The SOS Flare system is Monster Hunter World: Iceborne's primary method for players to seek assistance from the wider online community. When you're struggling with a particular monster, a difficult quest, or simply want to team up, firing an SOS Flare can bring other hunters to your aid. To fire an SOS Flare, simply pause the game during a quest and navigate to the 'Quest' tab, then select 'Fire SOS Flare'. It's crucial to ensure you're connected to the internet and have your quest settings set to 'Open' for others to join.
Responding to SOS Flares is a fantastic way to gain experience, earn rewards, and help out fellow hunters. When an SOS Flare is fired, you'll receive a notification if you're in the Gathering Hub or browsing the Quest Board. You can then choose to accept the quest and join the hunter who fired the flare. you can only respond to quests that are at a similar Hunter Rank (HR) or Master Rank (MR) to your own, ensuring a balanced experience. Before accepting, you can often see the target monster and the quest giver's name, allowing you to prepare accordingly.
Tips for Firing SOS Flares:
- Timing is Key: Fire your SOS Flare when you're genuinely in need of help, not immediately at the start of a difficult fight. Give yourself a chance to learn the monster's patterns first.
- Be Prepared: Ensure your gear is adequate for the quest. Hunters joining your SOS will expect a reasonable level of preparation.
- Communicate (if possible): If you have a mic or can use quick chat, let incoming hunters know what you're struggling with.
- Don't Abandon: Once hunters have joined, try your best to see the quest through. They've come to help!
Tips for Responding to SOS Flares:
- Check the Target: Make sure you're equipped to fight the monster. Bring the right elemental weaknesses and resistances.
- Bring Supplies: Always pack your own potions, traps, and other useful items. You might not know what the quest host has prepared.
- Be Patient: Sometimes it takes a moment for hunters to join. Don't get discouraged.
- Offer Assistance: Once you join, focus on supporting the host. Help them with the objective and try to keep them alive.