Wild Hearts is an action role-playing monster hunting game set in a fantasy version of feudal Japan. Players take on the role of a hunter tasked with tracking and defeating massive Kemono, beasts infused with the destructive power of nature. The experience centers on preparing for hunts in the town of Minato, venturing into the wilderness of Azuma, and using a combination of weapons and special technology to overcome these creatures.
Gameplay
The core loop involves gathering materials from defeated Kemono to craft and upgrade weapons and armor. Eight distinct weapon types are available, each offering different combat styles that reward learning attack patterns and timing. Combat emphasizes mobility and positioning, with unlimited stamina allowing constant movement during fights.
What sets the game apart is the Karakuri system. Hunters collect celestial thread from the environment and use it to construct various structures on the fly. These include springboards for aerial attacks, walls for defense, torches for elemental buffs, and more advanced fusion or dragon variants that combine effects for greater impact. Karakuri also aids traversal across the maps and can be built collaboratively in group play. The system integrates directly into combat, turning battles into opportunities for creative problem-solving rather than pure reaction.
Exploration takes place across varied biomes in Azuma, where players track monsters, manage resources, and return to Minato for upgrades and side activities. The PS5 version supports two graphics modes, allowing players to prioritize either higher resolution or smoother frame rates.
Game Modes
Wild Hearts focuses on a single-player campaign of story-driven hunts against a roster of Kemono. Each hunt requires preparation, tracking, and execution, with materials feeding into ongoing progression. The full experience can be completed solo, though difficulty spikes appear in later encounters.
Seamless co-op supports up to three players. Sessions allow drop-in and drop-out play, with shared loot and the ability to build Karakuri together. Cross-platform multiplayer connects players across supported systems, and matchmaking options include joining specific hunts or helping others in need. No separate competitive or versus modes exist; all multiplayer revolves around cooperative monster hunts.
Setting and Progression
The world draws from feudal Japan aesthetics, with Minato serving as the central hub for character customization, forging, and quest selection. Progression ties directly to repeated hunts, as defeating the same Kemono multiple times unlocks additional entries in the in-game bestiary and improves gear options. The narrative explains the Kemono rampage through Azuma without heavy exposition, keeping focus on the hunt itself.
Is It Worth Playing?
Wild Hearts delivers a refined take on monster hunting with its Karakuri mechanics providing fresh tactical depth. The seamless co-op and accessible entry point make it suitable for both solo players and groups. An EA Play trial lets members experience the opening section up to the gates of Minato, with progress carrying over upon purchase.
Reception highlights strong combat feel and the building system as standout features, though some note occasional camera and performance inconsistencies on consoles. For those who enjoy methodical preparation followed by intense boss encounters, the game offers satisfying progression and replayability through weapon variety and Karakuri experimentation. It stands as a solid choice on PS5 for fans of the genre seeking a distinct alternative with emphasis on environmental adaptation during fights.
