Fact Check: Is Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin cross-platform?

Is Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Cross-Platform?

The claim regarding whether "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" supports cross-platform play has been a topic of interest among gamers. The game, which was released on July 9, 2021, for Nintendo Switch and PC, has sparked discussions about its multiplayer capabilities, particularly concerning crossplay between these platforms.

What We Know

Game Release and Platforms: "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" was released for Nintendo Switch and Windows PC. It is primarily a single-player RPG but includes multiplayer features for cooperative play [3][4].
Multiplayer Features: The game allows up to four players to engage in multiplayer mode, which can be accessed through local and online play. However, players must own a copy of the game to participate [3][8].
Crossplay Status: According to multiple sources, "Monster Hunter Stories 2" does not support cross-platform play. Players on Nintendo Switch cannot play with those on PC, and there is no official cross-save feature either [5][7].
Match ID System: While players can connect through a Match ID system, this feature does not facilitate crossplay between different platforms; it is primarily for coordinating multiplayer sessions among players on the same platform [2].
Developer Focus: The developers have indicated that the absence of crossplay is due to the game's design and optimization for the specific platforms it was released on, rather than a broader strategy to include cross-platform functionality [5].

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mix of information regarding the multiplayer capabilities of "Monster Hunter Stories 2."

Credibility of Sources:
- Game Rant and Gamepur are gaming news outlets that typically provide timely updates on game features, but their articles often reflect the opinions of the authors and may lack comprehensive technical details [1][2].
- Capcom's Official Manual and website are authoritative sources, as they provide direct information from the game's developers regarding gameplay mechanics and features [3][4].
- Of Zen and Computing and The Nerd Stash offer insights into the game's crossplay capabilities, but they may not be as widely recognized as the more established gaming news outlets. Their claims should be weighed against more authoritative sources [5][7].
Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a bias towards promoting the game or its features, which could influence their reporting. For instance, gaming news sites often aim to attract readers with sensational headlines, which might lead to overstated claims about game features.
Methodology and Evidence: The evidence supporting the claim that "Monster Hunter Stories 2" does not support crossplay is primarily based on official statements from the developers and corroborated by various gaming news outlets. However, the absence of crossplay could be further clarified by examining player experiences and community feedback.
Contradicting Information: There is a consensus among the majority of sources that crossplay is not available, but the nuances of multiplayer functionality (like the Match ID system) could lead to misunderstandings about what "crossplay" entails.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" supports cross-platform play is false. The evidence indicates that players on Nintendo Switch cannot engage in multiplayer sessions with those on PC, and there is no official cross-save feature available. This conclusion is supported by authoritative sources, including the game's official manual and statements from the developers, which clarify the game's design limitations regarding crossplay.

It is important to note that while the game does offer multiplayer features, these are restricted to players on the same platform. The Match ID system, while useful for coordinating multiplayer sessions, does not enable cross-platform play, which is a common misconception.

However, the available evidence is primarily based on official statements and may not encompass all player experiences or community feedback. As such, there may be nuances that are not fully captured in the current sources. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims about game features.