Monster Hunter Wilds has been captivating my attention ever since it launched a few weeks ago. I’ve been busy working my way up in the high-rank environments, constantly debating which new armor set to craft next. (Currently, I’m on the hunt for the fearsome Jin Dahaad, though the Gravios armor, with its perfect alignment to my hammer build, has definitely caught my eye.) There’s no shortage of activities in Wilds, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.
Specifically, I really wish I could dress up a little pig in adorable outfits and carry him around like a cherished pet.
I’m talking about the iconic Poogie from the Monster Hunter series—an irresistibly chubby, floppy-eared hog that’s as much a star in the franchise as the formidable Rathalos. Poogie has been a beloved presence in the series for a long time, and I fondly recall first meeting him in Monster Hunter World’s hub world. Petting Poogie became a cherished ritual, rewarding players like me with a cheerful little tune while showering him with affection. But timing is everything; if you pressed the button at the wrong moment, Poogie would run off in a huff until you wrapped up your latest quest.
In previous games, Poogie would roam around main gathering areas, and giving him a good petting session before heading out on a hunt was believed by many to be a surefire way to boost their chances of scoring those coveted monster parts. (However, some folks insist this is just a myth not actually encoded into the game.)
Poogie offered more than just a stroke of luck! Earlier versions allowed players to dress Poogie in a variety of cute outfits once he warmed up to you. Who could resist a pig in a bee costume? In Monster Hunter World, it became a delightful pastime for me to carry Poogie in my arms around the hub world, on the lookout for a little rumble from my controller that would signal a treasure trove nearby. (For more on this, check out YouTuber TagBackTV’s excellent rundown of Poogie’s treasure-hunting shenanigans.)
In Monster Hunter Wilds, Poogie does make an appearance—but not until chapter 3, and only in a village I don’t visit often unless a specific quest calls for it. While Poogie in Wilds sometimes struts around with a spherical frog perched on his back—a cuteness overload, for sure—the interactions aren’t nearly as rich as in past games. Sadly, no stripey pajamas or wooly ram outfits this time. All I can do is pet him and change his name.
With Capcom’s announcement of the Title 1 update for Monster Hunter Wilds dropping next week, they’ve teased a newly expanded gathering hub that could serve as an alternative to the campsites scattered throughout the Forbidden Lands. From the sneak peek of the 12-minute update video, it looks like this Grand Hub is packed with exciting attractions, including games and a much larger kitchen. (I’m particularly excited about this since it hints at the possible return of the charming Meowscular Chef.)
But for this new hub to truly win me over, there has to be a little pig I can scoop up and snuggle. Please, Capcom, grant us (me) this simple joy.
