First off, you create a character of your choice. This will be your online character, though s/he can also be used in the SP game.

Basically how it works is this. You have an overworld map where you can select zones. Each zone has some sidequests that have the option of being done solo or multiplayer. You can access the overworld map from any save point or zone line. No worries, there are tons of save points everywhere. If you're deep in a dungeon and want to do some multiplayer, no problem. Just hit the world map and multiplayer without affecting where you're at.

Max group number is 4 and they don't take long to fill. Even at odd hours of the night the parties have been readily available. When you select to multiplayer a sidequest or a particular zone on the map, the system automatically starts filling in your part. Usually it's done in a few moments. You can also get a little more complicated and go to particular rooms and quest specifically with friends which isn't too much more of a hassle if that's what you want to do.


As far as interaction, basically the multiplayer has really good items that are used to essentially craft better gear. You might wanna focus on gear for your online character since they will be doing harder things, but you can make gear for your SP party as well or at least give them the hand-me-downs.