Monster Hunter Wilds Interview: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin – IGN First

Exploring the Fiery Depths of Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into Design

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic locale unlike any other in the franchise. This new environment, brimming with unique challenges and creatures, showcases the developers' commitment to crafting immersive and engaging hunting experiences. Let's delve into the design philosophies behind this volcanic landscape and its inhabitants.

The Oilwell Basin, unlike the expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, is characterized by its verticality. Director Kaname Fujioka explains the design choice: "We had two horizontally broad locales…so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The environment changes slightly between the top, middle, and bottom strata." This layered design creates distinct ecological niches, impacting both the environment and its inhabitants.

Director Yuya Tokuda further elaborates on the ecosystem: "From the middle to bottom strata, you'll find creatures not unlike aquatic life…we've used the knowledge we gained…to create the Oilwell Basin's creatures and ecosystem." This geothermal environment, fueled by subterranean heat rather than sunlight, supports a unique food chain. Microorganisms thrive on geothermal energy, sustaining smaller creatures which, in turn, become prey for larger monsters.

Rompopolo: The Toxic Trickster

Rompopolo, a globular monster that utilizes toxic gas, embodies a "mad scientist" aesthetic. Its unusual design, with thin needle-like mouthparts and glowing red eyes, contrasts sharply with the surprisingly cute appearance of its crafted equipment.

Ajarakan: The Flaming Brawler

Ajarakan, a fiery gorilla-like creature, is designed for straightforward, powerful combat. Its top-heavy silhouette and wrestling-inspired moves, combined with its flame-based attacks, create a visually striking and memorable opponent. The developers aimed for a monster whose strengths were easily understood, yet still engaging.

Nu Udra: The Apex Predator

Nu Udra, the Oilwell Basin's apex predator, is a unique tentacled monster inspired by octopuses. Its design, with a mysterious face and demonic horns, is further enhanced by its unique movements and flame-based attacks. The developers highlight the technical challenges of creating a monster with such flexible, dynamic movements. Its attacks utilize a unique tempo, combining focused strikes with area-of-effect attacks, making it a challenging opponent, especially in multiplayer hunts. The inclusion of light-emitting sensory organs on its tentacles adds another layer of complexity to its combat strategy.

Gravios' Return

The Oilwell Basin also marks the return of Gravios, a fan-favorite monster last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and hot gas emissions make it a fitting addition to this fiery environment. The developers aimed to make Gravios a challenging late-game encounter, requiring hunters to utilize the wound system and part breaking to overcome its formidable defenses.

The Oilwell Basin represents a significant step forward in Monster Hunter Wilds' environmental and creature design. The developers' dedication to creating unique and engaging hunting experiences is evident in every detail, from the intricate ecosystem to the carefully crafted movements of each monster. The inclusion of both new and returning monsters ensures a diverse and rewarding hunting experience for players.