Wild Hearts: Everything We Know So Far

Curious about Wild Hearts? We have got you covered with everything we know so far!

Wild Hearts is an upcoming action-adventure game inspired by Monster Hunter. The game promises to bring wide landscapes to explore, in addition to staggeringly dangerous enemies and a myriad of weapons to craft. Below, we have covered everything we know about Wild Hearts before its release.

Key Highlights
  • You will be playing in the world of Azuma, which consists of all four different climates.
  • The story revolves around defeating wild beasts known as Kemano, who have wrecked the beautiful world of Azuma.
  • A unique feature in the game is the Karakuri, an ability allowing you to build various devices used for various functions in battles.
  • Wild Hearts was released on February 16th, 2023, on PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PS5. Wild Hearts is cross-platform supported.
  • It is developed by Omega Studio and published by EA Originals.

The spring season depicts Sakuna trees with dense forests. Autumn shows abandoned fortresses with fallen leaves. On the other hand, the summer season shows isolated creatures in coastal areas, while the winter covers a large castle in a frozen state.

The open world of Wild Hearts offers vast discoveries. You follow an exciting loop of exploring, gathering resources, and defeating your enemies. Furthermore, each zone offers a lot of diversity in its biomes.

The game’s most distinctive feature is the Karakuri, which allows you to design various devices used for effective combat. They can range from small blocks to climbing onto bigger objects for smacking your enemies.

Moreover, you have to defeat Kemono, which are gigantic monsters set to destroy the whole world. We have covered all the features of Karakuri and Kemono below.

Story Of Wild Hearts

The main story revolves around Kemono; these are wild beasts set to destroy the beautiful land of Azuma for no reason. In the story, the player’s role is of a deadly hunter who has to save the land of Azuma by defeating these monsters. These massive beasts are a combination of normal animals infused with earthly elements. They control certain aspects of landscapes, like shape-controlling movement in hunts. Not to forget, they are a great source of loot.

The user possesses the ability to wield Karakuri technology, which everyone in the storyline now forgets. As a protagonist, you must stop the enemies, discover the motive behind their destruction, and set everything right using your distinguishing characteristics. Wild Hearts offers a thrilling storyline full of challenges and threats. It will take approximately 30 hours to complete the main story.

At the moment, we have covered the whole story known from leaked gameplays; follow our website to learn more about Wild Hearts’ story as it releases.

Kemono In Wild Hearts

As mentioned earlier, these enormous wildlings are set to turn the world upside down. These savages consist of all shapes and sizes and feature special environmental elements. Their structure depicts the fusion of a normal animal with earthly features that grow massively as they feed off from the earth itself. 

 All of the monsters in Wild Heart have elemental effects, which will have affinities that further tie into weapons. These have natural components growing out of them, making them ideal fantasy creatures. Based on the information we know so far, below are a total of 20 different monsters that the game will offer.

Lavaback

Image showing Lavaback
Image showing Lavaback (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A gorilla with lava on its back and stretchy arms. This devious Kemono shoots flying rocks and clean sweeps hunters.

Golden Tempest

Image showing Golden Tempest
Golden Tempest (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A fierce wind-controlling tiger that uses wind power and sea sand as bait for its prey. As its opponents fell into the right range, it used its quickness to destroy them.

Ragetail

Image showing Sapscourge
Image showing RageTail (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A gigantic rat that attacks with its growing tail. The tail is a deadly weapon that grows in combat. It needs to be dealt with to defeat Ragetail.

Sapscourge

Image showing Sapscourge
Image showing Sapscourge (Picture credits: eXputer)

A tree squirrel appears to be tranquil, but it is very lethal due to its defensive style of combat, making its opponents stunned. Its tail is to be targeted for bringing it down.

King Tusk

Image showing King Tusk
Image showing King Tusk (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A big, brute boar-like creature. Although it is slow, the force that it strikes exerts a lot of damage using its large teeth. It has numerous eyes, and most of them are closed until the opponent is close.

Deathstalker

Image showing deathstalker
Image showing deathstalker (Picture Credits: eXputer)

An intimidating wolf with icy branches can also defeat other Kemono using its swiftness and power. Like a wolf, it attacks solely, or in a pack, it can be brought down by attacking its ice armor.

Amaterasu

Image showing Amaterasu Wild Hearts
Image showing Amaterasu Wild Hearts (Picture Credits: eXputer)

It is a fierce phoenix that enhances its power and fury by soaking up celestial thread (energy) from its surroundings. They can be attacked during this time.

Goldshard

Image showing Goldshard Wild Hearts
Image showing Goldshard Wild Hearts (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A crystal adsorbed porcupine. It uses its spine both defensively and offensively. Also, these spines can be fired aerially too. The point where it shoots all of its spines is the most vulnerable moment for taking it down.

