How to Join Multiplayer

How to join Multiplayer guide for Monster Hunter Wilds (MHW). See how to join multiplayer, unlock, play with friends, and the maximum number of players in the online lobby.

How to Unlock Multiplayer

Defeat Chatacabra in the Tutorial

Multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds will unlock after defeating Chatacabra and heading back to the main camp. Specifically, talk to the NPCs at the camp, watch the event in the research headquarters, then enter and exit your tent to proceed in multiplayer.

Other Tools
Skill Builder	Build Maker New!
Multiplayer Forum	Gold Crown Trade

Paid Subscription Required for PS5 and Xbox

Multiplayer is only free on the PC (Steam) version. For PS5 and Xbox, you need to subscribe to a monthly subscription plan. Each costs around USD 9.99 for the cheapest plan, so if you plan to play multiplayer, make sure to subscribe.

How to Play Multiplayer

Invite Your Friends Recruit Randoms Join a Quest Private Lobby

Invite Others and Play Multiplayer

1. Ask for the Hunter ID
2. Enter ID to Join Link Party
3. Invite Hunter Found in Search
4. Start A Quest
   ┗You Can Also Share Field Status With Environment Links

You Can Invite Anyone to Form a Party

By using the link party function, you can play multiplayer with both friends and anyone else, regardless of whether they are on the same platform. Crossplay invites are supported, allowing you to play with players from different platforms.

Ask for the Hunter ID

Open the Hunter Profile screen from the Information tab in the menu, and use the ID switch button at the bottom left to display your Hunter ID in the top left. Please either ask for the ID or share it.

Enter ID to Join Link Party

Next, from the Communication tab in the menu, select Link Party → Invite to Link Party. On the screen that opens, move to the far-right section, and you’ll see Search by Hunter ID. Enter the ID of the person you want to invite and search.

Invite Hunter Found in Search

After searching using Hunter ID, the player's name will appear. Simply select them and send an invitation to the Link Party. The invited player can accept the invitation by navigating to Menu → Communication → Invite Notification List.
※If you search for another person, the current result may disappear. To perform additional searches, press the triangle button on PS5 or the R key on PC

Start a Quest

Once a Link Party is formed, all members can act as hosts, allowing quests to be shared simply by accepting the request. Approve the quest invitation through Menu → Communication → Invite Notification List.

Being Hunter Friends Makes Things Easier

If you want to play multiplayer with the same person repeatedly, invite them as your Hunter friend. This allows you to easily invite them to future link parties without needing to enter their Hunter ID.

Share Field Status With Environment Links

While not in a quest, you can explore the field environment with your Link Party members. You can share your current field status from Menu → Communication → Link Party → Invite All to Environment Link. This feature is useful for monsters like Rey Dau, which require specific conditions to appear.

Availability May Vary Based on Story Progress

Please note that the environment links are tied to story progression. If there is a difference in progress between hunters, you may not be able to use environment links.

How to Recruit Random Players

1. Set Recruitment With Alma or in Pop-up Camps
2. Use SOS Flare During Quest
   ┗If You Don't Have Quests, You Can't Use SOS Flares.
3. Wait In Lobby When Using Password
   ┗Share Your Password in Chat.

Set Recruitment With Alma or in Pop-up Camps

Alma	Pop-up Camp

To play multiplayer using SOS Flare, talk to the NPC "Alma" or enter your Pop-up Camp to set the multiplayer recruitment settings.

Settings for SOS Flare Recruitment

Player Limit	Set number of participants from 1 to 4
Multiplayer Settings	Can be set for all players or support hunter-only
Automatic SOS Flare	ON or OFF
Recruitment Comments	You can input any recruitment message
Join Request Settings	Automatic or Manual
Password Setting	Lobby Only ※Can't be used for SOS Flares
Platform Permission	Choose between "the same platform only or crossplay."

Use SOS Flare During Quest

How to Use	Hold ＋ Move to Select

Please note that the SOS Flare can only be used after accepting a quest. Once you accept any quest, simply use the SOS Flare, and players or support hunters from across the country will join your party.

Types of Quest you can Accept

	[Request] Select a Monster in your field and turn it into a quest, and accept it.
	[Optional Quest] An Optional Quest unlocks by defeating a large monster. You can accept the optional quest from Alma.

Wait In Lobby When Using Password

If you've set a password in the settings, wait in the lobby after accepting a quest and share the password with the member you want to invite via chat. Participants can then talk to Alma and join the quest from the lobby. Please note that the password will be automatically canceled if you send out an SOS Flare.

Invites Is Recommended Over Using Password

Rather than using a password, it's recommended to invite players to a Link Party using a Hunter ID. This allows you to form a party with both friends and non-friends, making it easier to enjoy multiplayer.

How to Join a Quest

1. Open the Quest Counter Menu From Alma or Pop-up Camp
2. Select the Quest You Want to Join

Open the Quest Counter Menu From Alma or Pop-up Camp

Alma	Pop-up Camp

To join a multiplayer quest, talk to the NPC "Alma" or enter your Pop-up Camp and select Post/Join Quest.

