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 a brand-new locale and its fearsome inhabitants. Get ready to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its reigning terror, 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 had two horizontally broad locales already, so we opted for a vertically connected area. The deeper you go, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels feature oil-slick swamps, transitioning to a more intense volcanic environment at lower depths.
Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms dramatically during the "Plenty" event. The lower levels resemble an underwater volcanic ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's smoky, like a volcano. But during Plenty, it's clear, almost marine. The creatures reflect this unique environment."
Meet the Nu Udra: The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the fearsome Nu Udra, a colossal, octopus-like creature with a flammable, slimy body. It uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Fujioka reveals, "I always wanted a tentacled monster," explaining the design choice of adapting an aquatic creature for a more striking, demonic appearance. The Nu Udra's battle theme complements its ominous presence, incorporating elements reminiscent of black magic.
The Nu Udra presents a formidable challenge, utilizing both single-target 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, ape-like creature, employs martial arts-inspired combat. The Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular monster, utilizes toxic gases. Its design was inspired by the stereotypical mad scientist, resulting in a "tricky" opponent, though its rewards yield surprisingly "cute" equipment.
Making a triumphant return is Gravio, last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its volcanic-dwelling nature and fiery breath make it a perfect fit for the Oilwell Basin's environment.
With the Oilwell Basin and its diverse roster of monsters, Monster Hunter Wilds promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare for launch on February 28th!
