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 fearsome inhabitants. Get ready to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its formidable ruler, the Nu Udra.
Delving into the Oilwell Basin
Unlike the series' typical sprawling landscapes, the Oilwell Basin boasts a unique vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "We already had two horizontally expansive areas, so we opted for a vertically connected design. The deeper you venture, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels are characterized by oil-slick swamps, transitioning to a more intense, volcanic environment at greater depths.
Tokuda adds another layer of complexity: The Basin's appearance dramatically shifts during the "Plenty" event. Lower levels transform into an underwater volcanic ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's smoky and volcanic. But during Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like appearance. The unique creatures reflect this oceanic shift."
This unique ecosystem supports a diverse range of creatures, defying its initially desolate appearance.
Nu Udra: The Black Flame Menace
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a fearsome sight. This massive, octopus-like monster possesses a flammable, slimy body, using its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Completing a fiery trifecta alongside the Windward Plains' Rey Dau (lightning) and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna (water), Nu Udra brings a unique elemental challenge.
Fujioka explains the design inspiration: "I always wanted to include a tentacled creature. We took an aquatic creature and modified it for a more striking, demonic appearance." The addition of horn-like features enhances this menacing aesthetic, further emphasized by its battle music, infused with elements of black magic.
Nu Udra presents a significant challenge, utilizing both focused and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs adds another layer of difficulty.
More Than Just the Nu Udra
The Oilwell Basin is teeming with other formidable monsters. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like creature, utilizes martial arts-inspired attacks. The Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular monster, employs toxic gas in combat, its design inspired by the stereotypical mad scientist. Despite its unsettling appearance, its drops yield surprisingly "cute" equipment.
A familiar face returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes a comeback, fitting seamlessly into the volcanic environment. Tokuda explains, "Considering its environment, overall game progression, and avoiding similarity to other monsters, Gravio presented a fresh challenge."
With these thrilling reveals, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' launch on February 28th.
