Monster Hunter Wilds Multiplayer Mode Guide: How to Choose

Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom's newest installment in its popular action RPG series, which takes cooperative gameplay to another level with a large multiplayer experience. Set in the Forbidden Lands, players must scour the very living environments full of surprises to track, hunt, and finally, face mighty monsters. Where Monster Hunter Wilds stresses teamwork, strategy, and real-time action, it has also introduced a robust multiplayer system to augment both casual and hardcore hunting. This article will discuss all the different multiplayer modes available in the game, whether crossplay is available, and offer some suggestions on improving players' online performance.

Part 1. Multiplayer Modes in Monster Hunter Wilds

Part 2. How to Choose a Multiplayer Mode?  

Part 3. Does Monster Hunter Wilds Support Crossplay?

Part 4. Reduce Monster Hunter Wilds Lag

Part 1. Multiplayer Modes in Monster Hunter Wilds

Unlike previous installments, Monster Hunter Wilds has made adjustments to its multiplayer mode. Players can still team up with strangers or friends for co-op gameplay, but the mechanics have undergone changes. Below is a detailed introduction to these updates:

Lobbies

The lobby functions like a plaza where you can see other online hunters. Here, hunters can communicate, form teams, trade items, and even strategize. The lobby is ideal for players who enjoy the social aspect of hunting. Depending on the type, lobbies can accommodate varying numbers of players, with a maximum capacity of 100. Below are the different 4 types of lobbies:

• General Lobby: Up to 100 players. Can be joined through "Recommended Lobby" or found via "Search by Conditions." It's worth noting that, to ensure the best experience, only 16 hunters are displayed in the same lobby at a time. However, you can view other hunters from the list.  
• Squad Lobby: Up to 50 players. The maximum capacity changes based on the number of squad members. Additionally, the squad is a new mode, which will be explained in detail below.  
• Private Lobby: Up to 16 players. Can only be joined via "Search by Lobby ID." Players who don't want interference from strangers can create this type of lobby. 
• Solo Online Mode: No affiliated lobby. Can send out an SOS signal to enable multiplayer for quests.

Link Parties

Link Parties is a four-player team co-op mode, serving as an upgraded system. Unlike in previous games where you and your friends had to join the same gathering hub before starting a hunt, now you only need to join the same Link Parties to team up and repeatedly complete hunting quests. Additionally, no matter what exploration you're currently engaged in, as long as someone in the Link Parties initiates a task, you can join. It's worth noting that gathering hubs will still make an appearance and are scheduled to be updated in April 2025.

Environment Link

Environmental Link is an additional feature based on Link Parties, allowing players to share the same open world even outside of quests. That means hunters in a Link Party can explore together, collect materials, and challenge emergent encounters without needing to load into different instances. Such a mode augments the adventure and camaraderie feeling of the game.

Squads

Similar to guilds or clans in other multiplayer games, Squads permit up to 50 players to form a persistent group. This system is excellent for larget gaming communities that wish to cooperate, organize hunts, and share strategies. Joining each other's sessions is really convenient for Squad members so that teamwork becomes easy and structured. You can create a Squad Lobby, where the number of players the lobby can accommodate changes based on the size of your squad, with a maximum capacity of 50 players.

SOS Flares

The SOS Flares have returned from previous titles in the Monster Hunter series, having been incorporated into the series themselves. If a player is fighting a difficult monster or battling it, they can send out an SOS signal which other hunters can respond to. This is an excellent way for a solo player who prefers to play alone to call for help when sometimes needed.

You may want to read: How to Join a Friend's Private Lobby?

Part 2. How to Choose a Multiplayer Mode?  

• If you prefer solo hunting, simply select the Solo Online Mode or create a Private Lobby and set a password.  
• If you only want to hunt with friends, create a Private Lobby and set a password.  
• If you'd like to help strangers, you can check the Recommended Lobby or join other hunters' SOS Quests.

Part 3. Does Monster Hunter Wilds Support Crossplay?

The biggest improvement brought in Monster Hunter Wilds is the inclusion of full support for crossplay across the platforms of PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, and PC. Therefore, players across various platforms can then hunt together, thus helping to connect friends more easily to the multiplayer community.

However, even though crossplay enables by default, users are privileged at the 'Options' menu at the 'Game Settings' tab for disabling crossplay. If disabled, matchmaking will occur only with other players on the platform. Indeed, players enjoy flexible configuration of their multiplayer experience according to their interests. But the Monster Hunter Wilds lacks cross-save and cross-buy features. The progression and purchases will remain on the platform that they were made on. Therefore, players cannot transfer their game progress using different systems.

Part 4. Reduce Monster Hunter Wilds Lag with GearUP Booster

No matter which multiplayer mode you choose, network issues are inevitable in online gaming. The most common problem is Monster Hunter Wilds lag, which causes delayed actions, stuttering visuals, and is a major headache for hunters. Therefore, optimizing your network with GearUP Booster is essential. Its usage is extremely simple, yet no matter where you are, its global network nodes ensure optimal data transmission efficiency. This helps resolve various issues such as being unable to find lobbies, failing to connect to servers, and high latency.

Step 1: Download GearUP Booster with following button (free trial) .

Step 2: Search for Monster Hunter Wild.

Step 3: Select "Auto," and GearUP Booster will automatically connect you to the best route.

Step 4: Confirm your network information and optimization effects, then launch Monster Hunter Wild.

Conclusion

Monster Hunter Wilds provides exciting multiplayer features that let teams of hunters interact via lobbies, Link Parties, Squads, and SOS Flares. Cross-play has always been available to ensure easy hunting with your friends across different platforms. Although cross-save and cross-buy are missing, Capcom left no stone unturned for a great multiplayer experience. Platforms such as GearUP Booster can improve connection stability, and players should follow best network practices such as using a wired connection. The Squad is where increasing the odds of survival is decided, while SOS allows immediate cooperative hunting within Monster Hunter Wilds for an exciting and immersive adventure.