If you're here, you're probably struggling to navigate Monster Hunter Wilds' convoluted multiplayer system. Don't worry—you’re not alone. Many players are scratching their heads, wondering why Capcom keeps fumbling its online systems, especially after perfecting them in Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak.
This guide explains how Monster Hunter Wild's multiplayer features work and clarifies the differences between Link Parties and Environment Links.
Link Party
To better understand Wilds' multiplayer mechanics, let's start with Link Parties.
You're not automatically sharing an instance when you and your friends are playing Monster Hunter Wilds. Even if you're in the same lobby and see each other in Base Camp, you're not technically in the same world.
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+ 3That's where Link Parties come in. While they don't place you in the same instance, they significantly reduce the ‘wait for the cutscene to end’ downtime by notifying you when a party member starts an active quest. This serves as your cue to join and squad up. Note that a Link Party can accommodate up to four players.
Link Parties offer a seamless way to team up without the hassle of manually joining lobbies. Just wait for a notification, and you'll be ready to go.
Environment Links
What do Environment Links do if Link Parties allow players to hunt together by creating a single quest instance? Think of them as your personal version of the Guiding Lands from Monster Hunter World.
To activate an Environment Link, you must first be in a Link Party. Once everyone is in, simply invite them all to the Environment Link.
An Environment Link creates a shared instance for your team within a single biome, allowing you and up to three others to explore and hunt continuously. Monsters, rewards, resources—everything in your map remains synchronized among your team members.
click to enlarge + 3For example, if you want to hunt a Nu Udra in the Oilwell Basin, the Link Leader can create a quest, automatically updating everyone in the party. You'll all be placed in the same hunt without any extra steps.
Environment Links are also great for free-roaming and gathering resources. However, moving to a different biome resets the Link, so notify your team before switching areas.
If you want to hunt a monster from another biome, like the Rey Dau in the Windward Plains, leave the Environment Link, start a new one, and invite your friends again.
Squads
To simplify Monster Hunter Wilds’ needlessly complex multiplayer system, consider forming a Squad with your closest friends. Creating a squad is easy: go to the Base Camp in the Plains and talk to the NPC near the Research Tent. A Squad serves as your dedicated group, making it easier to invite members to your Link Party whenever they're online.
Encourage your friends to use the Squad Lobby Search option when they log in and select your Squad. This automatically notifies your private Squad lobby when someone is online. Think of it as your personal Gathering Hall.
click to enlarge + 3If this is still confusing for you, don’t get too frustrated by the system—over time, it becomes second nature. Soon, linking up will be effortless—unless server issues get in the way (which, unfortunately, is out of your hands).
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