Monster Hunter Wilds directors have unveiled a new locale and a formidable monster through an exclusive interview with IGN. Dive into the details about the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, 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 introduced players to the Oilwell Basin, a unique area in the game, and the dominant monster, the Nu Udra.
Oilwell Basin stands out with its vertical structure, contrasting the series' typical broad, horizontal locales. "We had two horizontally broad locales in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The deeper you go, the more magma-filled and hot it gets," explained Fujioka. He added that the top strata are primarily oil-like swamps, creating a "gradation" in the area's structure.
Tokuda noted that the area transforms during the event called the Plenty. When entering from the center or bottom level, it resembles an underwater volcano ecosystem. The design draws inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke emerges from everywhere in the Oilwell Basin, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it adopts a clear, marine-like tone. If you look closely at the environmental biology, you'll find creatures typical of an ocean bed," Tokuda explained.
The Oilwell Basin is teeming with unique creatures, enhancing its distinct environment. Despite its seemingly lifeless appearance, it hosts a diverse array of monsters and creatures.
Nu Udra, The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster has a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to capture prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Alongside Windward Plains' Rey Dau, who controls lightning, and Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna, who wields water, Nu Udra completes the trio with its fire affinity.
Fujioka revealed that Nu Udra was designed to resemble an octopus, a typical aquatic creature, but with a striking and demonic twist. "I've always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he said. They added horn-like elements to its head to enhance its demonic appearance. The battle music complements this theme, incorporating phrases and instruments reminiscent of black magic, according to Tokuda.
Fighting Nu Udra is challenging due to its numerous tentacles and ability to execute both focused and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. It is immune to Flash Bombs, relying on its tentacles to sense its surroundings.
More Monsters In The Basin
Nu Udra is not the only formidable creature in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a huge, scaly, monkey-like monster covered in flames, also roams the area. It uses martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fist attacks, blending massive physical strength with fire power.
Another intriguing addition is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases. Its purple color and glowing red eyes give it a menacing, mad scientist vibe. The developers drew inspiration from this stereotype, describing Rompopolo as a "tricky monster." Despite its eerie appearance, its drops can be crafted into surprisingly "cute" equipment for both the Hunter and their Palico companion.
Additionally, Gravios, a monster from previous games, returns to the Oilwell Basin. Known from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Gravios fits the locale with its rocky carapace and fiery breath, often found in volcanic regions. "When considering monsters that match the Oilwell Basin's environment and fit the game's progression without overlapping with other monsters, we thought Gravios could offer a fresh challenge," Tokuda stated.
With these exciting reveals, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th.
