Monster Hunter Wilds developers unveil a thrilling new environment and formidable foe in an exclusive interview. Discover the Oilwell Basin and its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra.

Exploring the Oilwell Basin

IGN's exclusive chat with directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka introduces the Oilwell Basin, a unique vertical locale unlike the series' typical horizontal landscapes. Fujioka explains the area's layered structure: oil-slick swamps at the top, transitioning to magma-filled depths. The deeper you delve, the hotter it gets.

Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event, resembling an underwater volcanic ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands. The environment, while seemingly barren, teems with unique creatures adapted to its harsh conditions.

Nu Udra: The Black Flame

The Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra ("Black Flame"), is a colossal, octopus-like monster with a flammable, slimy body. It uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing fiery attacks. Completing a fiery trifecta alongside the Windward Plains' Rey Dau (lightning) and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna (water), Nu Udra's design was inspired by a desire to incorporate a tentacled creature and a demonic aesthetic. Its battle theme reflects this demonic imagery through its musical composition and instrumentation.

Nu Udra presents a significant challenge, employing both targeted and area-of-effect attacks with its multiple tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs highlights its reliance on its tactile senses rather than vision.

Additional Oilwell Basin Inhabitants

Beyond Nu Udra, the Oilwell Basin houses other formidable creatures. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like monster, utilizes martial arts-inspired combat. The Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular creature with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gas attacks and boasts a surprisingly "cute" reward drop.

A returning monster, Gravios (last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate), also inhabits the Oilwell Basin, fitting seamlessly into its volcanic environment.

With these exciting additions, Monster Hunter Wilds promises an unforgettable experience, launching February 28th.