Ever wondered which games truly capture the spirit of Monster Hunter? At its core, Capcom’s beloved series is all about epic boss battles across vast landscapes, where you gather resources from creatures and environments to forge powerful new gear. Now that these incredible RPGs are more accessible on PC, we can all dive into the exhilarating fantasy of sending monstrous beasts soaring with a single, colossal hammer swing. If you’ve finished your adventures in Monster Hunter Wilds and are craving more, saddle up! Here are our top picks for the best games that offer that familiar thrill of the hunt.
Our list includes: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, God Eater 3, The Axis Unseen, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Hunt: Showdown, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak, Horizon Zero Dawn, Monster Hunter Stories 2 Wings of Ruin, Toukiden 2, Dark Souls 3, Wild Hearts, Destiny 2.
## The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you prioritize slaying terrifying monsters with style, The Witcher 3 is an unmatched experience. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a formidable monster slayer whose feline eyes and pale hair hint at his own mutations, making him not so different from the creatures he hunts. From ferocious Striga to unsettling Botchlings, Geralt takes on any contract across the Continent, though tasks are rarely as simple as they appear.
The Witcher 3 is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made, a true masterpiece from CD Projekt RED. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a Monster Hunter-like game with deep moral choices. For those who’ve already ventured through its world, numerous mods provide fresh reasons to embark on another journey.
## God Eater 3
Bandai Namco introduced its own monster-hunting contender with God Eater, a series that, while not reaching the same widespread fame as its rival, offers a compelling action experience. This game plunges humanity into a desperate struggle against the Aragami, a mysterious horde of colossal beasts. Standing as Earth’s last line of defense are the God Eaters, a dedicated group of heroes.
Similar to Monster Hunter, God Eater features a mission-based structure where you hunt and eliminate Aragami using a variety of weapons, armor, and special abilities. Your most potent weapons are the God Arcs, biomechanical tools that harness the power of the Aragami themselves. God Eater 3 is often considered the peak of the series, but the entire trilogy is available, allowing you to discover your favorite installment in this intense monster-slaying saga.
## The Axis Unseen
For a unique blend of fantasy and realism in a monster-hunting game, look no further than The Axis Unseen. This heavy metal-inspired horror title invites you to explore a surreal and mysterious world, tracking cryptids drawn from real-world folklore. The game features a massive, handcrafted open world said to be five times larger than Skyrim, a remarkable feat for former Bethesda developer Nate Purkeypile’s first solo project.
Beyond its impressive scope, The Axis Unseen incorporates intricate environmental mechanics inspired by games like theHunter: Call of the Wild. Factors such as wind direction, terrain, weather, and even your character’s heart rate all play a crucial role, blurring the line between who is the hunter and who is being hunted. Armed only with a primitive bow and arrow and a practical magic system, you are vulnerable enough that a clever skinwalker could easily turn the tables. While you won’t have a furry companion by your side, The Axis Unseen offers a hunting experience truly worth discovering.
## Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 continues Capcom’s tradition of epic creature-slaying RPGs. You embody the Arisen, a hero whose heart has been tragically taken by a dragon – a rather inconvenient predicament. The upside? This heartless state grants you a claim to a kingdom’s throne. The catch? Someone else is already posing as the Arisen, and powerful figures are determined to keep them there.
You’ll need to master your chosen vocations in Dragon’s Dogma 2 to stand a chance against formidable monsters like griffins and drakes. Fortunately, a loyal trio of AI-controlled pawns will fight alongside you, dealing damage, casting spells, and creating opportunities for you to find a monster’s weak spot while you heal or strategize.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 checks many boxes for fans seeking a Monster Hunter-like experience: a vast open world, enormous beasts to conquer, abundant armor and gear upgrades, and a party of capable allies to command. As the saying goes, “strange dragons appearing out of nowhere and stealing hearts is no basis for a system of government,” so prepare to challenge fate and slay them all.
## Hunt: Showdown
Hunt: Showdown plunges the excitement of monster-hunting into a thrilling PvPvE horror experience, where you’ll constantly question whether you are the predator or the prey. Venture deep into the eerie Louisiana Bayou to eradicate cryptids, hellbeasts, and mutants that plague the swamps and dilapidated shantytowns.
For your expedition, you’ll wield the cutting-edge firearms of the late 19th century, from reliable hunting rifles to versatile army revolvers and devastating railroad hammers. But the grotesque beasts aren’t your only concern. Other hunters lurk in the shadows, ready to ambush you and snatch your hard-earned bounty. If you love first-person shooters and the intense thrill of the chase, Crytek’s nightmarish battle royale offers a unique twist on the hunting genre.
## Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
If you’re eager for more of the high-quality hunting thrills found in Monster Hunter World, then Monster Hunter Rise is an absolute must-play. Many consider it the ideal entry point to the series, offering the tactical, challenging combat that made World so captivating, but streamlining the initial hours for greater accessibility.
You’ll encounter a diverse array of new and familiar monsters, each boasting unique combat styles. Rise also innovates with Palamutes, loyal canine companions, and Wirebugs, which enable dynamic aerial maneuvers and powerful weapon attacks. The experience is further enriched by the Sunbreak expansion, adding formidable monsters inspired by European folklore and an engaging endgame system that injects fresh challenge into Elder Dragon encounters. Monster Hunter Rise stands not only as one of the finest Monster Hunter titles but also as one of the best games currently available on PC.
