the interface to find players online is very laborious. Even when we have agreed to find our friends inside, it is difficult because everyone has a different progression in the game and we can not progress together in the quests and the story.
Available on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam PC.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)
It is an expansion for the game Monster Hunter World adding glacial environments and quests to the original world. If you have the original game, it is possible to purchase the expansion separately. Otherwise, it is possible to buy both together.
Warning: The expansion is not playable separately.
Available on Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam PC.
Monster Hunter Rise (2021)
It is the sixth main game in the Monster Hunter series.
Rise uses the same transparent map approach introduced in Monster Hunter: World, unlike the zoned areas typical of early games in the series. Its maps are more focused on vertical movement than previous games, as its title indicates, and new tools are made available to the player to help them move quickly vertically. The Wirebug, similar to the Clutch Claw added in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, allows the player to grab and swing through higher spaces or locations, as needed. The Wirebug also has different interactions with each type of weapon, adding to the set of moves and combos of that weapon. In addition, the Wirebug allows the player to engage certain monsters in Wyvern Riding, allowing the hunter to mount and control the creature to a certain point in order to lead it to more combat-friendly areas or engage another monster.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Hunter_Rise
The interface for online gaming has normally been greatly improved.
Available on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and Steam PC.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022)
It is an expansion for the Monster Hunter Rise game adding sunny environments and quests to the original world. If you have the original game, it is possible to purchase the expansion separately. Otherwise, it is possible to buy both together.
Warning: The expansion is not playable separately.
Available on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and Steam PC.
Which Monster Hunter game to choose?
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. That’s it. This is the latest. This is the one that has all the latest updates, and this is where you will find players online the easiest.
At the time of writing, Monster Hunter Rise (without the expansion) is playable in Xbox Game Pass. The perfect opportunity to try before you buy. Otherwise demos of the same game are available on Steam PC or Nintendo eShop on the Switch.