Spineglider

Image showing Spineglider
Image showing Spineglider (Picture Credits: eXputer)

It is a goat that can attack in the air too. It uses liquid which converts into hard stony pillars to mark its boundaries. To defeat it, you have to crash it upon any foothold in any stony pillar. Once fallen on landing, attack it constantly

Earthbreaker

Image showing Earthbreaker
Image showing Earthbreaker (Picture Credits: eXputer)

It is a massive mountain bear that seemingly plays an important role in upcoming quests. It exhibits very high force, but at the same time, it is sluggish, which can be exploited.

Weapons In Wild Hearts

The game offers exciting weapons to attack, each comprising multiple combos. All weapons have two normal attacks and one special attack. You can craft a weapon more than once, with various elemental affinities or without, but with a higher power. However, you have to use a different method to craft each weapon. We have listed every weapon we know so far in Wild Hearts before release.

Karakuri Katana

Image showing Karakuri Katana
Image showing Karakuri Katana (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A long blade, which you can use for attacking swiftly. Also, you can convert it into a whip for further damage. You can use two attacks, one light powered and the other one high-powered. In addition to this, you can extend it for combos. Hence, it is ideal for close range.

Bladed Wagasa

Image showing user using Bladed Wagasa
Image showing user using Bladed Wagasa (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Bladed Wagasa is a unique weapon due to its shape and function. You use this umbrella-shaped weapon to parry Kemono attacks. Building up the Remai gauge will allow you to deal more damage

Bow

Image showing Bow
Image showing Bow (Picture showing Bow)

It is a very efficient weapon, enabling hunters to rain down arrows from above. The bow can fire higher projectiles and combat from far range. Furthermore, it incorporates both vertical and horizontal strokes, and a volley of shots, making it a continuous charge.

Nodachi

Image showing Nodachi
Image showing Nodachi (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Nodachi is a high-powered close-ranged weapon. It offers heavy attacks that swing upward, slicing opponents and charging gauges while running or standing.

Claw Blades

Image showing Claw Blade
Image showing Claw Blade (Picture Credits: eXputer)

A highly mobile weapon that can be used in the air. It is very efficient for swift light attacks. Moreover, it can pierce and attach to the Kemono.

Karakuri Staff

Image showing Karakuri Staff
Karakuri Staff (Picture Credits: eXputer)

It is a highly effective and universal weapon that exhibits five different forms. For example, it can be converted into a long sword upon certain damage with its special attack. You need to master timing before transitioning into different forms.

Maul

Image showing Maul
Image showing Maul (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Maul is a very heavy weapon. Although it is very slow, it is lethal when struck. Once charged, you can use spinning attacks.

Cannon

Image showing cannon
Image showing cannon (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Cannon is a very versatile weapon, and you can use it to fire long-range from various firing modes. However, you can get it overheated. It is an artillery weapon for heavy-duty purposes.

Bladed Parasol

Parasol allows hunters to dive into the enemy, which is ideal for counterattacking and floating into the air.

Within each weapon type, you can craft more weapons based on the monster you battle with. Moreover, the game will also offer armor sets that can be either traditional armor-designed or Kemono-inspired.

Karakuri

What sets Wild Hearts apart in the hunting genre is the special feature of Karakuri. Similar to games like Fortnite, you use this long-forgotten practice to construct tools that help you in a fight. Each device has a distinct method to craft, which eventually has a unique function like stun, trap, or traverse. 

Karakuri is the main key mechanic of the game, which has a massive arsenal of options to draw from. These are divided into basic, fusion, and dragon Karakuri. Every player has their own map and can place these devices anywhere. You can also access other players’ worlds and explore their Karakuri.

 Not to forget, you can craft Karakuri in a short time period, but you must possess certain skills. From everything we know so far about Wild Hearts, we have covered all the Karakuri in the game.

Basic Karakuri

Basic Karakuri is a simple tool but is crucial for effective combat against your enemies.

Spring

Image shows Spring
Image shows Spring (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You use it as a launchpad for jumping and flanking.

Crate

Image showing Crate
Image showing Crate (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You can use it for aerial attacks.

Torch

Image showing Torch
Image showing Torch (Picture credits: eXputer)

You exert fire damage using these.

Celestial Anchor

Image showing Celestial Anchor
Image showing Celestial Anchor (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Using this, you can close the gap against Kemono by consuming Celestial Threads.

Glider

Image showing Glider
Image showing Glider (Picture Credits: eXputer)

When you are in the air, you can use the glider to land safely.

Fusion Karakuri

Fusion Karakuri is made up of numerous basic Karakuri.

Celestial Cannon

Image showing Celestial Cannon
Image showing Celestial Cannon (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You use this to stun your enemies by firing from a distance, but you use celestial thread.

Bulwark

Image showing Bulwark
Image showing Bulwark (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You can use Bulwark as a huge obstruction for blocking Kemono charges and stunning them if used at the right time.

Pounder

Image showing Pounder
Image showing Pounder (Picture credits: eXputer)

You place these heavy hammers at suitable places to attack your enemies.