## Horizon Zero Dawn
What could be more exciting than hunting monsters? Hunting *robot* monsters, naturally! Horizon Zero Dawn is a game that hardly needs an introduction, and its remastered PC version surpasses its console counterpart with superior fidelity, unlocked framerates, and ultrawide support. Critics often highlight that “fighting any machine is the absolute high point” of its expansive open world, setting a fantastic precedent for its gameplay.
The game’s unique blend of prehistoric environments and futuristic technology makes it a perfect fit for fans of Monster Hunter. As Aloy, you wield an impressive arsenal of high-tech versions of primitive weapons—bows, slings, and spears—to take down the mechanical beasts that roam the remnants of an ancient civilization. From the curious Watcher to the formidable Thunderjaw, each machine requires a thoughtful strategy to defeat. You can ambush them with powerful explosives, lure them into electrical traps, or employ a stealthy, methodical approach. Regardless of your chosen tactic, Horizon Zero Dawn delivers an exhilarating hunting experience within a breathtaking new world.
## Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
While this title deviates from traditional Monster Hunter gameplay, leaning more into mechanics found in Pokémon-style games, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin undeniably strives to capture the hearts of Monster Hunter fans. Despite occasional moments that feel like a Saturday morning cartoon, Wings of Ruin retains the core essence of a Monster Hunter experience.
You and your loyal army of “monsties” (tamed monsters) will embark on journeys into the expansive wilderness, undertaking quests for townsfolk, vanquishing threats, and crafting new gear for your character. A unique feature allows you to splice monstie genes to bestow new buffs, perfect for customizing your favorite companion with abilities like fire breath. Even if its animated aesthetic gives you pause, Wings of Ruin is definitely worth exploring.
## Toukiden 2
Imagine Monster Hunter, but instead of wyverns and dinosaurs, you’re battling the terrifying creatures of Japanese medieval folklore – that’s Toukiden. In Toukiden 2, your objective is to defeat colossal demons known as Oni, protecting humanity from annihilation. Sound familiar?
The parallels between Monster Hunter and Toukiden are so striking, it’s almost like trying to distinguish a Rathalos from a Rathian. Both series task you with hunting gigantic, formidable beasts, often alongside friends, and upgrading your weapons and gear with resources salvaged from vanquished foes.
Why Toukiden 2 over Toukiden: Kiwami? Toukiden 2 was developed with PC as a primary platform, and it stands as the only open-world entry in the series, much like Monster Hunter: World to its own franchise. However, if you crave even more demon-slaying action, Toukiden: Kiwami is an excellent enhanced version of the original game worth checking out.
## Dark Souls 3
You might initially believe Dark Souls 3 has little in common with Monster Hunter, but allow us to present our case. With its grand dragon-slaying, satisfying plunging attacks, and a wide array of blunt and bladed weapons to master, Dark Souls 3 serves as a surprisingly fitting alternative. The series is, after all, renowned for its formidable boss encounters. You can even sever tails from powerful drakes and fashion them into weapons, much like in Monster Hunter.
However, Dark Souls 3 distinguishes itself through a deeper emphasis on worldbuilding, atmospheric design, and intricate storytelling. Your achievements aren’t solely marked by grotesque armor fashioned from beast hides. Instead, progress is measured by overcoming challenging regions and defeating bosses, alongside an intricate narrative woven through characters, locations, and item lore. Ultimately, though, the thrill of monumental boss battles remains central to the experience.
## Wild Hearts
Following Monster Hunter’s immense success on PC, it was inevitable that other developers would attempt to build upon its celebrated formula. Wild Hearts plunges players into a world where they must confront Kemono, colossal beasts infused with elemental powers. This game has been hailed as a “massively entertaining experience that brings fresh and unique twists to the monster-hunting genre.”
The primary challenge with Wild Hearts lies in its numerous performance issues, requiring a powerful PC to run smoothly. Yet, if your system meets its demanding requirements, Wild Hearts offers a truly worthwhile adventure. Equip yourself with ancient technologies and an arsenal of delightfully outlandish weapons, then venture through the land of Azuma to suppress the Kemono rampage, either solo or with companions.
## Destiny 2
This choice might seem a bit unconventional, but Destiny 2 shares more similarities with Monster Hunter than you might think. While its sci-fi setting and first-person shooter gameplay are a distinct departure from Capcom’s series on paper, Destiny 2 offers numerous instance-based encounters against colossal alien foes that can certainly satisfy that Monster Hunter craving.
The MMORPG elements of Destiny 2 also mirror Monster Hunter’s focus on item management and stat progression. You’ll navigate familiar zones, landing precision headshots and collecting valuable loot. Sadly, you can’t carve up fallen enemies to forge new armor in Destiny 2 (though a metallic Vex suit would be quite stylish!). Still, there’s plenty to do with Glimmer to spend, Shards to equip, and powerful Exotics to integrate into your loadout.
Naturally, when it comes to pure monster hunting, nothing quite compares to the latest installment in the Monster Hunter series. Our review of Monster Hunter Wilds praises it as a “spectacular sequel.” So, arm yourself for your next great hunt with the ultimate MH Wilds weapons and armor. We also have a comprehensive guide to all the new and returning MH Wilds monsters to help you prepare.
*Additional contributions by Dave Irwin.*