Players around the world are reporting how trolls are ruining the multiplayer in Monster Hunter World. The trolls enjoy preventing other players from looting after the hunt. They shamelessly exploit the Friendly-Fire mechanics of MHW.
Those who go hunting in Monster Hunter World will be richly rewarded after their work! Once the monster is killed, players can pull out their hunting knife and carve the animals for loot. The monsters then drop materials such as teeth, horns, claws, scales, or fur, which are further processed into weapons and armor. By carving the animals, hunters obtain additional and important loot besides the quest reward.
Especially after a long and exhausting hunt, the feeling is even better when the loot can finally be cashed in. However, trolls are currently making it impossible for other players to loot the monsters in multiplayer.
Complaints from hunters affected by the problem are popping up worldwide (over Twitter, Reddit and forums) from hunters who have been affected.
“Griefers” use Friendly-Fire to disturb other hunters
Players who attempt to ruin the fun for others in online multiplayer are referred to as “griefers” without directly violating the game rules.
Monster Hunter World has a Friendly-Fire mechanic. Hunters can paralyze or hit other players with their weapon. This disturbs the affected players in their actions.
The trolls use Friendly-Fire to prevent other players from carving a monster for loot. Usually, the “griefers” operate in groups and disturb a teammate who has accidentally joined their group. In Monster Hunter World, players can join an ongoing quest from other players at any time. They do not need to be friends in the game.
When the random teammate tries to loot the monster after the hunt, the trolls take turns hitting their victim in the group. They can then carve the monster without disturbance, while the random teammate gets nothing. To obtain the loot from a slain monster in Monster Hunter World, you must carve it. The loot is not automatically collected by the game.
In the video below, you can observe the process. The player tries to carve the slain Anjanath, and the other three teammates hit him, interrupting his looting action.
Friendly-Fire is actually useful in Monster Hunter World’s multiplayer
Friendly-Fire has its uses in Monster Hunter World and is actually meant to help teammates. For example, if a hunter gets paralyzed by a monster, a teammate can simply give them a slap with their weapon. This will free the hunter from the paralysis and reduce the risk of being attacked by the monster.
Friendly-Fire can also be used to assist other players onto the back of a monster. When a player rides a monster, they can freely attack as they wish and are safe from attacks.
Capcom is aware of the problem and is considering solutions
Capcom stated to Waypoint that they are aware of the problem through player feedback. The discontent over trolls has continuously grown, and they are currently considering solutions.
It is probably not easy for Capcom to tackle the issue with loot-stealing trolls. The “griefers” are not doing anything illegal and shamelessly misuse a game mechanic originally intended for teamwork.
What could solutions be?
- One possibility would be for the developers to turn off Friendly-Fire after completing the quest, preventing trolls from disrupting the loot process.
- Another option would be to introduce an automatic collection mechanic. However, many players might view this critically. Carving the monsters is simply part of the game.
It remains to be seen how Capcom will ultimately respond to the issue.
Have you ever lost your loot to trolls? What solutions would you like to see from Capcom?
Trolls are unfortunately not just a problem in Monster Hunter World, but in online gaming:
