The Monster Hunter franchise is known for its focus on cooperative gameplay, and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is keeping up that trend. With the game finally released, players are only just now getting into the details of how certain things like multiplayer work. Thankfully for fans of co-op and competitive games alike, playing the new Monster Hunter Stories with friends is as easy as ever That said, there are still some things that players need to do before they can engage in this content.
For those that might not know, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a spin off game of the Monster Hunter Series, featuring many of the same monsters, characters, weapons, and armor, but a completely different story and gameplay style. Although there were some elements of multiplayer in the original Monster Hunter Stories, the sequel is taking this to the next level.
Players won't be able to jump straight into multiplayer in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, as the feature isn't unlocked until partway through the story. Players wanting to play the multiplayer aspects of the game will need to continue going through the solo story mode until they reach a quest called "The Stranger in Black." During this mission, a character named Alwin will challenge the player to a fight, but it doesn't matter if players win or lose. Regardless of the outcome of the battle, Alwin will inform the player of other hunters that are out there in the world.
At this point, multiplayer is finally unlocked and players can play the game with their friends. In order to start multiplayer, head to any quest board and select the multiplayer option at the very bottom. From here, there are four different options the player can select: Co-Op Quests, Versus Battles, Match ID Search, and Multiplayer Settings. As one might expect, Co-Op Quests allow players to take on quests with friends at their side, while Versus Battles pit players against their friends. Match ID Search will allow players to join a specific match by entering its ID, and Multiplayer Settings is how players will set up their teams and other options before starting a match. Engaging in this multiplayer content can extend the length of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.
After players unlock this multiplayer mode, they are able to play with any other player that has done the same thing regardless of level. In the case of co-op quests, the higher leveled player will be scaled down to match the quest level. By contrast, in Versus Battles, both players are scaled to level 50, allowing for a fairer fight.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is available now on PC and Switch.
