The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For internet multiplayer on Nintendo Switch, yes: Monster Hunter Rise requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. For local wireless play with nearby Switch consoles, no online membership is required. Both modes support up to four players. To hunt together, take on Hub Quests; Village Quests are single-player.
Which multiplayer option needs Switch Online?
Capcom’s Nintendo Switch multiplayer manual says the console must be connected to the internet and the player must have a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play over the internet. Nintendo’s US product listing likewise identifies online play as an NSO feature and lists both online and local wireless modes for one to four players.
| # | 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 |
| Option | Connection | Switch Online | Player limit | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer | Internet | Required | Up to four | Each player must be able to play the game. Create or join an online lobby. |
| Local wireless | Nearby Switch consoles on a local connection | Not required for this mode | Up to four | Each player needs a Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Monster Hunter Rise. |
The membership requirement applies to playing over the internet, not to all multiplayer. Local wireless is the alternative if everyone is together and has their own console and game copy. The official sources cited here do not establish Switch-to-PC or Switch-to-other-console cross-play.
How to play together
Set up an online lobby
- Connect the Switch to the internet and ensure the account playing online has a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- In Kamura Village, speak with Senri the Mailman and use the multiplayer options to create or find an online lobby. The manual describes searching by conditions, joining friends, using a Hunter Connect, and searching by Lobby ID.
- Meet at the Gathering Hub or, in Sunbreak, Elgado Outpost, and choose a Hub Quest.
Set up local wireless
- Open the Courier menu and select Play Locally.
- Choose Find Lobby to join a nearby lobby or Create a Lobby to host one.
- Have each participant use a Switch console with a copy of Monster Hunter Rise, then select a Hub Quest to play together.
Choose Hub Quests, not Village Quests
Multiplayer is available for Hub Quests, not Village Quests. Start or join a Hub Quest from the Gathering Hub or Elgado Outpost. Capcom Support’s Nintendo Switch multiplayer instructions, updated July 16, 2026, also specify that multiplayer is only available for Hub quests.
#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!
Join Requests let other players enter an eligible Hub Quest after it has started, but they are online-only. They are unavailable in local multiplayer and cannot be used for Village Quests.
Check that everyone has the same game version
All players need to be on the same version of the game. Capcom’s manual describes updating over the internet or matching versions with nearby players. If a friend cannot join your lobby, check the game version on every console before troubleshooting the connection.
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!
What the Switch 2 listing means
Nintendo’s current US listing marks Monster Hunter Rise as supported on Switch 2, with behavior consistent with Nintendo Switch. That compatibility note does not establish a Switch 2-specific upgrade or add evidence of cross-platform 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!
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.
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