Best Monster Hunter Game Covers, Ranked

Capcom’s immensely popular Monster Hunter series first debuted back in 2004, and with the franchise at an all-time peak with the release of Monster Hunter Wilds, it feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the games that led up to this point. While the gameplay, maps, and monsters between games have all been compared many times over, one aspect which often goes overlooked is the art covers, which provide players with a glimpse into the adventure before they even push start.

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It’s become somewhat of a tradition that each cover art will showcase a powerful monster from the respective game, though Capcom has gotten pretty creative with the style and design of these illustrations, making for some frankly jaw-dropping visuals. It’s time to compare the very best Monster Hunter cover art based on memorability, creativity, and how well they manage to convey the spirit of the game’s world.

8

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

A Frightening Up-Close Look At The Dreaded Zinogre

• Released: December 1, 2010
• Platforms: PSP, PlayStation 3
• Developer: Capcom

While this cover isn’t as recognizable as many of the others, since Portable 3rd was only ever released in Japan, it definitely still deserves a mention for the jaw-dropping up-close shot of Zinogre in all its glory. As the beast lunges towards the hunter, a bright blue light peeks in from the night sky in the background, making for a shot that’s honestly hard to look away from.

This cover is an example of just how important the lighting of an image can be when setting the mood and tone of a cover, and though it may not be the flashiest in the series, it’s still a real standout. Getting this close to a Zinogre in person may be a pretty bad idea, but there’s no denying that it makes for a great photo.

7

Monster Hunter Stories 2

This Cover Gives Players A Gorgeous Illustration Of A Vast Open World

Systems

Released

July 9, 2021

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

It’s a given that a monster and a hunter or two will show up for a Monster Hunter cover, but Stories 2 decides to instead shine the spotlight on the environment, where players can expect to do most of their hunting once they dive in. With the hunter riding atop Ratha and soaring over the wide open landscape, players are treated to a dazzling shot of Hakolo Island with its lush green fields and glistening waterfalls.

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Having the snowy mountains peaking out from the background is a nice added touch that shows just how diverse this environment really is, getting players excited to jump in and start exploring. It’s not quite as epic or grandiose as some other covers in the series, but Monster Hunter Stories 2 still earns a spot for its uniqueness and focus on the environment.

6

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (US)

Fans Can Get An Insight Into The Fourth Game’s New Mechanics From The Cover Alone

Systems

Released

February 13, 2015

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The cover of the fourth mainline game already provides a pretty awesome shot of Gore Magala, but what amplifies this cover is how it feeds into the gameplay changes. It was Monster Hunter 4 that expanded the core movement, which has become commonplace in some of the more modern games, such as being able to climb and vault over parts of the map.

As a way to showcase the power of the high ground, this cover showcases the hunters taking on the ferocious main boss of the game from different altitudes, while also all using numerous different weapon types that players can get their hands on. Including several hunters on the cover also advertises the 4-player co-op functionality, which was a first for the handheld set of games. While there could have been a little something extra added to the environment to make it pop out a bit more, this cover still has a lot going for it.

5

Monster Hunter Stories

Stories’ Cover Is A Lot More Lighthearted And Vibrant Than What The Series Is Used To

Released

October 8, 2016

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Capcom, Marvelous

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

In order to represent the more casual and upbeat tone of Monster Hunter Stories, the cover adopts an art style drastically different from anything that had been seen in the series before. Taking the cartoon route and packing in as many colorful monsters onto the cover as possible makes it a real feast for the eyes, and allows these epic monsters to show how cool and creative they really are when it comes to design.

From Tirex to Nargacuga, all the way to Azure Rathalos, there are tons of iconic Royal Monsters that make an appearance here, with everyone showing up as part of the grand spectacle. This kind of chibi art style can be somewhat of a refined taste, but for those who appreciate it, this is a real looker, and the kind of image that wouldn’t look out of place on a bedroom wall.

4

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

One Of The Most Visually Creative Monsters Shows Up For Iceborne’s Cover

Released

September 6, 2019

ESRB

t

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Capcom are always trying to one-up their monster designs for each new game, but they really hit a creative peak with Velkhana, the flagship ice-infused dragon from the Iceborne expansion to Monster Hunter World. It’s really quite a sight admiring the majestic beast gliding across the air, and with the icicles hanging from the ceiling and frosty crystals, it sets a very chilly vibe which pulls players into the adventure from the very first glance.

The hunters don’t get much of a showing this time around, but the elegant ice-dragon helps to make up for this thanks to its jaw-dropping design, which perfectly fits the bright blue aesthetic of the illustration.

3

Monster Hunter Wilds

A Quick Glance At The Gorgeous Forbidden Lands, Alongside The Big Behemoth Known As Arkveld

Released

February 28, 2025

ESRB

T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Fans can get a brief look at the mysterious Forbidden Lands through this cover, with the large ruins and dusty landscape portraying it as an abandoned landscape which, of course, is overrun with monsters. The big and bulky Arkveld earned the front cover spot for Wilds, and while he may not be the most visually interesting creature out there, it’s still a real treat to see him in action.

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As for the hunters, they get a chance to show off some of the game’s industrial weaponry, including a gigantic machine gun which fans have been eager to use ever since it showed up in an early trailer. Monster Hunter: Wilds’ cover does an excellent job at setting out the aesthetic and style of the game, and makes a great first impression for the latest game in the series.

2

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Both The Monster And Hunter Get To Share The Spotlight For This Ultimate Edition

Systems

Released

April 20, 2010

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence

Though the original Monster Hunter 3’s cover is already pretty epic with Lagiacrus as the flagship monster, the cover for the game’s ultimate version is frankly on a whole different level. Azure Rathalos looks truly intimidating on this cover, and with the original character standing in the foreground, it highlights just how massive this legendary beast actually is in person.

Speaking of the original character, it’s fair to say that they are pretty well-prepared for any monsters who decide to come their way, being decked out in a badass set of Azure Rathalos G armor and a giant blade to boot. Having both the hunter and monster share the spotlight without one overtaking the other makes this cover a real underrated gem, and one that will go down for the ages.

1

Monster Hunter 2

The Fearsome Kushala Daora Reigns Supreme In This Epic Portrait

Most covers in the series will depict a brave and well-equipped hunter going toe to toe with a menacing creature, but for Monster Hunter 2, it’s the mighty Kushala Daora who chews up most of the scenery. Capcom went for a slightly darker tone for this cover, and it works wonders to amplify Kushala’s overwhelming presence, especially with the staggering amount of detail that has gone into his scaly design.

Monster Hunter 2’s eye-catching cover reminds players just how terrifying these behemoths are supposed to be, and while the game itself may have gone under the radar for many, the cover definitely shouldn’t go underappreciated. Whether Capcom will ever return to this dark fantasy-esque style, only time will tell, but it would certainly be incredible to see some of the newer monsters depicted in this way.

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