The excitement surrounding the imminent release of Monster Hunter Wilds has sent fans flocking back to Monster Hunter World.  Few games in recent years have generated as much buzz as the latest Monster Hunter installment, and the entire franchise is reaping the rewards. Despite launching seven years ago, Monster Hunter World has experienced a remarkable surge in sales.

The 2018 entry in the Monster Hunter series catapulted the franchise into mainstream popularity. Its accessibility for new players and what many consider one of the best co-op open worlds ever created contributed to its success. This massive commercial achievement has undoubtedly played a crucial role in fueling anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds.  It's fitting, then, that the upcoming release is returning the favor by boosting sales of its predecessor.

Capcom recently updated its sales data, revealing that Monster Hunter World has now sold an impressive 21.3 million copies, excluding the Iceborne DLC.  Factoring in the expansion, that number climbs to a staggering 28.1 million.  This translates to over one million new sales in the final quarter of 2024, nearly a decade after the game's initial launch.  This continues a strong upward trend for the franchise, which surpassed 100 million copies sold in mid-2024.

This recent spike in players cements Monster Hunter World's position as Capcom's best-selling game of all time. Other titles in the series have also benefited from this renewed interest.  2021's Monster Hunter Rise sold approximately 700,000 copies in late 2024, bringing its total sales to 16.7 million. This achievement is notable given that Monster Hunter Rise saw the removal of some DLC content earlier in the year. If World's Iceborne DLC were considered a standalone game, it would currently be the fourth best-selling Capcom title, boasting 14.9 million lifetime sales as of December 2024.

The influx of players returning to these older titles is likely driven by a desire to immerse themselves in the Monster Hunter universe before Wilds launches. Those seeking a preview of the upcoming installment can participate in the extended open beta, which runs until February 17. Monster Hunter Wilds is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 28.