Wild Hearts S Review

Review code provided with many thanks to Koei Techmo Europe

Wild Hearts S – Beast Hunting with a Technological Twist

I was always interested in Wild Hearts when it originally launched on Xbox Series X and PS5. However, since I didn’t upgrade to those systems I was left out. I’ve always wanted to get into the Monster Hunter series but that series just never quite clicked with me despite many efforts. But when Wild Hearts S finally landed on the Nintendo Switch 2, I got my chance to dive in, and to my surprise, it grabbed me in a way that even Monster Hunter has never managed.

Wild Hearts S a big ice wolf. Published on LadiesGamers — Nice doggie?

A Familiar Formula, but with a Purpose

At its core, Wild Hearts S follows the familiar rhythm of the hunting genre. You create a custom character, accept missions to hunt down massive, nature-infused beasts, gather their resources, and craft better gear to take on the next challenge. It’s a loop that thrives on preparation, exploration, and the thrill of victory after a long fight.

But Wild Hearts S adds a twist that gave my hunts a sense of purpose. The Kemono, towering, animal-like creatures fused with natural elements, aren’t just wandering monsters. They actively reshape the environment. An ice-infused wolf can freeze entire regions, while other creatures wreak havoc on human settlements. Taking down a Kemono feels like more than a personal achievement; it feels like pest control for the sake of the ecosystem.

Wild Hearts S character creation. Published on LadiesGamers — The biggest time sink, getting the eyes right

Building, Hunting, and Surviving

The standout feature of Wild Hearts S is its use of Karakuri technology. While you can wield massive swords, bows, and the delightfully weird bladed parasol, you can also instantly build structures mid-battle. Dropping a stack of boxes to leap off for a dramatic aerial strike or placing a springboard to dodge a charging beast feels epic and satisfying. Later on, you unlock more advanced creations, beast-piercing traps, defensive shields, and even radars to help locate your targets.

This system adds layers of creativity to hunts, turning each battle into a small, chaotic playground. It also helps solo players, like me, survive longer fights by letting you reposition, heal, and trap enemies without feeling overwhelmed.

A Vibrant but Dangerous World

The land of Azuma is a visually diverse and inviting place to explore. Lush forests, sunlit ruins, and snow-swept plains make each expedition feel like an adventure rather than just a waypoint to your next fight. As you explore, you’ll set up camps, forge equipment, cook food to buff your stats and gradually build a network of fast-travel points, which makes the open-world design feel both practical and rewarding. You’ll also encounter plenty of NPCs to offer a side mission or several.

Even on the Switch 2, though, performance dips can creep in. Some areas stutter a bit, and animations occasionally feel choppy. But the stunning monster designs make up for it. Early on, I hunted a giant flower-covered rat that felt both whimsical and menacing. Before long you’re hunting giant wolves, warthogs and even large birds. Each creature has a unique identity that helps it stand apart from traditional Monster Hunter beasts.

Wild Hearts S online co-op. Published on LadiesGamers — You chaps go on, I’ll cut the grass

Solo or with Friends, It Just Works

Whether you’re a solo hunter or part of a squad, Wild Hearts S accommodates both playstyles beautifully. Multiplayer is simple to use, you can jump into other players’ hunts or have three others join yours, and everyone earns rewards for a successful hunt. Communication isn’t even required; the community seems eager to help, and co-op hunts feel smooth and cooperative without being stressful.

As someone who mostly plays single-player now, I appreciated that I could still progress without feeling like I was missing out on the core experience. The Karakuri tools and clever monster-tracking system make it easy to handle hunts on your own, even if they can be tense and lengthy.

Wild Hearts S admiring the view. . Published on LadiesGamers — How could you not look at this great view

Conclusion: An Epic Hunt

Wild Hearts S surprised me. It took a formula I’d grown to believe wasn’t for me and gave it enough personality and ingenuity to pull me back in. From the creative monster designs to the satisfying Karakuri building system, it delivers a hunting experience that feels purposeful, epic, and endlessly replayable. If you’re looking for your next big gaming project you can jump in and out of the give it a go. A free demo is also available on the eShop and progress transfers to the full game.

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot