Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate review

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate offers the most hours per dollar on this list, but it asks the most of new players. Nintendo's page describes a narrative adventure where you join a travelling caravan as its hunter, track large monsters and defeat them with a mix of weapons and tactics. Terrain is more vertical than in earlier entries, so you can attack from above and hang on to a monster while striking. There is a large range of weapons and armor to forge and customize. Up to four hunters can team up through Local Play; online hunts ran on Nintendo Network, which Nintendo shut down for 3DS software on April 8, 2024. On New Nintendo 3DS systems the built-in C Stick gives full dual analog control. DKOldies lists a used cartridge at $39.99 before sales. It ranks eighth because of its learning curve, not its depth.

Who it is for

Action fans who want hundreds of hours of play

Price

Used 3DS cartridge from $39.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Narrative campaign as the hunter of a travelling caravan
• Large set of weapons and armor to forge and customize
• More vertical terrain, including attacks from above and riding monsters
• Co-op hunts for up to 4 players over Local Play
• Full dual analog control with the C Stick on New Nintendo 3DS

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $39.99 used is low for a game this long
• Strength: Local co-op for up to four players
• Strength: Supports the C Stick on New Nintendo 3DS systems
• Weakness: Steepest learning curve on this list
• Weakness: Online hunts used Nintendo Network, which closed for 3DS software in April 2024
• Weakness: Rated PEGI 12

Key facts

• Publisher: Capcom
• Developer: Capcom
• EU release: February 13, 2015
• Players: 1 to 4
• Age rating: PEGI 12

Where it ranks

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is No. 8 in our Best 3DS Games of All Time verdict.