"Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils Nu Udra, New Monster from Oilwell Basin"

Monster Hunter Wilds enthusiasts are in for a thrilling adventure as directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka unveil a new locale and a formidable monster in an exclusive interview with IGN. Dive into the details of the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, the fearsome Nu Udra.

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

The directors introduce the Oilwell Basin, a unique area in Monster Hunter Wilds that breaks from tradition with its vertical structure. Unlike the horizontally expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, the Oilwell Basin is a vertically connected environment. "We had two horizontally broad locales in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The deeper you go, the more magma-filled and hot it gets," explains Fujioka. The upper layers feature oil-like swamps, creating a gradient throughout the locale.

Tokuda adds that during the event known as the Plenty, the area transforms into an underwater volcano ecosystem, drawing inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke comes out of everywhere in the Oilwell Basin like it's some sort of volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like tone. Look closely at the environmental biology and you'll find that it's even a region inhabited by the kinds of creatures you'd expect to find on the ocean bed," he describes. The Oilwell Basin is teeming with distinct and native creatures, adding to its unique environment.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster has a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to capture prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Nu Udra completes the elemental trio alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains, who reigns over lightning, and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, who wields water.

Fujioka shares that the design of Nu Udra was inspired by his desire to include a tentacled creature. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he says. The team modified a typically aquatic creature to give it a more striking and demonic appearance, adding horn-like elements to its head. The battle music, featuring phrases and instruments reminiscent of black magic, enhances the monster's eerie atmosphere. "We had the composers include phrases and musical instruments reminiscent of black magic. I think it ended up being a unique and good piece of music," Tokuda adds.

Facing Nu Udra in battle is a formidable challenge, as it wields multiple tentacles and can unleash both focused and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, due to its reliance on tactile senses rather than vision, adds another layer of difficulty.

More Monsters In The Basin

The Oilwell Basin is also home to other formidable creatures. Ajarakan, a huge, scaly, monkey-like monster covered in flames, uses martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fists in combat, blending immense physical strength with fiery attacks.

Another intriguing addition is Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases. Its eerie purple color and glowing red eyes give it a mad scientist vibe, and the developers confirm that this was their inspiration. "Despite its eerie features, its drops make for surprisingly cute equipment for both the Hunter and their Palico companion," they note.

Returning to the Oilwell Basin is Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath make it a fitting inhabitant of the volcanic region. "When we were thinking of monsters that match the Oilwell Basin's environment, make sense in the game's overall progression and don't play too similarly to any other monsters, we thought that we could make Gravios seem like a fresh challenge and decided that it would reappear," Tokuda explains.

With these exciting reveals, anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th is at an all-time high.