Desiring Pajamas for My Pig Companion in Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds has completely absorbed my time ever since it launched a few weeks ago. I’ve been deeply immersed in trying to climb the hunter rank ladder in those intense high-rank settings. One of my current dilemmas is deciding on the next armor set to craft; I’m torn between going after the ferocious Jin Dahaad or focusing on building the Gravios armor, which would complement my hammer build perfectly. There’s so much to explore and accomplish in Wilds, yet I still feel like something’s missing.

In particular, I wish I could dress a little pig in adorable outfits and carry it around like a baby.

That’s right, I’m reminiscing about Monster Hunter’s beloved Poogie, a round, floppy-eared pig that’s almost as much a icon of the series as the formidable Rathalos. Poogies have been a staple in the Monster Hunter universe for a long time, and my first encounter was back in the hub world of Monster Hunter World. There was a delightful tradition of petting the Poogie, with its cheerful tune playing as the hunter showered it with affection. Nail the timing with your button presses and Poogie was over the moon! Of course, in true Monster Hunter fashion, messing this up was entirely possible—pet at the wrong moment and Poogie would get annoyed and scamper off, leaving you to placate it after completing another quest.

In the old Monster Hunter games, Poogie would roam one of the primary gathering areas. Giving it a good pet before heading out on a hunt was a ritual many players swore improved their luck, increasing their chances of nabbing those rare monster parts. While some believe this feature was coded into the game, it’s never been conclusively confirmed.

Yet, Poogie wasn’t just about luck! Past games allowed you to dress Poogie in various charming outfits once you’d earned its affection. I mean, who wouldn’t love a piggy in a bee costume? In Monster Hunter World, I’d lovingly carry Poogie around the hub, attentive for that controller vibration that hinted at a treasure waiting to be unearthed nearby. (TagBackTV has an excellent video that shows how this all worked.)

In Monster Hunter Wilds, there is indeed a Poogie, but you won’t encounter him until chapter 3, tucked away in a village I rarely have to visit unless I’m on a particular quest. Sure, this Poogie often sports a cute spherical frog perched on its back, but it’s missing the depth of previous Poogie interactions. No adorable stripey pajamas or wooly ram costumes to be found. My only options are giving Poogie a pet or changing its name.

Looking forward to next week’s Title 1 update announcement for Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom has promised a vibrant new gathering hub as a base option, an alternative to the scattered camps in the Forbidden Lands. The sneak peek from Capcom’s 12-minute video update hints at some fantastic new additions at the hunters’ Grand Hub, like new games and a larger kitchen. Personally, I’m thrilled at the prospect of the return of the Meowscular Chef—the charming culinary cat.

Still, it won’t feel truly complete without a Poogie to hold and adore. Capcom, if you’re listening, we (especially me) are hoping for this little joy.