There have been a lot of bugs, errors, and other issues in Monster Hunter Wilds, keeping some unfortunate players out of the game. That brings us to the Lobby Could Not Be Found EW_31cef Error. Since you clicked on this guide, you are probably facing the same. So, without any further ado, consider reading this guide to understand what this is all about and, most importantly, the workarounds to fix it.
As the error message suggests, the “Lobby Could Not Be Found EW_31cef” error in Monster Hunter Wilds is preventing players from joining online lobbies and disrupting multiplayer hunts. So, has Capcom provided an official fix or suggested some workarounds offering temporary relief for affected hunters? More details on this are shared below.
Monster Hunter Wilds “Lobby Could Not Be Found EW_31cef” Error: Is there any fix yet
Unfortunately, as of now, there’s no official fix or a single surefire solution for the EW_31cef error in MHW. However, players have discovered several potential workarounds that may help bypass the issue. While these aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone, they’re currently the best options available until Capcom addresses the problem directly.
Basic Checks
Before trying anything complex, start with the basics: restart the game, restart your PC, and check your internet connection. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches, while a stable connection ensures smooth matchmaking. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection or restarting your router.
Lobby ID
A simple workaround that has worked for some players is joining the lobby using the Lobby ID instead of searching for it manually. If you’re trying to connect with friends, have the host share their Lobby ID with you, then enter it directly in the search bar. While not a guaranteed fix, it’s worth trying if you’re struggling to join a session.
Lobby settings
The issue in some cases could be that you or your friend had set up a private lobby, assuming that friended hunters could still join freely. However, private lobbies in Monster Hunter Wilds require players to join using the Lobby ID—friend status alone doesn’t grant access. If you’re facing the EW_31cef error while trying to join a lobby, double-check the lobby settings and make sure you have the correct ID to enter manually.
Squad System
A temporary workaround to bypass the EW_31cef error is to use the Squad system. First, create a Squad and invite your friend to join it—if they’re on PS5, ensure that both of you have matching crossplay settings. Once you’re in the same squad, go to Alma and use Lobby Search > Squad Lobby Search, then select your Squad lobby.
VPN and DNS
Using a VPN or changing your DNS settings can sometimes help bypass connection issues. A VPN may route your connection through a different server, potentially avoiding regional restrictions or network problems. Meanwhile, switching to a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can improve stability and speed up matchmaking. Changing DNS is easy. Here are the steps:
- First, go to Windows Network Settings
- Here, select the Change Adapter Option
- Now, right-click on your current network.
- Next, select Properties and then the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
- After this, select the Custom DNS option and add Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and Secondary as 8.8.4.4. You can use any popular DNS settings and check which works best.
For now, these are all the workarounds we have to address the EW_31cef error in Monster Hunter Wilds. Hopefully, one of these workarounds helps you get back into the hunt! If more fixes surface, we’ll be sure to update. Keep an eye on DigiStatement for those updates and other gaming-related reads like this. Also, click here to find out the fixes for the audio issues in MHW.
