Monster Hunter Wilds directors unveil a thrilling new location and formidable foe in an exclusive interview. Discover the Oilwell Basin and its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra.
Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces the Black Flame: Nu Udra
Welcome to the Oilwell Basin
In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka introduce the Oilwell Basin, a unique vertical environment, and its dominant monster, the Nu Udra. Unlike the series' typically horizontal locales, the Oilwell Basin boasts a layered structure. Fujioka explains, "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." The upper levels are characterized by oil-like swamps, with a gradual shift in environment as players descend.
Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event. The lower levels become reminiscent of an underwater volcano ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. "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." This unique ecosystem supports a diverse range of creatures, adding to the Basin's distinct character.
Nu Udra: The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster possesses a flammable, slimy body, utilizing its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Completing a fiery trifecta alongside the Windward Plains' Rey Dau (lightning) and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna (water), Nu Udra brings a potent fire-based challenge.
Fujioka reveals the design inspiration: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he says, explaining the decision to adapt an aquatic creature for a more striking appearance. The "demonic" aesthetic, enhanced by horn-like head elements, is further emphasized by its unique battle music. Tokuda adds, "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." Nu Udra's combat presents a significant challenge, employing both targeted and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs underscores its reliance on its tactile senses rather than vision.
More Monsters in the Basin
Nu Udra isn't alone. The fiery Ajarakan, a large, scaly, monkey-like monster, utilizes martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fist attacks. Its blend of strength and fire makes it a formidable opponent.
The Rompopolo, a bizarre globular monster with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gas attacks. Its unsettling purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke a mad scientist aesthetic, a design inspiration confirmed by the developers. Despite its menacing appearance, its drops yield surprisingly "cute" equipment.
A familiar face returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes a comeback. Its rocky carapace, fiery breath, and association with volcanic regions make it a fitting addition to the Oilwell Basin. Tokuda explains, "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."
With these exciting reveals, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th.
