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 have revealed a brand-new locale and its fearsome inhabitants. Get ready to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its formidable ruler, the Nu Udra.

Delving into the Oilwell Basin

Unlike the horizontally expansive maps of previous titles, the Oilwell Basin boasts a unique vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "We had two horizontally broad locales already, so we opted for a vertically connected area. The deeper you venture, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels are swampy and oily, transitioning to a more intense volcanic environment at lower depths.

Tokuda adds another layer of complexity: the Basin's appearance dramatically shifts during the "Plenty" event. The lower levels transform into an underwater volcano ecosystem, a design inspired by Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's volcanic. But during Plenty, it's a clear, marine-like environment. The creatures there are like those found on the ocean floor." This unique ecosystem is teeming with life, defying its initially desolate appearance.

The Black Flame: Nu Udra

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the Nu Udra, a colossal, octopus-like creature with a flammable, slimy body. It uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Completing the elemental trio (Rey Dau – lightning, Uth Duna – water), the Nu Udra brings the heat.

Fujioka reveals the design inspiration: "I always wanted a tentacled creature." They aimed for a demonic aesthetic, adding horn-like features to its head. This menacing design is complemented by its unique battle music, evoking black magic and demonic imagery. Tokuda notes, "The composers incorporated musical elements reminiscent of black magic, resulting in a truly unique soundtrack."

Prepare for a challenging fight. The Nu Udra's multiple tentacles allow for both focused and area-of-effect attacks in rapid succession. Flash Bombs are ineffective, as its hunting relies on its sensitive tentacles, not sight.

More Than Just the Nu Udra

The Oilwell Basin isn't just home to the Nu Udra. The fiery Ajarakan, a large, flame-covered monkey-like creature, utilizes martial arts-inspired attacks. Its blend of strength and fire power makes it a formidable foe.

Then there's the Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular monster with needle-like mouthparts and toxic gas attacks. Its purple hue and glowing red eyes give it a mad scientist vibe – a design choice the developers openly acknowledge. Despite its unsettling appearance, its drops yield surprisingly "cute" equipment.

Finally, a familiar face returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its volcanic habitat and fiery breath make it a fitting addition to the Oilwell Basin's roster. Tokuda explains, "Considering the environment, game progression, and avoiding similarity to other monsters, Gravios seemed like a fresh challenge."

With these exciting reveals, anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds' February 28th release is at fever pitch.