How Does Monster Hunter Wilds Multiplayer And Cross-Play Work?

Monster Hunter Wilds launches with cross-play support, a first for Capcom's long-running action game series. The steps you take to join with random strangers or team up with friends are rather different, though, as Wilds makes you jump through several hoops to add friends to your in-game list. Full cross-play might be a big step forward for Monster Hunter, but if you're holding out for cross-progression as well, you'll have to keep waiting.

We've broken down how Monster Hunter Wilds' multiplayer works below, including what you need to do to play with friends. For more on what to expect, check out our Monster Hunter Wilds review and when Wilds unlocks.

How cross-play support works in Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds supports cross-play between PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Since it has cross-play turned on automatically, you don't have to do anything special to get started.

Settings to disable cross-play and multiplayer

Still, even if cross-play is enabled by default, you might be wondering if it can be turned off. For instance, you might be playing on console and you're worried about encountering cheaters/modders on PC. Well, you can disable cross-play, but only from the main menu. Simply go to Options -> Game Settings -> Cross-play to disable the option.

Moreover, Monster Hunter Wilds has several options related to multiplayer and joining quests. However, you can disable all online and multiplayer-related content via the main menu as well. Go to Privacy -> Acquisition of Personal Information:

• Accepting this option enables online and multiplayer facets.
• Rejecting it disables related features, though you can still accept again at any time.

Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer: Joining groups and adding friends

There are separate processes for playing in groups of random players or joining with friends. When you join or post a quest, Monster Hunter Wilds puts you in a lobby with up to 100 other players. You can join any posted quest or wait for others to join yours.

Adding friends via the Communication tab

Adding friends takes a few more steps. You need to invite friends from your platform's friend list or use a link code that Wilds generates for you. Once they've joined your party, you can add them to your Hunter Friends list by doing the following:

• Press the start button/open the pause menu and go to the Communication tab.
• Choose Link Party.
• Select a player's name in the Link Member section.
• Send a friend request. That person will stay in your Hunter Friends list after they accept the request.

Inviting friends via their Hunter ID and those from other platforms

Inviting specific players or pals from other platforms comes with additional steps.

• First, you need their Hunter ID. This can be found under Info -> Hunter Profile.
• Next, go to the Communication tab -> Communication panel.
• Then, go to the Player List. You should see a Hunter ID Search tab where you can input your friend's ID.
• Input the Hunter ID and add/invite that person.

Assuming you've grouped up with other people, you can post a quest by speaking to Alma at your camp. Your squadmates will then receive a notification and a prompt to join up.

SOS Flare and Support Hunters (AI companions)

Another related facet when it comes to Monster Hunter Wilds cross-play and multiplayer involves the SOS Flare. We discuss a lot of details in our AI companions/SOS Flare guide, but here's the gist:

• The SOS Flare is an item that you can fire whenever you're undertaking a quest. There are also several settings that you can tweak when talking to Alma in your campsite.
• When activated, up to three AI-controlled companions, also known as Support Hunters, will join your squad. Not only do they attack creatures, but they also heal you, lay down traps, and more.
• Other players can check in with Alma to do an SOS Flare Search. If they see your request, they might join your party. Each player that teams up with you replaces an AI companion in the group.

Is there cross-save progression in Monster Hunter Wilds?

Capcom said Monster Hunter Wilds will not support cross-save progression. All DLC, story progress, and character data will remain locked to the platform where you first start playing Monster Hunter Wilds, so if you pick it up on a different platform, you'll have to start over.