Starbomb

Image showing starbomb
Image showing Starbomb (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You use these as a time bomb to damage your enemies as they come near where they were planted.

Repeater Crossbow

Image showing Repeater Crossbow
Image showing Repeater Crossbow (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You use the crossbow to distract your enemies

Train Trap

You use this to fire and chain your enemies from a considerable distance.

Dragon Karakuri

You place these permanent structures anywhere to use outside combat. It affects the environment and consumes a celestial thread.

Training Bear

Image showing Training Bear
Image showing Training Bear (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You can use it as a dummy for practice.

Hunting Tower

Image shows hunting tower
Image shows hunting tower (Picture Credits: eXputer)

To locate your enemies you use these hunting towers to locate enemies.

Paddle Scoop

Image showing Paddle Scoop
Image showing Paddle Scoop (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You use a paddle scoop to catch fish in lakes.

Roller

Image showing Roller
Image showing Roller (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Ideal for traversing across the land.

Flying Vine

Image showing Flying Vine
Image showing Flying Vine (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Using this, you can clear large gaps by firing a zipline.

Wind Vortex

Image showing Wind Vortex
Image showing Wind Vortex (Picture Credits: eXputer)

You can use wind vortex as a jetpack to get an upthrust in the air. Moreover, if you combine it with a glider, you can travel in the air.

Combat In Wild Hearts

Picture shows Combat in Wild Hearts
The picture shows Combat in Wild Hearts (Picture Credits: eXputer)

Similar to Monster Hunter, the player has to learn the unique movement patterns and weaknesses of Kemono to hunt them down. You break them into parts as you battle them; for example, their tails can be cut. In addition to this, you can interact with the bright nodes on their sides, which will help you to enhance your crafting abilities. The more you hunt, the better gear you can unlock.

When you defeat a beast, Wild Hunt has a distinct takedown mechanic where a member of your team will finish the hunt in style. It is to be noted that the health bar would not be visible, so you have to attack them until they are taken out repeatedly.

The game offers thrilling combat, and you hunt these great Kemono using your diverse range of weapons and the unique ability of Karakuri.

Multiplayer In Wild Hearts

Since Wild Hearts is a hunting game, playing with your friends is crucial.  Compared to Monster Hunter, the game supports a 3-player co-op, which is smaller. The reason behind the additional feature of building components in combat. To ensure each player can smoothly use Karakuri in a definite space, it has been limited to 3 players only.

Furthermore, you can play with your friends anywhere as the game supports cross-platform. Although, you cannot load your progress on another platform as it is not cross-progressive.

Side Content In Wild Hearts

Apart from the main story, the game offers several side quests that can be initiated on the campfire. Completing these missions will not only improve your Karakuri skills but expand your gear. The side quests involve hunting certain monsters and exploring different mountains.

After attacking King Tusk, Village Minato is unlocked, which is a central hub to initiate all quests. Furthermore, a unique feature shown on the pre-release was Tsukumo; these are unlockable companions who follow you around. Also, you can upgrade their skill set as well.

This is the side content. We know everything so far in Wild Hearts. Keep following our page to know more about sidequests upon the release of the game.

The Developers And Publishers Of Wild Hearts

Omega Force which is a branch of Koei Tecmo will be developing Wild Hearts. The company’s notable works include developing popular action games like the classical Toukiden, Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage, One Piece: Pirate Warriors series, 

Wild Hearts was initiated in 2018 after Omega Force’s suggestion to move from the Toukiden series. Koei Tecmo directed this new action-adventure game in an innovative style of combat, set in a Japanese world.

EA Originals, a subsidiary of EA’s Inc Lead Wing, is the official publisher of the game. The concept of Wild Hearts was brought before EA Originals who had first helped publish It Takes Two and Unravel. EA announced its partnership with Omega Force on September 14, 2022. You can ask your queries to the developers on this thread.

Release Date And Platforms

Wild Hearts was released on February 16th, 2023, for PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PS5. Steam, Origin, and Epic Games Store will support the game on PC. If you want to get early access, you can avail a 10-hour gameplay through EA Play on 13th February only if you have an EA Play subscription. Learn more about it from their official website.

Conclusion

We hope our guide was helpful for you to know more about the game. We have covered everything we know so far about Wild Hearts before its release. In the hunting genre, Wild Hearts will definitely change the overall landscape as it outweighs competitors like Monster Hunter and Dauntless. As we can see, this genre is evolving like the Dark Souls franchise as numerous games are being developed. You can follow the official Twitter account for more updates.

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Sulaymaan Ahmad is a Senior Writer on eXputer who covers all the latest and greatest games. He has an engineering background and a knack for decimating players in First-Person Shooter games. He also enjoys narrative-driven games with characters he can emotionally invest in. Sulaymaan's love for gaming has been going strong for several years which is evident on his gaming profiles at Steam and PSN. Experience: 3+ Years || Written 150+ Guides || Mainly Covers Strategy Guides on eXputer

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