While your mind may jump to a full-fat PC or console entry upon first hearing the series' name, there are also some excellent Monster Hunter games on handheld platforms, and we're here to highlight some of the best.
Of course, we're eagerly waiting for a new Monster Hunter game, so we're keeping a close eye on the upcoming Monster Hunter Outlanders release date. But, in the meantime, there are plenty of palico pals and brilliant beasts for you to best below.
Here are the best Monster Hunter games, along with a few alternatives for you to check out:
1. Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
It goes without saying that if you want the perfect Monster Hunter experience, you should play a game that belongs to the franchise. Fortunately, there happens to be an incredible one on Nintendo Switch - Monster Hunter Rise. The game features everything that makes Capcom's franchise so great, and we strongly suggest you try it out, if you haven't done so already, that is.
As you can guess, the game features monster hunting in a glorious world that will consume hours of your life. If you want to know more about this fabulous RPG, you can check out our Monster Hunter Rise review.
And, as if that wasn't enough, Rise also has an amazing, expansive DLC called Sunbreak, which adds new areas, monsters, weapons and armor, and, of course, more action. To find out about this epic extension, check out our Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak review.
2. Monster Hunter Now
What do you get when you cross Pokémon GO with Capcom's classic monster huntin' series? Why, you get Monster Hunter Now, of course! It may be more of a MH-light style experience, but it does offer you the opportunity to hunt a heap of classic monsters in your own backyard.
If you do fancy giving it a try, be sure to check out our guides to all the Monster Hunter Now monsters and Monster Hunter Now weapons to ensure you're prepared to face that Paolumu at the park. And, if you fancy getting an inside look at these brilliant beasts, be sure to check out our Monster Hunter Now interview with senior producer Sakae Osumi.
3. Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Before Rise and World, there was Monster Hunter Generations on the 3DS. Our guides editor Tilly personally remembers walking from store to store in London trying to hunt down a copy when it first released, desperate to dive back into that classic Monster Hunting action. But don't worry, you don't have to set out on a real-life hunt to find your own copy (and a working 3DS) to experience this action, as it's now available on Switch in its final form as Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.
Generations Ultimate was the critically acclaimed series' major debut on Switch, inviting you to go on a heap of epic hunts any time, any place. And, with a whopping 14 weapon types and a massive bestiary of beasties to battle (both familiar and new to this game), there's plenty of fun to be had.
If your MH journey started with Rise or World, you may find this one to be a little more challenging and somewhat janky - but honestly, according to Tilly, that's what makes it so great. Oh, and if you do happen to struggle, you can also join up to three other players for co-op multiplayer action, either online or in person. Maybe a high rank hunter will hop in to help you out!
4. Monster Hunter Stories
Deviating from the standard hunting formula, Monster Hunter Stories is a cute turn-based RPG that takes the world of the series and expands upon it with new lore, characters, and more.
Instead of hunting down the monsters, you're instead tasked with raising them, as you dive into a deep story featuring heroes known as 'Monster Riders', overcoming a variety of trials and tribulations as you grow as a rider and leave your village to embark on an exciting adventure.
Available on Android and iOS, and finally arriving on Switch, this adorable spin-off series has seen much success over the years, and it's no wonder why. I mean, don't you just love the idea of riding a Rathalos, petting a Purple Ludroth, or wrestling a Rajang?
5. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
The second installment of the turn-based RPG series set in the world of Monster Hunter, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is another fun-filled, story-driven adventure that invites you to hatch, raise, and live alongside monsters as a Monster Rider.
As the grandchild of Red, whose Monstie was Guardian Ratha, you find yourself entrusted with something that could bring hope or terror to the world. Along the way, you befriend a diverse range of monsters, form a party, and embark on a variety of daring escapades.
Unfortunately, this one isn't available on mobile, but you can play it on Switch, PlayStation 4, or PC via Steam. It also supports multiplayer, so you can team up with some pals to take on this exciting new world.
And those are our top picks for the best Monster Hunter games (and the best games like Monster Hunter) on mobile and Switch. We're eagerly looking forward to the upcoming Monster Hunter Outlanders, though, so be sure to check back soon!