The Monster Hunter franchise captured the attention of mobile gamers in 2023, with the September release of Monster Hunter Now rapidly accumulating an impressive install base of 10 million. It even secured a spot among the PocketGamer.biz team’s games of the year, showcasing the series’ enduring appeal.

However, the Monster Hunter saga began long before the advent of Now, spanning across various platforms from the iconic PS2 to handheld devices, including the Nintendo Switch. As the series approaches its 20th anniversary on March 11, Monster Hunter reflects on its extensive journey and influential legacy.

Originating two decades ago, Monster Hunter emerged during the PlayStation 2 era when Capcom aimed to harness the gaming industry’s latest powerhouse. The original Monster Hunter debuted on the PS2 in 2004, introducing players to iconic creatures like the Velocidrome and Rathalos. The game resonated particularly well in Japan, selling over a million copies and establishing a dedicated player base.

Subsequent releases, such as Monster Hunter 2 and Monster Hunter Tri, continued to evolve the series. Monster Hunter Tri marked a significant shift in 2009 as a Nintendo exclusive, initially launching on the Wii and later expanding to the Wii U and 3DS.

Monster Hunter 4, a landmark title released in 2013 for the 3DS, achieved international success, exceeding one million sales in North America and Europe. The franchise’s momentum persisted with Monster Hunter World’s debut on the PlayStation 4 in 2018, followed by the Nintendo Switch exclusive, Monster Hunter Rise, in 2021.

Reflecting on the recent achievements, series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto expressed gratitude, stating that Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise achieved total sales of 23 million and 13 million units, respectively. Monster Hunter Now, released in September, also surpassed 10 million downloads, further solidifying the series’ global impact.

Acknowledging the fans’ role in this success, the Monster Hunter team conveyed gratitude for the ongoing support. Looking forward, they expressed excitement about bringing more thrilling experiences to fans, building on the series’ 20-year legacy.

Monster Hunter Now, a mobile-exclusive geolocation game developed in collaboration with Niantic, has been a resounding success, breaking the $100 million revenue milestone in just three months. With major updates planned for every quarter and the impending launch of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025, Monster Hunter Now is positioned as a key promotional tool to maintain the series’ popularity in the mobile gaming landscape and beyond.

Source: adapted from an article by Aaron Astle, News Editor for PocketGamer.com.