Uncover the Top Monster Hunter Games with Unforgettable Stories!

Summary

Monster Hunter Wilds: Critical Status skill explained, providing insights on ailments.
Monster Hunter Stories shines with a charming narrative about bonding with monsters.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak’s DLC elevates the mediocre base game story.

The primary appeal of the Monster Hunter series lies in its straightforward title; however, it’s noteworthy that this franchise has been steadily enhancing its ability to present compelling stories. Initially, the games were primarily about players battling colossal monsters, but as the series progressed, they started incorporating more complex characters and narrative elements within the existing gameplay structure.

Despite the fact that not every tale within these Monster Hunter games can compete with the best, it’s important to remember that each installment might not be a grand slam in terms of its narrative. Consequently, some players may wonder which titles are worth experiencing for their engaging stories and which ones can be skipped without much loss. This ranking aims to help fans decide which games from this acclaimed series offer the most captivating narratives to enjoy.

8. Monster Hunter Frontier

Not Bad For An MMO

The fact that it keeps players invested in an MMO makes it worth consideration
Fun for what it is
No longer in service as of December 2019

At times, a game’s narrative can captivate me deeply, keeping me hooked on the unfolding events. When an MMO manages to do this, it truly deserves recognition. It isn’t that the story is particularly extraordinary, but the shared experience of playing it alongside hundreds of others breathes life into the game in a unique way.

The narrative of that game kept unfolding and transforming as new updates came out, making it an exciting and unforgettable journey. However, the storyline is not exceptional, which is why it’s placed at the bottom of this list. Regrettably, the game was shut down in December 2019, so it can no longer be accessed.

7. Monster Hunter Stories

The Name Speaks For Itself

A nice story about bonding with monsters
Simple, yet effective, storytelling

Given the title’s inclusion of “stories”, it is reasonable to anticipate that this game will primarily emphasize its storyline. Indeed, it delivers on this expectation with an enchanting narrative about a character who embarks on a journey to discover the origin of a strange affliction that led a beast to assault their village.

The tale resembles numerous heartwarming films you often find in family-oriented cinemas. Although its plot might be straightforward, it remains captivating enough to keep you hooked. The visuals, music, and ambiance of the game all work together to create a delightful universe that’s definitely worth investing some of your precious time into.

6. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Fantastic Atmosphere

A standard story for the franchise
The game is elevated by its atmosphere and soundtrack

In this game, as with many others in the series, the storyline isn’t surprising: a hunter encounters a village under attack by monsters and this incident sets off their adventure. This familiar plot structure may not be original, but it certainly fits well for this particular game.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to express my gratitude for the exceptional way this game crafts its immersive ambiance. The franchise’s outstanding soundtrack plays an instrumental role in amplifying the overall experience, making each moment feel unique and captivating. It skillfully enhances the narrative, making even ordinary events seem extraordinary and intriguing.

5. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

A Plain Good Story

At one point, it was the best story in the series
Intertwines the missions into the story beats

At one point, this game boasted the most compelling narrative within its franchise. Essentially, it follows the journey of a novice hunter who finds himself embroiled in an adventure following an attack. While similar themes run throughout the series, this particular tale distinguishes itself in numerous aspects.

What sets this game apart is its ability to provide a compelling narrative explanation for every hunt, seamlessly integrating these quests into the overall storyline. For instance, the player might be tasked with tracking down a specific monster to gather necessary materials for repairing their ship. This results in an immersive experience where everything feels cohesively tied together.

4. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

The DLC Makes It Worthwhile

Base game is fine as a narrative, but the DLC makes it special
Easy to follow and engage with

As players delve into the series, they’ll discover that initial games sometimes suffer from a rather dull or even poorly crafted narrative. However, this all changes with the release of Downloadable Content (DLC) for the game, where the story is significantly enhanced and becomes something truly engaging that players are eager to explore further.

In this scenario, the Sunbreak DLC significantly enhances the storyline of the main game, which was initially average. By delving deeper into the lore of the settings, it adds layers that make players curious and eager to learn more about their actions and motivations. Even though Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is an expansion pack, its compelling narrative merits attention.

3. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin

Improves On The First In Every Way

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin

Takes what the first games does and makes it better
A darker tone is a refreshing change

Although the games revolve around the continuous slaying of vicious monsters, they tend to have a rather playful tone. Featuring feline friends scampering about, quirky characters engaging in amusing activities, and more, this series isn’t typically recognized for its somber or ominous nature.

This revised version of the game introduces a more somber ambiance compared to its predecessor and the series in general. It maintains a strong connection with the first installment but also presents fresh, intriguing characters, weaving them together to create an engaging narrative that sets it apart from other titles within the franchise by offering something unique.

2. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

When Story Really Grew

First game with full voice acting in its cutscenes
Sense of wonder permeates throughout

This game appears to significantly advance the storytelling within the series, taking it to a whole new level. Not only does the tale of the Hunter’s Guild investigating an enigmatic land grab your attention, but it also introduces fully voiced cutscenes for the first time, which adds depth and life to the characters.

As a gamer, I found the DLC expansion not only deepened the narrative of the original game but also added layers to its lore that were intriguing. All these elements seamlessly blend together, making it a memorable addition to the entire series.

1. Monster Hunter Wilds

Signs That The Best Is Coming

Even without a DLC, the base game feels like the presentation has been nailed
Good characters, good environments, and interesting ideas

As a gamer, I’ve found myself deeply engrossed in this game, not just because of the lack of a new DLC, but because the core story feels like it was crafted with a clear vision by the developers. The game’s narrative is at the heart of everything, shaping the experience rather than holding it back. It does this brilliantly through dramatic cutscenes, well-developed characters, and an intriguing lore that leaves me yearning for more.

Although it might not be the most captivating tale in the series, it seems to be the one that’s been told with the greatest skill and finesse. The entire production, without a doubt, represents the pinnacle of what the franchise has ever achieved. This is the kind of storytelling that keeps Monster Hunter fans eagerly anticipating more.

2025-03-29 16:35