Wild Hearts originally launched with innovative gameplay, unique monsters called kimono, and creative building mechanics known as Karakuri. However, widespread performance issues hindered its reach. In 2025, the game returns as Wild Hearts S on the Nintendo Switch 2—without EA’s involvement. This re-release introduces several key differences while aiming to finally deliver the experience the developers originally envisioned.
Three major updates define this version:
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Four-player co-op (up from three),
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All post-launch content included from day one,
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A performance-first approach with visuals downgraded to suit the Switch 2 hardware.
While the graphics take a hit, early demo performance clocks the frame rate around 40–45 FPS—much smoother than the original release.
Key Gameplay Mechanics and Systems
One of the standout systems in Wild Hearts is the Karakurimechanic, which allows players to build tools, weapons, and structures mid-combat. Zip lines, cannons, and healing items can be summoned on the fly. Learning how to quickly build the right Karakurifor each situation is crucial, especially in tougher encounters where timing matters.
The food system also deserves attention. Each meal provides buffs that significantly boost your survivability and damage. Treat food buffs with the same importance as armor or weapons—careful planning can turn the tide in any fight.
Dodging plays a vital role as well. Sprinting before executing a dodge results in a sliding maneuver with extended invulnerability frames. This technique becomes essential in mastering combat timing.
Weapon Choices and Crafting Strategy
Every weapon in Wild Hearts offers a distinct style. From the Maul (an extendable hammer) to the parrying umbrella and the airborne Claw Blade, the arsenal rewards experimentation. Players can fully refund crafting materials if a weapon doesn’t suit their playstyle, encouraging flexibility and trial-and-error.
Crafting uses a branching upgrade tree where inherited skills pass along specific perks. Because the path taken matters as much as the destination, players can optimize builds in detail. This refund system adds strategic depth without punishing experimentation.
In early-game, prioritizing raw attack power over elemental damage is advisable. One strong physical weapon will serve better than several elemental variants. Crafting weapons from the kimono Ice Tusk offers high power before the Chapter 3 rank split.
Best Early Game Armor Recommendations
To survive the initial chapters, combining stat-boosting armor is essential. Recommended pieces include:
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Helmet: Roaming Bard (Spineglider and Dreadclaw) – 15% recovery boost
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Chest: Young Samurai (RageTail and Sapscourge) – Health Boost +3
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Arms: Roaming Bard – Attack increase via the Savage skill
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Legs:
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For stamina weapons: Gritdog Pants – 10% stamina increase
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For non-stamina weapons: Long Reed Pants (Lava Back and Coral Fragments) – Faster healing animation
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Boots: Roaming Bard – Additional 15% recovery boost
This set improves healing, increases health, and boosts attack, offering a balanced setup to take on tougher kimono early.
Verditct: Wild Hearts S
Wild Hearts S offers a second chance at success. While visuals are scaled down, consistent performance finally allows players to enjoy the core hunting gameplay uninterrupted. The full version includes all previous content, adds a fourth player to multiplayer, and is designed specifically for Switch 2 hardware.
A free demo is available now, with progress carrying over to the full game. Players who missed the original due to performance concerns should consider trying the demo. No cross-save or crossplay exists, so starting fresh is necessary.
Whether a sequel ever gets made may depend on the success of Wild Hearts S. For fans of the hunting genre, now might be the perfect time to give it a real shot.
