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To play Monster Hunter Rise with friends, meet in the same multiplayer lobby and take a Hub quest together. If a quest is already underway, its host can enable a Join Request so eligible players can join. Nintendo Switch players can also meet nearby using local wireless play.
Choose how you want to connect
| Option | When players connect | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobby | Before choosing a hunt | Online, or local wireless on Switch | Gathering with friends and selecting Hub quests together |
| Join Request | When a Hub quest is starting or already in progress | Online only on Switch | Opening an eligible quest to other players rather than assembling everyone first |
| Switch local play | Before choosing a hunt | Nearby local wireless | Playing together on nearby Nintendo Switch consoles without using an online lobby |
Capcom describes multiplayer as using either a lobby or Join Requests. Lobbies support up to four players; Nintendo lists one to four players for Switch local wireless and online play. See the Switch manual, Steam manual, PlayStation manual, and Nintendo’s game listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Monster Hunter Rise - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe Edition - Nintendo Switch Deluxe Edition | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Monster Hunter Rise - Nintendo Switch (Renewed) | $29.77 | Buy on Amazon |
Check platform, version, and online requirements
- Use compatible hardware. The checked official sources do not establish cross-play for every platform combination. Capcom’s PlayStation manual groups PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS5 together and says those players cannot play with users on other hardware. Confirm compatibility for your exact platform combination rather than assuming players can connect across platform families.
- Update to the same game version. Capcom says multiplayer players need the same version. Have everyone update before trying to join.
- Meet the platform’s connection requirements. Switch online play requires internet access and a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Steam players need internet access and to be logged in to Steam. The covered PlayStation manuals require internet access, PSN sign-in, and PlayStation Plus.
Set up an online lobby with friends
- Open the Courier. On Switch, choose Play Online from the Courier menu. Steam players also use the Courier and must be logged in to Steam. On PlayStation, follow the manual’s Play Online flow and sign in to PSN.
- Create or find a lobby. One player creates the lobby; friends can join through the friends list where supported, search conditions, Hunter Connect on Switch, or a lobby ID. The host can share the lobby ID so others can search for the same room.
- Gather up to four players. Once everyone is in the lobby, head to the Gathering Hub or Elgado Outpost and choose a Hub quest.
- Post and start the quest. Have each player join the posted Hub quest before the group departs. Village quests are solo-only, so they cannot be used for a group hunt.
Let players join a quest in progress
Use a Join Request when you want other players to join an eligible Hub quest after it has started, instead of first gathering everyone in one lobby.
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- When accepting a Hub quest, enable the Join Request option; or, during a Hub quest, select the Join Request option from the lobby start menu.
- Other players can look for eligible quests at the Quest Board and join through the request.
On Switch, Join Requests work online only; they are not available in local multiplayer.
#1 Best Overall
- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village.
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
Play locally with nearby Switch players
- Each player needs a Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Monster Hunter Rise.
- At the Courier, choose Play Locally. One player creates a local lobby, and the others search for and join it.
- Once together, choose Hub quests for the group. Nintendo lists local wireless play for one to four players.
Local wireless is specific to the Switch instructions covered here; it is not the method for Steam or PlayStation play.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village.
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
Rank #2
- The debut of the new “wirebug” mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options.
- The game will introduce magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster, as well as other new monsters like the shape-shifting aknosom, the amphibious tetranadon, and more.
- New hunting partners called palamutes can be personalized and used to ride across the terrain, providing players with all-new traveling and attack options.
- In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the immersive story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “rampage” events that threaten kamura village
- Play solo, or join up to three other hunters in local or online co-op play. The Nintendo Switch system also allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
Troubleshoot connection problems
- A friend cannot find or join the lobby: Check that the lobby ID or search conditions match, confirm the lobby is not full, and verify that everyone is on compatible hardware and the same game version.
- The group cannot join a quest: Make sure it is a Hub quest, not a Village quest, and that players have joined the posted quest before departure.
- A Join Request is missing: On Switch, check that the quest is being played online rather than through local multiplayer. Join Requests are not available in Switch local play.
- Online play will not start: Check internet access, then confirm the platform-specific sign-in or membership requirement: Nintendo Switch Online for Switch, Steam login for Steam, or PSN sign-in and PlayStation Plus for the covered PlayStation platforms.
- Players use different systems: Do not assume the game supports cross-play across those platforms. The PlayStation manual explicitly limits its covered multiplayer to PlayStation hardware; consult the relevant platform guidance for the exact combination.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