Select the Quest You Want to Join

By selecting a quest from 'Optional Quest' or 'SOS Flare Quests,' you can join in multiplayer with other players. From here, you can participate in quests accepted by your lobby members, or join quests they've received if you've formed a link party.

Types of Quests
[Optional Quests] Join other players' optional quests
[Lobby Member Quests] Join quests of players in the same lobby
[Link Member Quests] Join link memebrs' quests
[SOS Flare Quests] Join quests where someone has sent up an SOS Flare

Multiplayer in a Private Lobby

1. From the Select Lobby menu, select "Private Lobby"
   ┗ You Can Also Do This From Alma.
2. Tell the Players You Want to Invite the Lobby ID
3. Search the Lobby ID and Make Them Join the Lobby
4. Play With the Lobby Members With “Lobby Members Quest"

Private Lobby Is a Place You Can Play With Invited Hunters Only

You can play with selected people only at private lobbies. You can do quest together with friends with "Lobby Member Quests". A max of 16 people can join the Private Lobby

From Select Lobby Menu, Choose "Private Lobby"

The person who will host the server should choose "Private Lobby" from Select Lobby or talk to Alma and select "Private Lobby". With this, you can create a lobby where only people who has the Lobby ID can enter.

Send the Lobby ID to People You Want to Invite

Tell the people you want to invite the Lobby ID of the private lobby for them to join. You can invite up to 16 players. You can check the Private Lobby ID from Menu → Communication → Member List to check.

The Joining Members Will Search for the Lobby and Join

The joining member can talk to Alma to search for the ID told by the host. You can find it at 'Change Lobby Menu' at 'Lobby ID Search' after talking to Alma to join.

Play "Lobby Member Quests" First

To play the same quest with members of the Private Lobby, you can talk to Alma and select Lobby Member Quest.

How to Play Story in Multiplayer

Create a Link Party

Create a Link Party with the players you want to progress the story with.

▲How to Create a Link Party

Progress Individually Until the Quest Starts

After creating a Link Party, each player will progress through the story individually. Watch any cutscenes, and proceed on your own up until the quest actually begins.

Everyone but One Returns When Quest Starts

When the monster appears and the quest begins, everyone but one player should return.

Join the Remaining Quest

Returning player should join the remaining Quest after. You can join the quest from the NPC Alma or the tent's Link Members Quest.

Clear the Quest With Everyone

Once you've joined the quest, work together to complete it. When the quest is cleared, it will count as completed for everyone, allowing all players to progress in the story.

Repeat Steps 2 to 5

After clearing the quest, continue progressing through the story to trigger the next quest. By repeating steps 2 to 5, you can advance the story together in multiplayer.

How to Gather in Grand Hub in Multiplayer

Grand Hub in the Same Lobby

You need to join the same lobby to gather with friends in the Grand Hub during multiplayer. To switch lobbies, talk to Alma and select Search by Lobby ID, then enter the ID number of the lobby your friend is in. You can also search by ID when starting the game using the Lobby Search option.

How to Check Your Lobby ID

You can check the ID of the lobby you're currently in from the Member List in the menu. If you want to invite someone to your lobby, check the lobby ID and share it with them.

ID Search Not Needed for Hunter Friends

If you're friends with the player you want to play with, there's no need to search using a lobby ID. Just talk to Alma and select Hunter Friend Search to see your friend list. From there, choose the friend you want to play with and move to their lobby.

Requires HR16 or Higher

The Grand Hub is unlocked by speaking with Tetsuzan in Suja once you've reached Hunter Rank 16 or higher. To reach Hunter Rank 16, you need to progress the story to High Rank and clear Chapter 4-2. If you haven't unlocked it yet, continue advancing the story first.

Go To Grand Hub From The Map

After unlocking The Grand Hub, you can access it by opening the world map and selecting 'Grand Hub' in the top right corner.

Multiplayer Online Subscriptions

Steam Version is Free on PC

In the Steam version for PC, you can play online for free. No further setup is required once you purchase the game, you can enjoy multiplayer right away.

Paid Subscription for PS5 and Xbox

To play online on PS5 and Xbox, you need to subscribe to the monthly service for each platform. If you're playing solo, you can play offline without any issues, but if you want to enjoy multiplayer, you'll need to subscribe.

PlayStation Plus Price

Xbox Game Pass Price

Multiplayer Player Limit

Up to 4 Players Can Play Together

Monster Hunter Wilds allows online multiplayer up to 4 players. If you want to change the number of players in multiplayer, you can adjust the settings by speaking to Alma.

100 Players Max in One Lobby

Up to 100 players can join one Lobby' to gather for multiplayer. You can chat with others in the same lobby and invite them to participate in quests.

Up to 16 Players Displayed in the Lobby

The lobby can accommodate up to 100 participants, but only a maximum of 16 players will be displayed in the lobby at any given time.

16 Players Max for Private Lobbies

Private Lobbies are lobbies that only allows people who know the password. For private lobbies, you can only allow a maximum of 16 hunters.

Multiplayer vs. Solo

Enemy HP Scales With the Number of Players

*Percentage based on falling rock damage

The main difference between multiplayer and solo play is that enemy health increases based on the number of people in your party. When looking at Falling Rocks damage for example, it increases to approximately 2.4 times with four players, so we can assume that enemy health also scales by roughly 2.3 to 2.4 times.

