I’ve been completely immersed in Monster Hunter Wilds since it launched a couple of weeks ago. As I try to level up my hunter rank in high-level areas, I’m constantly on the fence about which new armor set I should craft next. At the moment, I’m on the hunt for the ferocious Jin Dahaad, but that sturdy Gravios armor, which is perfect for my hammer build, has really caught my eye. There’s no shortage of things to do in Wilds, but I can’t help but feel something’s missing.
And honestly, I wish I could dress up a little piglet and carry it around like it’s my baby.
Enter Poogie, the delightfully plump, floppy-eared pig who’s almost as iconic in the Monster Hunter series as the legendary Rathalos. Poogies have been a beloved staple in the franchise, first introduced to me in Monster Hunter World. There, a delightful little ritual involved petting the Poogie, culminating in a sweet tune playing each time you showered him with affection. The trick was getting the timing right; if you nailed your button presses, Poogie was over the moon! But, as is often the case in Monster Hunter, even petting Poogie came with its challenges. Mistimed pats would leave him disgruntled, scampering off until you’d finished another quest.
In earlier iterations, Poogie would wander around the primary gathering spots. Giving him a quick pet before heading out on a hunt was a beloved tradition for players hoping to enhance their luck, possibly snagging those elusive monster parts they desperately needed. Some even swear this luck boost is coded into the game, though it remains an unconfirmed legend.
Yet, Poogie isn’t all about luck! In the past, after earning his trust and affection, you could deck him out in a variety of funky outfits. Who wouldn’t be charmed by a pig in a bee costume? Back in Monster Hunter World, I often toted Poogie around the hub, waiting for that satisfying controller vibration signaling buried treasure. YouTuber TagBackTV made a fantastic video explaining how it all worked.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, there is a Poogie, but players won’t encounter him until the third chapter. He’s tucked away in a village I seldom visit unless a specific quest requires it. This Poogie, often seen with an adorable spherical frog perched on his back, unfortunately doesn’t offer the vibrant interactions and adorable costume changes seen in earlier games. So far, all I’ve been able to do is pet him and give him a new name.
Capcom is set to introduce the Title 1 update to Monster Hunter Wilds next week, hinting at an expansive gathering hub as an alternative to the campsites across the Forbidden Lands. The brief 12-minute update footage from Capcom teases tantalizing new features at the hunters’ Grand Hub, including mini-games and an expanded kitchen, which has me excited for the return of our beloved Meowscular Chef.
Still, this new hub won’t truly feel complete to me unless I can scoop up a little piglet and hold it close. Capcom, I’m counting on you to deliver what I’m sure many fans like myself are craving!
