After hunting down your first two Kemono in Wild Hearts, Ragetail and Sapscourge, one final opponent will prevent you from traveling to the hub area of Minato — Kingtusk. Unlike your previous two contenders, this hog-like beast is gigantic and capable of executing attacks covering a wide area. As an early-game Kemono, Kingtusk’s telegraphed moveset is relatively easy to read. However, its massive size makes it quite challenging to deal with, especially when you are using melee weapons that involve getting into close quarters with the beast.
Defeating Kingtusk in Wild Hearts
While the approach of how you fight Kingtusk will vary depending on your weapon of choice in Wild Hearts, the Kemono’s moveset will always stay the same. In other words, if you understand what the monster is going to do, you can prepare your next attack or counterstrike appropriately.
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Kingtusk’s most basic move in Wild Hearts is its charge attack, during which it will rear back its front leg several times before attempting to run you underfoot. Unless you are wielding the Bladed Wagasa, you should make sure to dodge away at the last moment before Kingtusk tramples you, as the monster does home onto your position if you roll too soon. Next is Kingtusk’s tusk swipe, which involves two wide slashes with its ivories, after which it will occasionally execute a head slam. The first swipes are easy to read, but you must always be wary of the final smash. Speaking of slams, Kingtusk can also perform a body slam, during which it will topple around before bringing its full body weight onto a target. Be careful, as this move can deal a massive amount of damage.
Kingtusk in Wild Hearts can also hurl rocks, an attack indicated whenever the Kemono digs its tusks into the ground before flinging the projectiles. Kingtusk will also do a surprise side-body slam if you spend too much time attacking its flank. After the beast loses a certain amount of HP, it will enter enraged mode, and its tusks will become streaked with flames. Its attacks become more vicious; for instance, its charge will have a much wider range due to its ivories increased length. However, your strategy should stay the same, with you moving in to attack and backing away before it reacts. Standing under the beast is never ideal since your whole screen will be covered by its body.
Wild Hearts is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.