Wild Hearts is a game that offers a unique mechanic called Karakuri, which sets it apart from other games in its genre. A Karakuri is a type of wooden structure that provides you with a wide range of benefits and is divided into three categories - basic, fusion, and dragon - each with their own set of unique advantages.
With its versatile uses and powerful effects, a Karakuri is a valuable tool that you can use to your advantage in order to achieve success in the game. While there are many different types to unlock, some are particularly valuable and worth prioritizing during gameplay. Here are the ones to watch out for.
8 Celestial Tsukumo Shrine
A valuable dragon Karakuri in Wild Hearts is the Celestial Tsukumo Shrine, which offers you an excellent utility that can greatly benefit you during gameplay. Although it doesn't provide any direct help in battle, the Shrine can be a game-changer when placed in your camp. To construct the Celestial Tsukumo Shrine, you need to gather 30 wood resources. Once built, you can place multiple shrines in the same area to increase their benefits.
When activated, you can interact with the shrine to increase their maximum thread count and receive additional thread before it goes on cooldown. Having extra thread is a massive buff to your abilities, especially when Karakuri is essential in all fights. With more thread, you can create more Karakuri, which can provide you with additional benefits and help you overcome tough challenges more easily.
7 Field Forge
Another valuable dragon Karakuri is the Field Forge. It functions very differently but can still provide you with a significant advantage when used effectively. As the name suggests, the Field Forge can be placed in your camp, allowing you to craft weapons and armor on the go. This means that you don't have to waste time returning to town to craft new gear, which can be a major time-saver when out on a hunt.
Additionally, the Field Forge also allows you to change your equipment mid-hunt, further enhancing your ability to adapt to different situations and challenges. To construct a Field Forge, you need to gather 15 water resources. However, it's worth noting that it's actually better to destroy the Forge after use, as this allows you to rebuild it later when needed without permanently spending the necessary resources.
6 The Roller
The Roller is a standout dragon Karakuri, offering a unique and exciting way to explore the game's world. Unlike most Karakuri, which are stationary, the Roller creates a single-wheeled vehicle that you can ride around in. Its design is unlike anything else in the game, making it a visually striking addition. With its simple controls and smooth ride, the Roller is also one of the most straightforward mobility options.
The only downside is that building one requires a significant investment of 40 fire resources, which may be a daunting prospect for some. But for those who can afford it, the Roller is well worth the investment, providing an unparalleled experience of speed and movement. Once built, the Dragon Roller can also be upgraded to increase its speed, making it even more thrilling to ride. So if you're looking for a unique and exhilarating way to explore the Wild Hearts world, the Roller is definitely worth considering.
5 Hunting Tower
In the game, you must locate a kemono before engaging it in battle. Fortunately, the hunting tower Karakuri provides a useful tool for this purpose. For the cost of 15 water resources, you can build a hunting tower that, when interacted with, sends out a radar pulse that reveals nearby kemono.
As you progress through the game, upgrading the tower can enable it to also find tsukumo and some collectibles. By creating a network of these towers, you can scan a whole map at once, making it easier to locate kemono and other important resources. However, building a comprehensive network can take time, so it is recommended to start building hunting towers as early as possible.
4 Glider Karakuri
If you're a fan of exploration and want to reach new heights, then the glider Karakuri is an essential tool to have with you. This basic Karakuri allows you to craft a hand-glider that can be used to gracefully glide down from high places, similar to a paraglider in several open-world games.
Although the glider may seem like a simple and basic Karakuri, it's actually a crucial ingredient for crafting more powerful fusion Karakuri like the healing mist and repeater crossbow Karakuri. Obtaining the glider is a relatively easy task as it's available early in the game, specifically after defeating Spineglider.
3 Stake Karakuri
The stake is a versatile basic Karakuri that can help you in various ways. It can be launched forward when placed, which provides a helpful boost to assist with wall climbing. Although its usefulness may be limited on its own, the stake is an essential ingredient in crafting the harpoon and chain trap Karakuri.
While the stake can be obtained relatively early in the game, it requires investment in the Karakuri upgrade tree to unlock. Nonetheless, the investment is worthwhile, as the harpoon and chain trap Karakuri are indispensable tools in taking down tough kemono later.
2 Chain Trap Karakuri
By immobilizing kemono, the chain trap grants you a window to deal damage without resistance. This karakuri is an essential tool, particularly for novice players who require additional time to devise strategies against unfamiliar foes.
You can acquire the chain trap in a fight against Deathstalker, provided you have the stake and crate karakuri equipped. It's worth seeking out early to help with defence.
1 Celestial Anchor Karakuri
Unlocking the celestial anchor might take a while, as it's one of the hardest basic Karakuri to obtain in the game. It's buried deep in the Karakuri upgrade tree, but the effort to reach it is well worth it. It allows you to tether yourself to an anchor and jump multiple times, which can be very useful for fast traversal across the map.
However, its real power lies in the fusion Karakuri it's used in. The celestial shield and celestial cannon Karakuri are some of the most powerful fusion options available, but both require the celestial anchor to be unlocked first. That's why it's recommended to prioritize getting it early on, so you can unlock these powerful tools as soon as possible.