Monster Hunter Rise is the newest addition to the popular franchise and it's becoming more of an online experience than ever before. If a player happens to have a robust friends list, then chances are they will have many openings to join a lobby in Monster Hunter Rise. The developers of this game took what they established in MonsterHunter: World concerning the multiplayer and have enhanced it. Monster hunting with friends adds a whole new dynamic to the gameplay and having an online option with this franchise is a welcomed addition.
When it comes to Monster Hunter Rise, there are a few ways to play online with some friends. However, there's first a step-by-step process to get through before playing co-op. First, players will need to complete the tutorial and the early game segments. This may be a grind, but this needs to be done to unlock the online features. After that is done, go speak to Senri the Mailman Palico and a menu will come up. Select the "Play Online" option and then choose "Create a Lobby." Go through the different variations on how the Lobby is going to be set up and then choose the "Create" button. Then, everything will be ready to go.
It's worth pointing out that players will need a Nintendo Switch subscription in order to play online. There is no split-screen support for Monster Hunter Rise. It has been mentioned by the developers that the Nintendo Switch wouldn't be able to handle the technical capabilities of split-screen, therefore it has been omitted as a co-op option. If a player has multiple Nintendo Switches connected to different televisions in their home, they can play together on their handheld screen. Just go to Senri the Mailman and just select the "Play Locally" option to launch it. Players won't even need an internet connection or Nintendo Switch account to use this option and it's a good alternative to split-screen.
To invite a friend into a Lobby, go to Senri the Mailman and ask to access the friend's list. Scroll through the list and look to see if someone has a Lobby set up. If they do, players can simply select their friend's lobby and jump in. Thus, if a player has already set up their own lobby, then this is also how they can ask a friend to join. A player who isn't on the friend's list will need to go to Senri the Mailman and select "Play Online Option" on the menu. They will need to put in the Lobby ID code that was generated for the creator of the Lobby. If a player can't remember their own Lobby ID code, just ask Senri the Mailman and it'll be sent.
Even though it can be fun to explore the map with a squad, sometimes players would prefer a more structured co-op quest experience. To find some co-op quests, go speak to Minoto in the gathering hub area. Then, choose the preferred rank and "Hunter Quest" that will be on the list. Wait until all the friends within the gathering hub accept the quest and then the mission will be ready to launch. Once all the players are ready, just enter Hub Quest Gate to start the adventure.
Monster Hunter Rise is now available on Nintendo Switch. A PC port is expected to release in early 2022.
