All right seriously though, what are the differences of the Monster Hunter titles?

[hwarang]

I've yet to play a single Monster Hunter title funnily enough. Procrastination has led me to miss out on a bajillion entries except I can't tell if one iteration is different or recent iteration is an amalgamation of prior entries. Are there specific titles that are final versions of their "generations"?

 

[ghostcrew]

Maybe just start afresh with MH Rise alongside everyone else?

It's it's own game, not a continuation of a series/a sequel/a greatest hits. Good jumping in point probably.

 

[entremet]

Just stick with the current games. Don't go back. That's a rabbit hole.

 

[Theswweet]

1st generation: Monster Hunter, Monster Hunter G (Japan Only), Monster Hunter Portable, Monster Hunter Portable G/Freedom <- this is the one you would want to play from Gen 1, if you ever wanted to play one.

2nd generation: Monster Hunter Dos (2), Monster Hunter Portable 2nd/Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G/Monster Hunter Freedom Unite <- this is the one you would want to play from Gen 2

3rd generation: Monster Hunter Tri (3), Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (Japan Only), Monster Hunter Tri G/Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate <- this is the one you would want to play from Gen 3

4th generation: Monster Hunter 4 (Japan Only), Monster Hunter 4 G/Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Monster Hunter Cross/Monster Hunter Generations, Monster Hunter Double Cross/Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate - 4th gen is trickier, both MH4U and MHGU are worth playing and have content the other doesn't.

5th generation: Monster Hunter World+Iceborne, Monster Hunter Rise <- you are here

Realistically, there's no reason to play 2nd gen or earlier. MH3U is still great IMO and worth playing, but if you're going to start, it should be with MH4U/MHGU/MHWorld.

 

[The Last One]

Monster Hunter World expanded the franchise audience for a reason... Stick with the current ones.

 

[catboy]

the 3ds game line culminated in xx / generations on switch

world was new from the ground up for current gen, but obviously keeping the basic formula and game feel

rise looks to be an evolution of world but suitable for handhelds

 

[Kinsei]

Each iteration is pretty different. As far as notable releases go

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite: This game contains all the monsters and areas from both the first and second generations of Monster Hunter. Including some monsters that haven't been seen since.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate: The final game of the third generation. This was the last game with underwater combat and as a result some monsters from it have never been brought back.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate; The only game in the mainline series worth a damn. Also has monsters that haven't been brought back yet.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate; Designed as an anniversary title so it has a huge monster roster. Has a bunch of unique combat mechanics. Has the best endgame in the series.

Monster Hunter Iceborne: The most recent game. Designed to be good for newcomers.

 

[TreIII]

At this stage in the game, your best bets are to either:

a) go with the earlier suggestion and await Rise's release in March. Will be a brand new game for everybody, and so therefore, you can stand to have the largest available scene to play with, as well as learn from vets and other peers.

and/or...

b) go play World/Iceborne now, if you really want to see what the fuss is about. Has enough content to keep you busy, has more than enough guides provided through the likes of Youtube vids and reddit threads, and there is a decent playerbase still actively playing, for the time being. Though do go in, expecting that by February/March, a great portion of that community will be migrating over to Rise.