Since Monster Hunter Wilds launched a few weeks ago, I’ve been totally engrossed. My main focus has been leveling up my hunter rank in the high-rank areas, and I’m constantly flip-flopping over which new armor set to craft next. Right now, I’m on the hunt for the fearsome Jin Dahaad, but the sturdy Gravios armor has definitely captured my hammer-loving heart. There’s so much to dive into in Wilds, but something feels just a tad incomplete.
Here’s a quirky wish: I’d love to have the ability to dress a pig in adorable outfits and tote him around like a cuddly baby.
Enter the Monster Hunter’s iconic Poogie, an endearing, floppy-eared pig that’s almost as recognized as the notorious Rathalos. Poogies have been a charming staple in Monster Hunter games for ages; I fondly remember first bumping into one in Monster Hunter World’s hub. Petting the Poogie was a delightful ritual, accompanied by a cheerful little tune as your hunter showered him with affection. Nail the timing of your button presses, and Poogie was all smiles! Of course, in true Monster Hunter style, even petting came with its challenges. Mistime your pets, and a grouchy Poogie would sprint away, biding his return until after your next quest.
In past games, Poogie would roam around the main gathering areas. For those who believed in a bit of a luck boost, petting him before setting off on a hunt seemed to magically enhance the chances of scoring the rare monster bits they needed. There’s a popular theory this mechanic might be buried deep within the game’s code, but no one’s really confirmed it.
But luck isn’t Poogie’s only charm! In previous games, once you’d earned his trust, you could dress him up in delightful costumes. Who doesn’t adore a pig decked out as a bee? In Monster Hunter World, I’d carry Poogie around lovingly, keeping an eye out for controller vibrations that hinted at buried treasure. (YouTuber TagBackTV did a stellar job breaking it down in one of their videos.)
While Monster Hunter Wilds does feature a Poogie, players only meet him in chapter 3, tucked away in a scarcely-visited village unless a quest demands it. This Poogie often balances a small, round frog on its back—not gonna lie, it’s super cute! But unfortunately, the level of interaction is pretty limited compared to previous games. No adorable costumes like stripey pajamas or the wooly ram outfit—here, you can only pet Poogie and change his name.
News of the Title 1 update for Monster Hunter Wilds next week has me buzzing with anticipation. Capcom teased an expansive gathering hub, promising a bustling base option apart from the camps scattered around the Forbidden Lands. Judging by the footage in Capcom’s 12-minute update, the new Grand Hub brims with fun activities and a spacious kitchen area. (I’m particularly excited about this as it might signal the return of the beloved cooking cat, the Meowscular Chef.)
But honestly, this new hub won’t quite feel like home unless there’s a pig I can lift up and cuddle. Capcom, I implore you—give us what we, or at least I, crave.
