Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: How to play with friends
Here's how to use Lobbies, Link Parties, and Squads in Monster Hunter Wilds
Wondering how to play with friends via Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer? Ever since the earliest Monster Hunter games, the series has always been at its finest when you're collaborating with friends to take on massive opponents together. Monster Hunter Wilds continues this grand tradition, but the game's multiplayer modes are unfortunately convoluted and unexplained.
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer is split into following main systems: Lobbies, Link Parties, and Squads. It's important to note that none of these systems are mutually exclusive - you can be in a Lobby, a Link Party, and a Squad all at the same time. In this guide, we'll peel away the mystery and reveal all the details about Monster Hunter Wilds Lobbies, Link Parties, and Squads, along with some additional info on Crossplay and Hunter IDs.
In this guide:- How to unlock multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds
- What are Lobbies
- How to join Link Parties
- How to join Squads
- Crossplay and Hunter IDs
How to unlock multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds
To start playing multiplayer, you'll first need to defeat Chatcabra, the toad-like monster at the start of the game. Once Chapter 1-2 commences, you'll talk with your fellow hunters in the Expedition Command tent. When this scene is finished, all of Monster Hunter Wilds' multiplayer options become available from the in-game menu.
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: Lobbies
Here's the basic info on Lobbies:
- Lobbies are Monster Hunter Wilds' default online system
- Lobbies are good for interacting with random folks or getting assistance on specific quests
Lobbies resemble an MMO, placing you into a 100-person server full of other random hunters. You can summon allies to your aid via SOS Flares or post/join quests they've set up by chatting with Alma, who takes on the role of the Quest Counter that's existed in Monster Hunter since the very first game.
As long as you're starting Monster Hunter Wilds with an internet connection active, you'll be taken to a Select Lobby menu whenever you start the game. Here, you can join a recommended Lobby, search for a specific Lobby, make a Private Lobby, or simply play in Online Single Player mode if you'd rather skip all of this faff. (Online Single Player mode is basically solo mode, keeping you separate from the Lobby system, though you can join a Lobby whenever you like from the in-game menu. You can also pause the game in this mode, which you cannot do while in a Lobby.)
Lobbies are a good way to feel connected with the wider world of folks playing Monster Hunter Wilds, especially because you can see random people running around in your Base Camps. If you want to always play with the same group of friends, however, a Link Party is the better option.
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: Link Parties
Here's the basic info on Link Parties:
- Link Parties let you play with up to four specific people
- Link Parties are good for completing quests with people you already know, but you'll need to create an Environmental Link if you want to explore the world together freely
Link Parties allow you to easily complete story missions and quests with up to four companions. Instead of an MMO, imagine this as you and your pals playing locally. In order to set up a Link Party, start a game normally, log into a Lobby or Online Single Player mode, and navigate to the Communication section of the menu, and then to Link Party.
Here, you'll be able to form a Link Party with whoever you like, whether they be randos or friends. Once you're in a Link Party with someone, whenever they post a quest, you can join it from the Quest Counter.
How to set up a Link Party in Monster Hunter Wilds
Navigate to the Communication section of the menu, and scroll down to Link Party. Here, you can invite someone from whatever Lobby you're in, or search for someone via their ID. Another player does not need to be in the same Lobby with you to join your Link Party, and vice versa.
If you'd rather invite a specific person on your Steam friend list, go to the Invite a Friend menu option. This will open up the friend list and let you send an invite. You can also look at any invitations you've recieved by going to Invitation List.
Link Parties have dedicated chat, and quest invitations will be sent out to all members of the Link Party whenever a member begins a quest. You can easily play through story missions or complete quests via Link Parties, though you'll need to keep pace with the other members of your Link Party. In other words, if you haven't encountered a certain monster in the campaign just yet, you can't join your friend's quest for it.
Link Parties also do not allow you to freely explore Base Camps or maps with your companions unless you are completing the same quest. To do so, you'll need to set up an Environment Link.
How to set up an Environment Link in Monster Hunter Wilds
You can invite folks in your Link Party to an Environment Link. This is a special mode that lets you roam around a locale with others, gather items, and farm monsters at will. However, you cannot play through story missions or use the Quest Counter in this mode.
Basically, this is the equivalent of an Expedition from previous Monster Hunter games, and an option you should take if you mainly just want to run around in the world with your friends.
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: Squads
Here's the basic info on Squads:
- Squads let you play with a specific group of up to 50 people
- Squads are a good way to play with a recurring group who can't fit in a Link Party
Squads are reminiscent of Guilds in MMOs, and are exclusive groups that can fit up to 50 members. If you've got too many friends to form a single Link Party, form a Squad instead.
To make or search for a Squad, navigate to the Menu and choose Info and Manage Squads. Each Squad has its own Lobby and its own dedicated chat, and you can join the quests of fellow Squad mates easily from the Quest Counter.
Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: Crossplay and Hunter IDs
Monster Hunter Wilds does indeed have Crossplay, letting you group up with players on different platforms. This is enabled by default, but you can find it in the Options menu.
If you're playing on PC and want to group with someone on console, you'll need their Hunter ID. This is the number listed under your character name whenever the game starts, or on your in-game Hunter Profile. When you're in a Lobby, you can search for the Hunter IDs of players by opening the Menu and navigating to Communication, and then to Member List.
That concludes our look at how to play Monster Hunter Wilds online with your buddies. For more on every aspect of this expansive game, see our Monster Hunter Wilds walkthrough hub, which contains guides to all of the main campaign missions as well as everything from the best starting weapons to how to acquire Layered Armor. And if you need a list of all monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds, we've got you covered as well!