The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, and it’s brought a new heavyweight contender to the arena: Arkveld. This fearsome beast is the game's flagship monster, promising a significant role in the Wilds adventure. Beta testers are already facing its considerable challenge, a thrilling and terrifying experience in equal measure.

Arkveld, the star of the Monster Hunter Wilds show, is a massive winged creature wielding electrifying chains from each arm. These aren’t just for show; it uses them to unleash crackling thunderous attacks with surprising speed. Even experienced hunters are finding themselves frequently defeated by its powerful moves. Arkveld's dynamic combat, utilizing its whips for movement and long-range attacks, showcases impressive new technology. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing hunters, roaring, and then slamming them to the ground—a moment that has left many beta testers stunned.

The chaos isn't limited to the hunt; Arkveld's presence extends to unexpected interruptions, as hilariously captured in a video of the monster disrupting a hunter's meal. The wilds, it seems, are no place for a leisurely lunch.

While the difficulty might seem daunting, the challenge is clearly embraced by the Monster Hunter community. Taking down formidable monsters is the core of the experience, and Arkveld's fearsome yet iconic design is a testament to the game's ambition. The fact that this beta features a "Chained" Arkveld has sparked speculation about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant in the full game.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th to 9th, and then again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can tackle both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, alongside new features like a Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28th, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For a deeper dive into Capcom's latest hunting adventure, check out IGN First coverage, including our final preview. Our guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta provides helpful tips, including multiplayer information, weapon type details, and a list of confirmed monsters.