New User for PSO2: New Genesis - unable to play with friend?

Hey everyone! So I just picked up PSO2: New Genesis and I have been playing for a few days, currently level 40.

My friend just picked it up and they are currently level 20.

We have transferred to the same block and we have sent friend requests and grouped up. I can see them in my party, however, when we go to Mt. Magnus, the second we cross the white zone line we both disappear from each other and instead we get a party full of NPCs . . .

What gives? Can we not party up and play Mt. Magnus together? Are we missing something? Is the level difference too great? Super confused on how that works. Could someone shed some light on how I can play missions together with them?

Thank you so much!

Only thing I can think is that you are loading into a higher rank than your friend is able to, maybe based on their BP or from story-based gates (some ranks only open up after you reach certain points in the story). Try transferring to Mt. Magus via the Map on a lower rank than what it defaults you to to check.

Thanks for the reply Anduril! Hmmm how can I transfer to Mt. Magus on a lower rank?

Wait, nevermind, figured it out, I'll give it a try!