Support Hunters Also Increases Enemy HP

Note that "Support Hunters," which can be called via SOS Flare when playing solo or offline, increases the enemy's HP just like in multiplayer mode.

Enemy HP Changes With Party Size

The enemy's health will increase or decrease based on the number of participants in the quest. Therefore, if the number of players drops due to disconnections or other reasons, the enemy's HP will be adjusted according to the reduced number of players.

Same Mechanics as Previous Series

It's a common feature throughout the series that enemy HP increases during multiplayer. Looking at the recent past games, the maximum increase in enemy health is around 2.4 times, so it's safe to assume that Monster Hunter Wilds follows this pattern with monster HP increasing up to 2.4 times.

Monster HP Increase in Previous Series

Is Multiplayer Crossplay Available?

Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox

Monster Hunter Wilds supports crossplay, so Steam (PC), PS5, and Xbox users can play together. But you can also disable crossplay from the settings.

Can't Cross Save

Cross-save is not supported, so data cannot be shared or transferred between different platforms.

Can't Play Multiplayer?

Check Your Internet Connection Status

If you can't play multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds, first check your internet connection. If you're not properly connected or there's an issue with your network, multiplayer will not work.

Try Restarting Your Console or PC

Although restarting your unit may not provide a permanent solution, it can resolve temporary issues. We recommend giving it a try to see if it helps.

Disband Environment Link & Try Again

If an error occurs during multiplayer, try disbanding the Environment Link and then remake the party. You can disband the Environment Link through Alma.

Send a Report for Unknown Errors

If you see a specific error code, it might be an issue beyond the player's control. There’s also a chance it's an unexpected bug, so if a feedback screen appears, be sure to report it.

Monster Hunter Wilds Related Articles

Useful Information

Game System

Character Creation Guide	Character Creation Recipes	Recommended Settings
Join Multiplayer	SOS Flare Guide	How to Change Name or Rename
Friend Request Guide	Hunter ID Guide	How To Cook
Layered Armor Equipment	How to Play Solo Online	FPS Comparison & Settings
How To Join a Lobby	Skip Button Guide	Arachnophobia Assistance
Craft Guide	Individual Strength Guide	Save Data Guide
Wound Guide	How to Hide Head Armor	How to Link Party
Receptionist Alma	Error Guide	Beginner's Guide
Support Hunter	How to Display FPS	Voice Chat Guide
Seikret Customization	Supply Items	Character Edit Voucher Guide
How to Lock-on	How to Pause	Photo Mode
Common Wood Minnow	Fishing Rod Guide	Whetstone Guide
Portable BBQ Grill	Camping Kit	Palico Guide
Tent Guide	How to Capture Monsters	Field Survey Quest
Mending Mantle	Canteen Guide	Support Ship Guide
Limited bounties	Login Bonus Guide	Nu Yaya Guide
Peony Sparklerjelly Guide	Layered Armor Outfit	Arch-Tempered Rey Dau Guide
Arena Quest Guide and Rewards	King of a Faraway Sky	Anguish and Atrocity
Congalala Cravings	When Do Quematrice Sing?	Doshaguma of the Hollow
Barrel Bowling Guide	Arena Chatacabra Quest	Diva Buff Effects
High Rank Guide	Wyvern's Wakening Guide	How to Edit and Send Stickers
Poogie	Cosmetic DLC Guide	How To Change Gender
How to Edit Shoutouts	Resting	Gathering Boosts
That Won't Work on Me!	Daughters of Carabosse	Chemicus Nocturnus
Gravios Blockade	Careening Out of Control	-

Hunting / System Guide

Basic Controls	Combat Tips	How to use Focus Mode
What is a Wound?	Seikret Guide	Training Ground Location
Power Clash Guide	Offset Attack	Sneak Attack
How To Mount Monsters?	Radial Menu Guide	How to use Binoculars
How to Grill Meat	Capture Net	Ghillie Mantle
Slinger Guide	Large Barrel Bomb	Secondary Weapon
Evasion Guide	Perfect Evade	Radial Menu Guide
Perfect Guard	How To Switch Weapons	How to Reach HR 100
Lucky Voucher	Loadout	Research Help: Monsters

Map Information

Pop-up Camp List	How to Fast Travel Guide	Where to get Ore
Where to get Bone Material	Fish List & Fishing Spot	Endemic Life
Slinger Ammo	Check & Change Environment	The Grand Hub

Recommended Information before Purchasing

Release Date & Platforms	Save Data Bonuses	Pre-Order Bonuses
Recommended Specs	PS5 & PS5 Pro VS PC: Specs Comparison	Controller & Set Up Guide
Differences in Edition	How To Crossplay Guide	When Steam Version will be Released?
Will It Be Released On The Switch Or PS4?	Character Profiles and Voice Actor List	Predictions & Speculations
New Features	Storage & File Size Guide	How To Download Benchmark
Weapon Adjustments	Should You Buy an Xbox?	Fairy Light Pendant DLC