How to pause in Monster Hunter Wilds with ‘Online Single Player’ mode

A pause feature is available in Monster Hunter Wilds as long as you’re playing in the “Online Single Player” mode. There are many moments where you need to be away from the game at short notice — like when you need to use the restroom, take care of your child, or if your mother asks you to simply pause the game. This is all possible in the new “Online Single Player” mode in Monster Hunter Wilds that comes with its own features. Here’s how to pause the game in Monster Hunter Wilds, and some of the features from the “Online Single Player” mode. How to activate Online Single Player and pause in Monster Hunter Wilds [Image: https://platform.polygon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/AlmaMenus_MHW.jpg?quality=90&strip=all] To pause in Monster Hunter Wilds, you must be in “Online Single Player” mode. There are two ways to turn on “Online Single Player” mode in Monster Hunter Wilds: * Title screen — After you select your save data, you can choose the “Online Single Player” mode in the lobby select screen. * Interact with Alma — If you started in any of the other modes, find and talk to Alma. Switch to the “Change Lobby” menu, and choose the “Online Single Player” mode option. Now that you’re in a world with just yourself and the other NPCs, you can pause the game. To pause, open the start menu, switch to the “System” settings, and select “Pause Game.” How does ‘Online Single Player’ mode in Monster Hunter Wilds work? The “Online Single Player” mode functions a little differently to other multiplayer sessions. You won’t see other players in base camp, and similar to previous Monster Hunter titles, and as a solo player, monsters will be have less HP to account for fewer people being around to deal damage. However, you still have the flexibility to use SOS flares to ask other players for help, and this will temporarily switch your mode to multiplayer in the process. The other benefit is the aforementioned ability to pause the game — which also allows you to make use of photo mode (for when it’s available in the full release). If you’re looking for other Monster Hunter Wilds explainers, we have pages on how to change weapons and finding the training camp.