Karakuri: An Introductory Field Guide

Hear me Hunters!

Today we dropped an in-depth look at WILD HEARTS’ Karakuri. Take a moment to get caught up if you missed it.

The Karakuri are an ancient technology that has sat dormant for years. While hunters of old once knew how to use Karakuri, that knowledge has been lost to time. That is, until you appeared. Use the Karakuri to stand toe-to-toe against the Kemono, the giant nature-infused beasts that roam Azuma.

There is a long road ahead of you for mastering the many kinds of Karakuri. How you use them to enhance your abilities will be up to you, and new Karakuri are still being discovered by fellow hunters.

Before we study the Karakuri that were revealed today, there are a few key pieces of information you should know. Karakuri can be broken down into three main categories, based on the way they interact with hunters and the world around them.

Basic Karakuri are simple, quickly constructed and tend to do well during combat. They also generally do not require many resources to craft. The crate, spring and torch Karakuri are all in this category.

Fusion Karakuri require hunters to build multiple basic Karakuri that then fuse together, hence “Fusion” Karakuri. These are intended for countering Kemono attacks, although they can be used in a variety of situations. To learn Fusion Karakuri, hunters must seek new Kemono to battle. The pounder, star bomb and repeater crossbow are a few of the Fusion Karakuri hunters will learn.

Lastly, Dragon Karakuri affect a hunter’s hunting grounds and, more broadly, Azuma. Dragon Karakuri require such a massive amount of energy to operate that they draw power from the very land around them. The power that they draw from is called Celestial Thread. The available Celestial Thread in an area can grow as you discover and upgrade that area’s Dragon Pits. The flying vine, roller and hunting tower, among others, are considered Dragon Karakuri.

CRATE

Basic Karakuri

The basic building block of the Karakuri. Allows hunters to gain the high ground to avoid attacks or, when positioned correctly, hunters can perform a powerful attack from above.

SPRING

Basic Karakuri

Launches the hunter in a desired direction. It can be crafted quickly and used to dodge, perform an enhanced jumping attack or even flank a Kemono faster than one could on foot.

TORCH

Basic Karakuri

Useful both in and out of combat, the torch can be used to light a dimly lit area or to add fire to a hunter’s weapon to deal additional damage.

GLIDER

Basic Karakuri

Can be used in conjunction with a wind vortex or even a few crate Karakuri, the glider allows hunters to stay in the air longer to traverse Azuma more easily or position yourself directly overtop a Kemono.

CELESTIAL ANCHOR

Basic Karakuri

Hunters can tether themselves to a celestial anchor and swing around the anchor to close the gap between you and a Kemono. Celestial anchors can be used in some non-combat situations as well.

POUNDER

Fusion Karakuri

While it packs a wallop, the pounder is a more complex Karakuri that has a slower attack that inflicts a large amount of stun damage to its target.

STAR BOMB

Fusion Karakuri

The star bomb boasts a high attack power alongside a wide attack range. Although it takes some time to detonate on its own, it’ll explode immediately when attacked. Be warned though, the blast can send your fellow hunters flying if they’re caught in the explosion!

REPEATER CROSSBOW

Fusion Karakuri

An offensive Karakuri that shoots at regular intervals to increase your damage output and distract Kemono for a few precious seconds. A great choice when hunting flying Kemono.

CHAIN TRAP

Fusion Karakuri

Kemono that fall prey to a hunter’s chain trap will be immobile for a short period of time. Be sure to use this Karakuri wisely, as Kemono will begin to figure out how to escape the trap faster with each use.

CELESTIAL CANNON

Fusion Karakuri

One of the most complex Karakuri, the celestial cannon collects surrounding celestial thread that it then hurls at its target. While difficult to aim, the cannon has such an intense impact that it has a chance to stagger Kemono. 

BULWARK

Fusion Karakuri

This defensive Karakuri can be used in many situations but its main purpose is to counter charge attacks or to simply be used as a wall to block a Kemono attack.

FLYING VINE

Dragon Karakuri

A Karakuri that’s typically used outside of combat, the flying vine shoots a zipline across a great distance. Visiting hunters will also be able to use your zipline so your hunting party doesn’t get separated.

HUNTING TOWER

Dragon Karakuri

Detect large Kemono that are in the nearby vicinity. As hunters learn to better construct this Karakuri, the hunting tower will be able to locate additional artifacts and notable creatures.

WIND VORTEX

Dragon Karakuri

Generates a strong upwards wind that can propel hunters into the air. Wind vortexes are always on and when used in conjunction with a glider gives the hunter added height and gliding speed.

ROLLER

Dragon Karakuri

Simultaneously ancient and futuristic, hunters can traverse large distances quickly with this Karakuri. After tracking down prey, hunters can catapult a still-moving Roller into the Kemono. Best to hop off the Roller before doing this though.

PADDLE SCOOP

Dragon Karakuri

Self-propelled, the paddle scoop is a more efficient method of catching fish while you are on the hunt. It’ll even store the fish it catches for later use. 

TRAINING BEAR

Dragon Karakuri

Complete with a variety of attacks, the training bear will be a key tool for hunters to improve their skills. Spar with the training bear while it’s on its hind legs or on all four.

There is still so much that you need to know if you are to survive in Azuma. Which, maybe that is the best subject for our next correspondence — Azuma itself. Keep your eyes open for more later this month.