Omega Force’s new hunting RPG WILD HEARTS is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Thus far, it’s received critical praise (even if launch sales leave a bit to be desired), providing an alternative to Monster Hunter and a lengthy story in its own right. What can you expect when diving in? Check out a full walkthrough of the game below for more details.
Full Walkthrough
Introduction
At the beginning of the game, you meet Mujina and fight Deathstalker. As you’d expect, the hunt goes poorly, but you unlock the Karakuri.
Hunt the Ragetail
You’ll learn more about the Karakuri, particularly creating platforms, Campfires, the Hunter’s Tent and more. Natsume, Minato’s blacksmith, is also encountered, and you must hunt a Ragetail to secure the camp.
Hunt the Sapscourge
Natsume can forge/upgrade weapons and armor, but also informs you about Ujishige, who’s been kidnapped by a Kemono. Thus begins the hunt for the Sapscourge, and you’ll learn to use Hunting Towers.
Hunt the Kingtusk
The Flying Vine Karakuri is unlocked, and you can use it to travel across the destroyed bridge to Minato. However, you must defeat the Kingtusk first. This Kemono will be the first major challenge of the game, so make sure you’ve got stronger armor (prioritize defense) and upgraded your main weapon type.
Hunt the Spineglider
After traveling to Minato and meeting the Fisherman’s Guild, your next task is hunting the Spineglider on Natsukodachi Isle. Defeating it will unlock the Glider.
Hunt the Lavaback
Your next target is the Lavaback, though you’ll want to prepare and grind for a bit before taking it on. Fire Resistance and a Water weapon will be useful. Defeating it sees you venturing into the ruins and meeting Mujina again.
Hunt the Gritdog
After conversing with Mujina and reactivating the Celestial Threads in Minato, you’ll have a brief cutscene with Natsume before hunting the Gritdog on Natsukodachi Isle. Defeat it, return to Natsume to deliver the materials and proceed forward.
Hunt the Earthbreaker
The Earthbreaker is the first super-giant Kemono you’ll face to defend Minato and requires two phases to defeat. The first involves firing a cannon at weak points on its body. After the cannon breaks, venture to the fields to fight it head-on. Once it’s defeated, speak to Toga-hime.
Hunt the Sporetail
Before fighting the Sporetail, you can craft the Claw Blade, Hand Cannon and Karakuri Staff. Travel to Akikure Canyon and take it down. You’ll then talk to Seren.
Hunt the Dreadclaw
The Dreadclaw is located on Natsukodachi Isle and is riled up after Deathstalker arrived. After investigating with Ujishige, the Dreadclaw and Deathstalker will fight before the former takes you on. Defeat it, and you’ll return to Minato.
Hunt the Fumebeak
You’ll next travel to Akikure Canyons to assist Ren, who will tell you about a Fumebeak. Eliminating it is a priority, so travel to the left part of the map. During the battle, the Repeater Crossbow Karakuri becomes available to help bring it down. After hunting it, speak to Ren, and it’s back to Minato.
Hunt the Deathstalker
Speak to Ujishige and leave Minato for a rematch against Deathstalker. You’ll travel to a new location and must create a Hunting Tower to locate it. A new trap Karakuri will become available during the fight, which provides an edge against the Kemono.
Hunt the Mighty Kingtusk
Returning to Minato, you’ll give the Deathstalker materials to Suzuran. You can then do something else and speak to Natsume about Ujishige. Resting in your room advances the story with Suzuran providing an update. You must return to Fuyufusagi Fort, where two Kingtusks (one covered in ice) are fighting. You must then battle the Mighty Kingtusk, a higher-ranked version of the usual one, and defeat it.
Hunt the Amaterasu
There’s little downtime after the Mighty Kingtusk fight since you’re informed that Amaterasu has attacked Minato. After talking to the NPCs, you’ll face Mighty Kemono from now on and must defeat two to obtain their essence. Once you’ve grinded the new armor and weapons, you’ll fight Amaterasu.
Rebuilding Minato
First, you’ll be giving 2000 Gold to Seren to help rebuild Minato. The next step is speaking to Tamakazura to hunt Goldshard in Akikure Canyon (during which the Shield Wall Karakuri is unlocked). Next, you’ll need to defeat the Mighty Lavaback on Natsukodachi Isle. Completing these three quests results in Minato being restored.
Hunt the Golden Tempest
Ujishige will tell you about a fire in Harugasumi Way. Head there together, and you’ll see the Golden Tempest and Emberplume fighting. Your task is to take down the Golden Tempest, but there’s time to grind out new equipment before beginning. Once you’re ready, travel to Akikure Canyon.
Hunt the Emberplume
Next up, you need to defeat Emberplume on Natsukodachi Isle. Do that, and you’ll proceed to the final story mission.
Hunt the Celestial Dragon and Celestial Being
The Celestial Dragon is located on Sacred Mountain. Mujina will provide some more information on it before you head out. Be prepared, since it has four phases, one for each element. Defeat it, and after the cutscene, you’re finally facing the Celestial Being. Once it’s down, the story is complete.
While WILD HEARTS consists of a handful of chapters, it’s defined more by the Kemono you must hunt. It can take anywhere from 38 to 45.5 hours to complete, which includes the story and any extra grinding on the side. Keep in mind that there’s an entire end game with Volatile Kemono to hunt, armor sets to grind, and other weapon types to master as well.
For more details on WILD HEARTS, check out our review here. You can also find additional tips and tricks here.