Monster Hunter Wilds New Monster, Nu Udra of the Oilwell Basin, Revealed by Director

Monster Hunter Wilds: Unveiling the Oilwell Basin and its Fiery Inhabitants

Prepare for a volcanic adventure! In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka shed light on the game's newest locale and its formidable inhabitants. Get ready to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra.

Delving into the Oilwell Basin

The Oilwell Basin stands apart from previous Monster Hunter locales. Unlike the horizontally expansive maps of past games, the Oilwell Basin boasts a unique vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "We had two horizontally broad locales already, so we opted for a vertically connected design. The deeper you descend, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels are characterized by oil-slick swamps, leading to a dramatic shift in environment as players venture deeper.

Tokuda adds another layer of complexity: the Basin's appearance transforms during the "Plenty" event. The lower levels resemble an underwater volcanic ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's volcanic, but during Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like appearance. The unique creatures inhabiting the depths further enhance this unique environment."

Nu Udra: The Black Flame Apex Predator

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a terrifying sight. This massive, octopus-like creature possesses a flammable, slimy body, using its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating flames. Completing the elemental trio (Rey Dau – lightning, Uth Duna – water), the Nu Udra brings a fiery challenge.

Fujioka reveals the design inspiration: "I always wanted to include a tentacled creature. We took an aquatic creature and modified it for a more striking look." The demonic aesthetic, complete with horn-like head protrusions, is further emphasized by its unique battle music, described by Tokuda as incorporating "phrases and instruments reminiscent of black magic."

Combat against the Nu Udra promises to be intense. Immune to Flash Bombs, it relies on its tentacles for environmental awareness, unleashing both focused and area-of-effect attacks with frightening speed.

More Than Just the Nu Udra

The Oilwell Basin is teeming with life, or rather, monstrous life. The fiery Ajarakan, a hulking, monkey-like creature, utilizes martial arts-inspired attacks and devastating fire-enhanced fists.

The Rompopolo, a bizarre globular monster with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gas attacks. Its design, inspired by mad scientists, belies surprisingly "cute" equipment drops for hunters and their Palicos.

Finally, a familiar face returns: Gravio from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its fiery breath and rocky carapace make it a fitting inhabitant of the volcanic region, offering a fresh challenge for seasoned hunters. Tokuda explains the decision: "We considered monsters fitting the environment, game progression, and avoiding similarity to others. Gravios seemed like a fresh challenge."

With the Oilwell Basin and its diverse monsters revealed, the anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds' February 28th release is at fever pitch.