Monster Hunter Wilds directors reveal a whole new locale and ferocious monster to beat through an exclusive interview. Read on to find out more about the Oilwell Basin and its king, the Nu Udra.
Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra
Welcome To Oilwell Basin
In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka introduce players to one of the game's explorable areas, the Oilwell Basin, and the formidable monster that rules over it, the Nu Udra.Oilwell Basin stands out due to its vertical structure, a departure from the series' typical broad, horizontal locales. "We designed the Oilwell Basin to be vertically connected, unlike the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest. As you descend, you'll encounter increasingly magma-filled and hot environments," explained Fujioka. He noted that the upper layers are dominated by oil-like swamps, creating a unique "gradation" in the area's structure.
Tokuda added that the Oilwell Basin transforms during the Plenty event. Entering from the center or lower levels, the area shifts into an underwater volcano ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World, the team crafted the Oilwell Basin to reflect this dynamic change. "During Fallow and Inclemency, smoke billows from the Oilwell Basin, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it adopts a clear, marine-like appearance. The environmental biology here supports a variety of ocean bed-like creatures," Tokuda elaborated.
These creatures, unique to the Oilwell Basin, contribute to the area's distinct atmosphere, despite its seemingly lifeless exterior.
Nu Udra, The Black Flame
Every Monster Hunter locale has its apex predator, and the Oilwell Basin's is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster boasts a slimy, flammable body, perfectly adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to capture prey before engulfing them in scorching flames. Alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains, who commands lightning, and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, who wields water, Nu Udra completes the elemental trio with its fire affinity.
Fujioka expressed his long-held desire to include a tentacled creature, stating, "I've always wanted to add a creature with tentacles." They took inspiration from aquatic life, enhancing its appearance to be more striking and demonic, complete with horn-like elements on its head. The battle music, infused with themes of black magic, complements Nu Udra's eerie aesthetic. "We incorporated musical phrases and instruments that evoke black magic, creating a unique and fitting soundtrack," Tokuda noted.
Battling Nu Udra is a formidable challenge, as it wields multiple tentacles and can unleash both focused and area-of-effect attacks swiftly. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, due to its reliance on tactile senses rather than vision, adds to the difficulty.
More Monsters In The Basin
Nu Udra isn't the only dominant force in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a large, scaly, and monkey-like monster covered in flames, also roams the area. It employs martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fists in its attacks, blending immense physical strength with fiery prowess, making it a thrilling addition to the Monster Hunter roster.
Another inhabitant is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that uses toxic gases in combat. Its eerie purple hue and glowing red eyes give it a mad scientist vibe, which the developers intentionally incorporated. "We drew inspiration from the classic mad scientist image for Rompopolo," they said, labeling it a "tricky monster." Despite its menacing appearance, the materials it drops can be crafted into surprisingly "cute" gear for both Hunters and their Palico companions.
A familiar face, Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, also returns to the Oilwell Basin. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath align well with the area's volcanic nature. "We chose Gravios because it fits the Oilwell Basin's environment and adds a fresh challenge to the game's progression without duplicating other monsters," Tokuda explained.
With these exciting reveals, anticipation builds for the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th.
