The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, and it's brought some serious heat with it. Beta testers are already facing off against Arkveld, a fearsome new flagship monster that's generating both excitement and a healthy dose of dread.
Arkveld, the star of the Monster Hunter Wilds show, is poised to play a major role in the game's story. This beta offers courageous hunters a 20-minute, five-faint challenge: hunting the Chained Arkveld.
As players are quickly discovering, this behemoth is no pushover. A massive winged creature with electrically charged chains extending from its arms, Arkveld unleashes thunderous attacks with surprising speed and ferocity. Even seasoned hunters are finding themselves repeatedly carted by its powerful moves. Arkveld's whip-like chains allow for dynamic movement, long-range attacks, and general mayhem. One attack, in particular—a grab-and-slam roar—has left many beta testers thunderstruck.
The chaos extends beyond combat; one player on the r/MHWilds subreddit captured a hilarious video of Arkveld interrupting their in-game meal, proving the wilds are anything but a safe place for lunch.
The fight is visually stunning and intensely challenging. While the difficulty might intimidate some, the dedicated Monster Hunter community seems invigorated by the challenge. After all, conquering formidable beasts is the core of the experience. Arkveld's imposing presence and iconic design are a welcome sight, and the "Chained" designation hints at a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant in the future.
The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th-9th and February 13th-16th. Hunters can tackle both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, along with added features like a Training Area and Private Lobbies.
Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28th, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more in-depth coverage, including our final preview, check out IGN First.
Also, be sure to consult our guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta for tips on multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.
