Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter: World rebuilt the series for seamless open maps and global release in 2018. The Fifth Fleet of the Research Commission lands in the New World to investigate the Elder Crossing, the once-per-decade migration of elder dragons culminating in the monumental Zorah Magdaros, and you join as the hunter assigned to track them.

Fourteen distinct weapon types (great sword, long sword, dual blades, charge blade, gunlance, hunting horn, insect glaive, bow and more) each play almost like their own game. Tracking starts with Scoutflies that pick up monster scents and lead you to footprints and broken scenery, while the Slinger fires gathered nuts and stones to interrupt fights or stagger climbing routes. Specialized tools and a Palico companion fill out the loadout.

Hunts unfold inside the actual ecosystem: monsters fight each other, prey on smaller creatures, return to nests, sleep, and turn the environment into a weapon if you bait them right. Co-op for up to four players covers nearly every quest, and the launch base game stands separate from the Iceborne expansion.