Monster Hunter Wilds: Unveiling the Oilwell Basin and its Fiery Inhabitants
Dive into an exclusive interview with Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka, revealing a brand-new location and formidable monsters. Prepare to explore the Oilwell Basin and face its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra.
Exploring 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 design. The deeper you delve, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels feature oil-slick swamps, transitioning to a volcanic environment at lower depths.
Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event, resembling an underwater volcanic ecosystem. This design draws inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "During Fallow and Inclemency, it's volcanic. During Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like appearance. The creatures reflect this oceanic shift."
The Basin's unique flora and fauna further enhance its distinct character, teeming with life beneath its seemingly barren surface.
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 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 monster's design, including horn-like head protrusions, complements its unique battle music, which evokes black magic.
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 Oilwell Basin Inhabitants
Beyond Nu Udra, the Oilwell Basin houses other formidable creatures. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like monster, employs martial arts-inspired attacks. Rompopolo, a globular monster with needle-like mouthparts, utilizes toxic gases. Its design was inspired by stereotypical mad scientists, resulting in a "tricky" monster with surprisingly "cute" equipment drops.
A familiar face also returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, fits seamlessly into the volcanic environment. Tokuda explains, "Considering the environment, game progression, and avoiding similarity to other monsters, Gravios offered a fresh challenge."
With these exciting reveals, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th.
