The SOS Flare in Monster Hunter Wilds can be the direct reason behind a successful or failed hunt. The feature has been in the franchise for quite some time but it has been tweaked slightly in the upcoming title to further improve the player experience.
From its purpose to how to use it, here’s everything to know about the SOS Flare in Monster Hunter.
What does the SOS Flare do in Monster Hunter Wilds?
SOS Flare is a feature in the game that lets you call for help during a hunt/quest. A maximum of four players can take part in a hunt so a flare signal lets you add up to three more players to the ongoing quest.
In contrast to previous titles, if no real player joins your quest for some time after you’ve fired an SOS Flare, Monster Hunter Wilds sends three NPCs (Support Hunters) to your aid.
The feature focuses on adding real players to the mix, though. As a result, when a real player joins your hunt, they replace the Support Hunter in the party.
How to use SOS Flare
Using an SOS Flare is simple. Press L1 /LB on your PlayStation/Xbox controller to open the radial menu. Then, use the right analog stick to select SOS Flare, the option for which is at the bottom of the menu.
Do note that these directions are based on the game’s default HUD and you can change where SOS Flare appears on the menu later on.
When can you use the SOS Flare in Monster Hunter Wilds?
You can use the SOS Flare in Monster Hunter Wilds as soon as you enter a quest. Of course, you have the option to wait and face the monster first to evaluate whether any help is needed or not.
Once three players fill in your party and it is full, you cannot use the SOS Flare again until someone leaves.
SOS Flare settings explained
First things first, you can only change your SOS Flare settings in the base camp, and not after you’ve entered a quest. In the Quest Counter, before posting or joining a certain quest, select Settings and you’ll find the following options regarding the SOS Flare:
- Multiplayer Settings
- Other Players & Support Hunters – This lets you play with Support Hunters (NPCs) before real players join the game.
- Only Other Players – Disables Support Hunters, so your SOS Flare signal will only allow real players to join in.
- Only Support Hunters – The best option for players looking for a solo experience as this setting only summons three Support Hunters and no real players will ever be added to your quest.
- Automatic SOS Flare can also be turned on or off.
An advantage of having Support Hunters is that they don’t reduce the quest’s reward money upon completion. In contrast, when you share the quest with real hunters, the rewards are split between the participants.
For fans of the classic Monster Hunter experience, though, we recommend turning on the Only Other Players setting.
