Since Monster Hunter Wilds isn`t coming to Switch 2, players looking to hunt large beasts on the platform have an alternative from Koei Tecmo. A demo for Wild Hearts S is now accessible, and progress from the demo can be carried over to the complete game, launching on July 25.
Koei Tecmo states that the demo version allows players to play through the action-RPG`s prologue, culminating in the `Minato` area. This brief experience with Wild Hearts S includes battles against formidable creatures such as Ragetail and Kingtusk. Both online and local co-op are supported, even enabling play with those who will later own the full game. A notable improvement is that Wild Hearts S supports four-player co-op, an increase from the original 2023 game`s three-player limit. However, cross-platform multiplayer will not be available.
Wild Hearts first launched in February 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It was published by EA through its EA Originals program. However, the Switch 2 version is being published by Koei Tecmo, meaning an EA account won`t be required for multiplayer on this platform. The developer of Wild Hearts S is Omega Force, the studio renowned for the Dynasty Warriors series.
Although Wild Hearts S draws clear inspiration from the Monster Hunter franchise, it offers several distinct features. Notably, the game incorporates automated structures called Karakuri, which players can use to build climbing aids and ziplines for rapid environmental traversal.