Wild Hearts is a game where you hunt monsters, sure, but you're also suggested to get to know everyone within your new town that you've recently taken up residence in. Every part of your hunting needs can be met by visiting several talented folks dotted around the island. Some might give you an attitude while helping, but they'll be helpful regardless.
Even better, they aren't simply there to serve your every need, but they have lives and stories of their own. Sometimes, you'll have to help them out, but in return, you'll get a piece of their backstory that adds dimension and a reason to care about all the smiling faces you are tasked to protect, and below is a list highlighting those who are favorites around Minato.
8 Yataro
The artisan prodigy lends his talents to keep you looking fresh while you're hunting down the vicious kemono while also holding the weight of the aging crafters' future expectations on his shoulders. The pressure is enough to make anyone stress. That being said, some players might feel a type of way about Yataro's less-than-friendly attitude.
For starters, he has a lot of disdain for the Samurai. This is understandable, since for the longest time, they had continued the cycle of war with Azuma for such a long time that everyone suffered. However, that disdain carries over to anyone who is an outsider to Minato. Even after you've spent time rebuilding and helping out others, Yataro still takes time out of his day to insult your helpful nature. He's…challenging, to be sure.
7 Mujina The Musician
Probably the most mysterious of the visitors of Minato is Mujina the Musician. You first meet him at the beginning of the game, where you give your background and create your character. Immediately, he lies to you and gives you the moniker 'Mujina,' named after the mythical badger-like creature.
Throughout the story, you don't get many answers from Mujima, and more often than not, those answers do nothing but give you more unanswered questions. In time, you eventually find out the truth behind who Mujima is, but even that breeds more questions, such as how his existence is possible.
6 Nobumitsu Tsumori
Nobumitsu is an affable guy with a boisterous laugh to boot. The head of the fishing company, Nobumitsu is also in charge of all trading in and out of the city. Being as strong of a hunter as you are, he naturally asks you to grab some items while you are out risking your life. Because who else is strong enough to guarantee to return?
Some of those items are easy to grab, as they are plants or small kemono you can take out with one attack. The other quests, though, will have you take on some fairly fearsome foes that will take some strategy. The rewards he gives you tend to be worth it, but it can be a little time-consuming to go out of your way while on a hunt.
5 Seren
If you are going to be researching and rebuilding things, then who better on your side than Minato's premier carpenter? Considering all the possible damage from kemono attacks, having Seren and her team of handy carpenters for instant repairs does wonders for the protection and morale of the town. At least as far as her role in the story is concerned.
Seren's utility is far more important to you from a gameplay perspective. Each time you get some town repairs done, both your ingredient inventory and the stack size of each slot grows. You're out hunting for items and goods, so having the space to carry it all saves you time and effort.
4 Suzuran
The Karakuri is a mysterious combination of nature and technology whose secrets have been lost to ancestors of the past. Something both the Karakuri and kemono share in that regard. Though hunters and other folks rarely use Karakuri, an even smaller few study it to further understand the 'magic' behind the machinery.
Suzuran has an unrivaled thirst for knowledge and an itch to discover the truth behind both phenomena' shape-shifting natures. With the arrival of The Hunter, the only person who's been able to use Karakuri as adeptly as the ancestors of the past, you provide a perfect opportunity for Suzuran to uncover those very mysteries.
3 Toga-Hime
Out of all the characters you meet throughout your journey in and around Azuma, only one could be considered the heart of Minato: Toga-hime. She wasn't always the Steward of Minato and, in fact, comes from the royal family. Koga-hime's placement in Minato serves more as a punishment for her than anything else.
You don't see her as often as the other residents who run the day-to-day facilities, but you can visit her when it's time to raise your hunting rank or if she has a request for you to handle.
2 Tamakazura
Behind the calm waters that are Tamakazura's eyes lie many tragedies that shaped him to be the calm, aloof person who runs the (arguably) most important aspect of Minato's morale: the bathhouse. Technically, the Karakuri could keep the place running without him, but the bathhouse would be missing the human touch required to feel like home.
Tamakazura was taken from his home and given to the lord of the castle outside of Minato. After the newness of his being there wore off, Tamakazura was often left alone. Soon, he met a hunter who worked in the castle and quickly became smitten with him. They discussed sharing a house in Minato, but a petty argument and tragedy kept them apart permanently.
1 You, The Hunter
Lastly, the Hunter deserves a huge pat on the back for almost single-handedly getting Minato back from the brink of destruction simply by coming to work and live. It's not just about you taking down the biggest, most dangerous kemono that anyone can find (though that does play a significant role), but with every victory you bring in, you bring the added gift of morale as well.
Soon, the whole town sees you not only as the Hero of Minato but as a friend, confidant, and best gofer anyone could ask for. Yes, doing several hunts of smaller creatures isn't the best use of your time, but the bonds and overall confidence you bring to a whole community and making them ready to fight back makes it more than worth it.