MONSTER HUNTER WILD'S NU UDRA REVEALED

Monster Hunter Wilds: Unveiling the Oilwell Basin and its Fiery Inhabitants

In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka shed light on a new environment and its formidable inhabitants. Prepare to delve into the Oilwell Basin and confront its apex predator, the Nu Udra.

Exploring the Oilwell Basin

Unlike the series' typical horizontally expansive locales, the Oilwell Basin boasts a unique vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "We had two horizontally broad locales already, so we opted for a vertically connected design. The deeper you descend, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels are characterized by oil-like swamps, with a gradual shift in environment as you progress downwards.

Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event, resembling an underwater volcanic ecosystem in the lower levels. The design draws inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's volcanic; during Plenty, it's marine. The creatures reflect this unique environment," Tokuda notes. The Basin, though seemingly barren, teems with unique fauna.

Nu Udra: The Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a fearsome, octopus-like creature with a flammable, slimy body. It uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating flames. Fujioka reveals, "I always wanted a tentacled monster," explaining the design choice of adapting an aquatic creature for a more striking effect. The demonic aesthetic, complete with horn-like features and a fittingly ominous soundtrack, adds to its terrifying presence.

Nu Udra presents a significant challenge, employing both focused and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, relying instead on its tactile senses, further complicates the hunt.

Additional Oilwell Basin Inhabitants

Beyond the Nu Udra, the Basin houses other formidable creatures. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like monster, utilizes martial arts-inspired attacks. The Rompopolo, a globular creature with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gas in combat. Its design, inspired by mad scientists, belies surprisingly "cute" equipment drops.

Making a return from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is Gravio, a fitting addition to the Basin's volcanic landscape. Tokuda explains its inclusion: "We considered monsters fitting the environment, game progression, and avoiding similarity to others. Gravio offered a fresh challenge."

With the Oilwell Basin and its diverse inhabitants revealed, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' launch on February 28th.