# Monster Hunter Wilds: All You Should Know About Cross-Play and Multiplayer
Monster Hunter Wilds aims to transform the franchise by incorporating one of the most sought-after features by enthusiasts: **cross-play**. This eagerly awaited capability allows gamers across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S to unite effortlessly, eliminating platform restrictions for the first time in the series. Here’s a detailed overview of everything you should know about cross-platform play, cross-progression, and the thrilling new multiplayer elements in Monster Hunter Wilds.
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## **How is Cross-Platform Play Facilitated?**
Cross-play in Monster Hunter Wilds lets players from various platforms collaborate on hunts. Whether you’re playing on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X/S, you can team up with friends or other players to defeat monsters.
To utilize online multiplayer options, console users must maintain an active subscription to **PS Plus** (for PlayStation) or **Game Pass** (for Xbox). Conversely, PC players can dive into the game as long as they have internet access and the game installed.
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## **What About Cross-Save, Cross-Buy, and Cross-Progression?**
While cross-play represents a significant improvement for the community, **cross-save and cross-progression** are unfortunately not available in Monster Hunter Wilds. This indicates that your save data and progress are linked to the platform on which you play. If you opt to transition to a different platform, you’ll need to start anew with a fresh character.
Moreover, there is no **cross-buy** feature, implying that you’ll have to buy the game individually for each platform if you wish to enjoy it on multiple devices. Regrettably, there are no price reductions for owning the game on one platform before acquiring it on another.
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## **How Can I Connect with Friends on Different Platforms?**
Linking with friends across different platforms is simple, courtesy of the **Hunter ID system**. Here’s how you can connect with your friends:
1. **Locate Your Hunter ID**:
– Go to **Menu → Info → Hunter Profile → Hunter ID** in the game.
– Share your Hunter ID with your friend or request theirs.
2. **Search for a Friend**:
– Navigate to **Menu → Communication → Player List → Hunter ID Search** and input the ID.
3. **Send a Friend Request**:
– Once the player shows up in the search results, click their profile and choose **Send Friend Request**.
4. **Invite to a Link Party**:
– After the friend request is accepted, find your friend in the **Player List** and send a **Link Party Invite**. This enables you to collaborate and go on quests together.
This system operates across platforms and even within the same platform, without requiring external applications like Steam or Xbox Live friend lists.
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## **Is it Possible to Turn Off Cross-Play?**
Certainly, if you prefer to engage only with hunters on your specific platform, you can deactivate cross-play. Simply go to **Options → Game Settings → Cross-Platform Play** in the main menu and switch the feature off. This ensures you’ll only be matched with players who have also chosen to disable cross-play.
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## **What is the Multiplayer Experience Like in Monster Hunter Wilds?**
The multiplayer aspect of Monster Hunter Wilds has seen significant improvements with new features, making it easier and more enjoyable than before. Here’s a summary of how it functions:
### **Lobbies**
Multiplayer lobbies enable connections with other players. You can either enter a random lobby or create one with specific criteria, such as inviting friends. Each lobby can accommodate up to **100 players**, similar to Monster Hunter World, allowing players to interact, share quests, and prepare for hunts collectively.
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### **Initiating Quests**
In multiplayer, quests function much like they do in single-player mode. You can pick up missions from quest-giver **Alma** or access the quest menu from your tent. Monster Hunter Wilds has largely resolved the frustration of waiting for story cutscenes to conclude before commencing co-op (a frequent hurdle in Monster Hunter World). Players can now view or skip cutscenes together, diving into the action almost immediately.
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### **Link Parties**
A fresh addition in Monster Hunter Wilds is **Link Parties**, which allow up to four hunters to create a dedicated group. Here’s what sets Link Parties apart:
– **Automatic Invitations**: Once you’re part of a Link Party, members are automatically invited to your quests, and you to theirs.
– **Persistent Groups**: Link Parties stay active even after completing a quest. If a member leaves temporarily, they can seamlessly rejoin.
– **Exclusive Communication**: Link Party members benefit from private text and voice chat options.
This feature is perfect for players wishing to undertake multiple missions or progress through the story collaboratively.
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### **Shared Exploration**
For those eager to traverse the open world together, Monster Hunter