I'm wondering how the matchmaking works, and if it's flexible enough that I could go in, select that I want to play a monster each time, and (potentially) always be matched up with a group of hunters in need of a monster to chase. Basically, does the game group five people first, and let them choose who gets what, or does it group by class/monster?

When you are with parties you aren't supposed to be able to play the monster in matchmaking. However it seems this is broken when playing with multiple parties in lobby, its happened to me multiple times since release.

Otherwise roles are assigned by the preferences you set but you can back out a level and switch with people if you want.

You get to put each role in a priority order.. If you put monster as your first priority you'll get to play it most of the time.

@loafsmooch: So the game tries to sort folks into groups based on their preferences, as opposed to having it be a group of five who then vote on what everyone is going to play?

@sarahsdad: Yeah, it's pretty much that, as far as I can tell. It's more of a matchmaking preference than something that is decided in lobbies.

Yes, matchmaking by preference.