Being the latest release in the “hunting” genre of games,Wild Heartsdraws a lot of comparisons to previous entries likeDauntlessandMonster Hunter. The main feature that sets it apart from its peers, however, isthe karakuri.
Karakuri are special constructs that players can build to help in several areas of gameplay. They come in three types: basic, fusion, and dragon. However, only the first 2 are relevant in fights. Basic karakuri are equippable equipment, and if built in certain combinations can turn into fusion karakuri, meaning there are many possible options of what to pull out in the middle of aWild Heartsfight.
8Firework Karakuri
The firework isn’t a karakuri that deals direct damage. Once built, it shoots a projectile into the air that explodes into a storm of fireworks, distracting nearby kemono. It usually doesn’t do much togiant kemono, but has a high chance to knock flying kemono out of the air.
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While the combat inWild Heartsis quite dynamic and mobile, a guaranteed way to bring the fight down to the ground is a useful tool. The firework is first unlocked in the fight with Dreadclaw, and is built using two stacks of three torch karakuri each.
7Spring Karakuri
The spring is easily the most useful out of the basic karakuri available. While they all have applications in combat, the spring’s simplicity has them beat. Once placed, players can touch the spring to be launched in the direction they were moving.
This launch is best used for evasion, as it comes with a lot of invincibility frames that can help players escape attacks they couldn’t otherwise dodge. It also launches players slightly off the ground, allowing for aerial attacks afterclosing the distancewith a kemono.
6Starbomb Karakuri
Similar to barrel bombs inMonster Hunter, starbomb karakuri are an explosive trap of sorts that can be used to deal heavy damage to kemono. It explodes after a certain amount of time, but if a kemono lands on it, it will explode early, making for a useful trap.
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The starbomb can be obtained during the fight with the Sporetail kemono, provided the spring and torch karakuri are equipped by the player. It can be built by stacking a spring, a torch, and another spring karakuri.
5Bulwark Karakuri
Wild Heartslacks any weaponsthat feature a dedicated shield, as the game tends to promote mobility over raw defense. For those who want a more traditional defensive tool, however, the bulwark is vital. It puts up a karakuri wall that players can hide behind, and can also stun any kemono that charge directly into it.
The bulwark can be obtained during the fight with Kingtusk, so is available fairly early on. It can be constructed by building two stacks of three crate karakuri each next to the other, and the structure has limited health.
4Chain Trap Karakuri
Like the starbomb, the chain trap has a direct parallel inMonster Hunter: the pitfall trap. Once placed, the trap will activate when a kemono runs over it, pinning them to the spot with several spears and giving players a large opening to deal damage, especially with attacks that take a lot of commitment.
The chain trap is first obtained during the fight with Deathstalker, as long as the stake karakuri has been unlocked. It can be built using two stacks of two stakes and a crate karakuri each.
3Harpoon Karakuri
The harpoon karakuri works similarly to the chain trap, but sacrifices stun time for a lot of damage and extra utility. Once placed, the harpoon will fire at a nearby giant kemono, impaling it and holding it in place for a moment, allowing an opening for damage.
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It also has the added utility of downing flying kemono, making it a more expensive alternative to the firework karakuri. It is obtained during the fight with Amaterasu. It can be built using two stacks of two springs and one stake karakuri each.
2Celestial Shield Karakuri
The celestial shield karakuri is one of the last fusion creations unlocked inWild Hearts, being obtained in the fight against Emberplume. It provides easily the best utility of any karakuri. It places a gateway that when passed through, will provide players with a shield around them, and can do this as long as it’s on the field.
The shield it provides will nullify one attack by a kemono, including the damage and knockback it deals. This can be a lifesaver inany tough fight. It can be built with two stacks of a celestial thread, crate, and another celestial thread karakuri.
1Celestial Cannon Karakuri
The celestial cannon is another one of the late-game fusion karakuri, being obtained in the fight against Golden Tempest as long as the player has the celestial thread and torch karakuri equipped.
It’s easily the flashiest karakuri in the game, spawning a massive cannon that fires at giant kemono, dealing massive damage. To compensate though, it is very slow to activate, so can easily miss if not aimed and timed properly. It can be built using two stacks of a celestial thread, torch, and another celestial thread karakuri.
Wild Heartsis available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
