Connecting with Friends: Joining Game Lobbies Together

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Monster Hunter Wilds is best enjoyed with friends, and fortunately, teaming up for hunts is a breeze. This exciting new installment in Capcom’s beloved Monster Hunter series invites players into a stunningly crafted world. Both veterans and newcomers can explore diverse landscapes, encounter a multitude of creatures, and delve into the overarching narrative.

Thanks to built-in multiplayer features, you won’t have to brave the hunt alone. Friends can band together in teams of up to four to tackle colossal monsters and investigate different terrains. There are several ways to connect with players, and the multiplayer options have various elements to explore. From lobbies to collaborative expeditions, here’s everything you need to know about multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds.

How to Unlock Multiplayer in Monster Hunter Wilds

Unlocking multiplayer is straightforward in Monster Hunter Wilds. You simply need to complete the first main mission, titled "Desert Trotters," to access the multiplayer functionality. This initial chapter not only establishes the story and setting but also allows you to select your first weapon, acting as a general tutorial.

After wrapping up this chapter, you will arrive at Base Camp for the first time. At this point, players can interact freely with the NPCs scattered throughout the camp. To officially unlock multiplayer, just enter your tent and step back out.

Once you exit your tent, a pop-up will let you know that you now have access to “Lobbies and Multiplayer.” The game will guide you through a series of five concise slides that explain the multiplayer system and how to invite friends. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at multiplayer features, including how to join a friend’s lobby, and the Link Parties and Environments.

How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds with Friends (Joining a Friend’s Lobby)

Once you’ve unlocked multiplayer mode, you’ll be able to join lobbies and hunt with friends. These lobbies can accommodate up to 100 players, though not all will be visible to you. Here, you can engage in quests initiated by others, use text chat, see player appearances, and more.

When participating in a lobby, there are several options available:

Join a recommended lobby, which will automatically match you with one that meets your overall stats and needs.
Search for a specific lobby using specific criteria or a lobby ID.
Create a private lobby that friends can access only with the lobby ID (these lobbies can accommodate 16 players).
Create a squad lobby, allowing only squad members to join (limited to 50 players).

While searching for a lobby, you can refine your search based on several factors to ensure you find the ideal group for your needs. Lobby searches can be filtered by play style (e.g., exploration vs. story advancement), skill level, language, and more.

Crossplay

Additionally, Monster Hunter Wilds supports crossplay, enabling friends to connect regardless of the console they are using.

For players who prefer to jump directly into a friend’s game lobby instead of searching for someone new, here’s how to join:

Select “Search Lobby” from the main menu.
Enter your friend’s lobby ID (make sure to note that lobby IDs are case-sensitive!).

If you’re the one hosting the private lobby, you can share your lobby ID with friends so they can join. You can find this ID in the Communications tab under "Lobby ID." Furthermore, you can send invitations to anyone on your friends list within the Monster Hunter Wilds platform, even if you haven’t connected in-game yet.

How Link Parties Work in Monster Hunter Wilds

If you’re looking to enjoy the game with real-world friends, Link Parties are an excellent option. Link Parties can host up to four members, and you can add members during your gaming sessions. When someone in a Link Party joins a quest, others receive a notification and have the option to join.

The beauty of Link Parties is that they remain intact even after quests are completed, allowing for continuous adventures without the need to reassemble each time.

You can set up a Link Party by simply opening the Start Menu, navigating to Communications, and selecting Link Party. From there, you can invite friends, players from your current lobby, or individuals you’ve previously teamed up with.

How Environment Link Works in Monster Hunter Wilds

In addition to Link Parties, Monster Hunter Wilds also features an Environment Link option that allows players to explore various locations without being restricted to specific quests.

You can activate the Environment Link by entering the Link Party menu and selecting "Invite All to Environment." This invites all current Link Party members to explore together beyond quest boundaries.

Keep in mind that Environment Link might be disabled during certain main storyline phases. If you can’t initiate this feature at the moment, progress through a few more missions to unlock it.

When the leader of a Link Party enables Environment Link, all party members will become visible while out in the wild, even if they aren’t on the same quest. This feature also allows friends to complete Field Surveys together, enhancing the multiplayer experience in Monster Hunter Wilds across many levels.