I’ve been completely immersed in Monster Hunter Wilds ever since its release a few weeks ago. I’ve been working diligently to boost my hunter rank in the high-rank zones, all while trying to decide which new armor set to craft next. Currently, I’m tangling with the gnarly Jin Dahaad, but the armor-plated Gravios set—perfect for my hammer build—has got my attention. There’s plenty to keep me occupied in Wilds, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.
What’s that missing element, you ask? I want to dress a pig in outfits and cradle it like a baby.
I’m talking, of course, about Poogie, the chubby, floppy-eared pig that’s almost as iconic in the Monster Hunter series as the fearsome Rathalos. Poogies have had a longstanding presence in the series; I encountered my first one in the hub world of Monster Hunter World. There’s this critical ritual where you shower Poogie with affection, triggering a cheerful tune. Nail the timing with your button presses, and Poogie is over the moon! But since nothing’s ever straightforward in Monster Hunter games, you can botch the petting. Miss the timing, and Poogie will scamper off until you’ve wrapped up another quest.
In earlier games, Poogie would trot around one of the main gathering hubs, and giving him a good pet before heading out was thought to give players a stroke of fortuitous luck, helping them score those rare monster parts they were after. Some insist there’s coding behind this, but it’s never been officially confirmed as true.
But let’s not forget Poogie’s other charms! Past games allowed players to earn his trust and dress him in various adorable outfits. Who could resist a pig in a bee costume? In Monster Hunter World, I’d lovingly carry Poogie through the hub world, eagerly waiting for that controller vibration indicating treasure was nearby. (TagBackTV on YouTube has a fantastic video detailing how this worked.)
In Monster Hunter Wilds, there’s a Poogie, sure, but he doesn’t appear until chapter 3 and calls home a village I rarely visit, unless a specific quest demands it. Though this Poogie adorably balances a round frog on its back, the interactions with him feel a bit lacking compared to earlier games. No cute, stripey pajamas or snug wooly outfits here. All I can do is give him a pet and swap his name.
With Capcom announcing the Title 1 update for Monster Hunter Wilds next week, there’s chatter about a well-equipped gathering hub serving as an alternative to the scattered campsites across the Forbidden Lands. The sneak peek from Capcom’s 12-minute update showcases enticing features at the hunters’ new Grand Hub, including mini-games and an expanded kitchen. I’m particularly thrilled about this, as it might herald the return of the amazing cooking cat, the Meowscular Chef.
Yet, the new hub won’t truly capture my heart unless I have a pig there I can scoot up and snuggle. Come on, Capcom, give the fans (okay, mostly just me) what we’re longing for.
