Monster Hunter Wilds directors have unveiled an exciting new locale and a formidable new monster in an exclusive interview. Dive into the details of the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, the Nu Udra, to enhance your anticipation for the game.
Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra
Welcome To Oilwell Basin
In a detailed discussion with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka introduced one of the game's new explorable areas, the Oilwell Basin, along with its dominant monster, the Nu Udra.The Oilwell Basin stands out due to its vertical structure, a departure from the series' typical horizontally expansive locales. "We already had two broad, horizontal locales in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we chose to design the Oilwell Basin with vertical connectivity. As you delve deeper, you'll encounter increasingly magma-filled and hot environments," explained Fujioka. He noted that the upper layers are characterized by oil-like swamps, creating a unique "gradation" within the area.
Tokuda added that the Oilwell Basin transforms during the event called the Plenty. When you reach the central or lower levels, it resembles an underwater volcanic ecosystem. The team leveraged their experience from designing the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World to craft this dynamic environment. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, the Oilwell Basin emits smoke like a volcano or hot spring. However, during the Plenty, it shifts to a clear, marine-like atmosphere. Observing the environmental biology, you'll notice it hosts creatures typical of ocean floors," Tokuda elaborated.
This unique environment supports a diverse ecosystem, teeming with monsters and creatures adapted to its seemingly inhospitable conditions.
Nu Udra, The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This colossal, octopus-like creature boasts a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains, who commands lightning, and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, who wields water, Nu Udra rounds out the trio with its affinity for fire.
Fujioka expressed his long-standing desire to include a tentacled creature in the series. "We wanted to transform a typically aquatic creature into something more visually striking and demonic," he said. The Nu Udra's design incorporates horn-like features on its head, enhancing its menacing appearance. Its battle music, infused with elements reminiscent of black magic, adds to the intense atmosphere. "We instructed the composers to incorporate phrases and instruments suggestive of black magic, resulting in a unique and impactful piece of music," Tokuda noted.
Fighting Nu Udra is a formidable challenge, as it wields numerous tentacles and can unleash both targeted and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, due to its reliance on tactile senses rather than vision, makes it an even tougher adversary.
More Monsters In The Basin
Nu Udra isn't the only formidable creature in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a large, scaly, and monkey-like monster engulfed in flames, also roams the area. It employs martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fist attacks, blending immense physical strength with fiery prowess.
Another intriguing inhabitant is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases during combat. Its eerie purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke the image of a mad scientist. The developers drew inspiration from this archetype, describing Rompopolo as a "tricky monster." Despite its unsettling appearance, its drops can be crafted into surprisingly "cute" equipment for both Hunters and their Palico companions.
Additionally, a familiar face returns to the series: Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its presence in the Oilwell Basin fits perfectly with its rocky carapace and fiery breath, commonly found in volcanic regions. "When considering monsters that would complement the Oilwell Basin's environment and enhance the game's progression without overlapping with other monsters, we felt Gravios would offer a fresh challenge," Tokuda explained.
With these thrilling revelations, excitement for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th continues to build.
