Forget elder dragons or giant brute wyverns, the most important returning creature in Monster Hunter Wilds is Poogie, the perfect, pink little pig who wanders the streets of Suta.
But while Poogie isn’t as interactive as in previous Monster Hunter games, in Monster Hunter Wilds you can still pet Poogie, gain their affection, and inevitably rename them after your own pet because that’s what everybody does (unless your cat is already your Palico, of course).
How to pet Poogie in Monster Hunter Wilds
To pet Poogie, approach him then press the prompt to start petting him. As your character crouches down, wait until an exclamation point appears above Poogie’s head then press the X button on PlayStation (or your console/PC equivalent) to successfully stroke him.
You will know you’ve done it right when love hearts burst out from around you.
If you approach him too quickly, or wait too long and miss the cue, Poogie will get annoyed, bump you off and run away. However, if you wait around for a little while you can easily try again to win his affections.
Why would you pet Poogie in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Who wouldn’t want the unconditional love of a cute little piggy and the unbothered, moisturized toad who rides on his back?
But seriously, every time you successfully pet Poogie you have a random chance at receiving a rare and powerful item that he’s snuffled out from the surrounding landscape.
This can be a consumable item, monster part, guild point item or gathered material and is usually worth your time to pick up.
You can’t farm items from Poogie indefinitely though. To make the most of Poogie, return to Suta to pet him after every couple of hunts or so, otherwise he won’t have found a new item to hand over.
For more explainers covering Monster Hunter Wilds’ deepest systems, as well as item locations and tips on the best gear, check out our in-progress Monster Hunter Wilds guide hub.