The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, offering thrilling new combat encounters. A formidable new antagonist, Arkveld, is proving a significant challenge, generating both excitement and apprehension among beta testers.
Arkveld serves as the flagship monster for Monster Hunter Wilds, prominently featured on the game's cover and poised to play a crucial role in the game's narrative. The beta introduces a hunt against the "Chained Arkveld," imposing a 20-minute time limit and a five-faint restriction.
This colossal winged beast, wielding electrifying chains from each arm, presents a formidable challenge. Its swift movements and powerful, crackling thunder attacks are already proving difficult for even seasoned hunters. Many experienced players report being frequently defeated by its devastating moves. Arkveld's impressive animations, utilizing its chains for mobility and devastating long-range attacks, showcase the game's advanced technology. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing and roaring at the hunter before a powerful slam.
Arkveld's impact extends beyond the hunt itself. A humorous video circulating on the r/MHWilds subreddit depicts Arkveld unexpectedly disrupting a hunter's meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Wilds.
Arkveld is a peak monster by u/Joeljb960 in MHWilds
Arkveld is having none of that by u/tomkwuz in MHWilds
The visually stunning and intensely dangerous Arkveld fight, while daunting for some, has invigorated the Monster Hunter community. The challenge aligns perfectly with the core gameplay loop, and Arkveld's iconic design reinforces the game's appeal. The "Chained" designation, combined with its flagship status, fuels speculation about a potentially even more formidable "Unchained" variant in the future.
The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th to 9th, and again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can engage with both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, alongside new features such as a Training Area and Private Lobbies.
Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28th, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For further details on Capcom's latest hunting adventure, explore IGN First coverage, including the Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview.
Consult our Monster Hunter Wilds Beta guide for information on multiplayer gameplay, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.
