My Wishlist for Monster Hunter Wilds: Pajamas for My Pig Companion

Monster Hunter Wilds has had me glued to my screen ever since it launched a few weeks back. I’ve been diligently grinding, trying to improve my hunter rank in those challenging high-rank areas, and I can’t quite decide which armor set to craft next. As of now, I’m hunting the fierce Jin Dahaad, though I must admit the Gravios armor, with its armor-plated goodness that’s perfect for my hammer build, has caught my eye. While there’s plenty to keep me occupied in Wilds, there’s this one feature I can’t help but miss.

I’m really longing for the chance to dress up a pig and carry it around like it’s my own little bundle of joy.

I’m talking about Monster Hunter’s beloved Poogie, the chubby, floppy-eared pig that practically serves as a mascot for the series, almost as iconic as the fearsome Rathalos itself. Poogies have been a staple in the Monster Hunter universe for some time. My first encounter with one was in the hub world of Monster Hunter World. There’s a whole ritual to this bond — you have to pet Poogie just right, and if you do, he dances with joy to a little tune. Timing matters, though, because in true Monster Hunter fashion, even petting can be a challenge. Miss the timing, and Poogie will get upset, scampering off until you complete another quest.

In past games, Poogie would wander around the main gathering areas, and giving him some love before a hunt was a charm some players swore by to ensure better drops — rarer monster parts, for instance. While some hunters believe this feature was embedded deep in the game’s code, no official confirmation has ever surfaced.

But Poogie is more than just a good-omen charm! In previous games, after earning Poogie’s trust, you could even dress him up in various adorable outfits. Who wouldn’t want a pig donning a bee costume? In Monster Hunter World, I’d carry Poogie around the hub, feeling for when the controller would rumble, signaling buried treasure nearby. (There’s a fantastic YouTube video by TagBackTV that dives into how this worked.)

In Monster Hunter Wilds, Poogie is there, but not quite front and center — you don’t encounter him until chapter 3, tucked away in a village that’s not a regular stop unless specific quests take me there. This Poogie might sport a cute, spherical frog on his back, but the interactions with him aren’t as richly rewarding as in past titles. Unfortunately, no playful pajamas or wooly costumes – just the option to pet Poogie and change his name.

Capcom recently dropped news about a Title 1 update for Monster Hunter Wilds coming next week. They’ve teased a grand gathering hub in place of the usual campsites scattered across the Forbidden Lands. This 12-minute update video hints at all sorts of excitements at the new Grand Hub, including games and a more extensive kitchen setup. (I’m particularly thrilled about this as it might mean the return of the much-loved cooking cat, the Meowscular Chef.)

Yet, no new hub will truly win me over if I can’t pick up and cuddle a little pig. Capcom, hear our plea — give us what we (I) are yearning for!