Monster Hunter Wilds: Unveiling the Oilwell Basin and its Fiery Inhabitants

In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka showcased a new locale and its formidable inhabitants. Prepare to delve into the Oilwell Basin and confront its terrifying ruler, the Nu Udra.

Exploring the Oilwell Basin

Unlike the series' typically expansive horizontal environments, the Oilwell Basin boasts a unique vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "We had two horizontally broad locales...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 feature oil-like swamps, transitioning to a volcanic ecosystem deeper down. This design draws inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands, transforming dramatically during the "Plenty" event, revealing a marine-like environment teeming with unique creatures.

Tokuda highlights the environmental changes during different events. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke comes out...like a volcano. But during the Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like tone...Look closely...you'll find creatures you'd expect on the ocean bed." This unique ecosystem houses a diverse range of creatures, defying its initially lifeless appearance.

Nu Udra: The Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a formidable foe. This massive, octopus-like monster possesses a flammable, slimy body, utilizing its tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating flames. Complementing the Windward Plains' Rey Dau (lightning) and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna (water), the Nu Udra completes a trio of elemental rulers with its fire affinity.

Fujioka explains the design inspiration: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature...we thought of taking a normally aquatic creature and modifying them...we were going for a 'demonic' look." This demonic aesthetic is further enhanced by its battle music, incorporating elements reminiscent of black magic. Tokuda adds, "We had the composers include phrases...reminiscent of black magic. I think it ended up being a unique and good piece of music."

The Nu Udra presents a significant challenge, employing both targeted and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs adds another layer of difficulty.

Additional Oilwell Basin Inhabitants

Beyond the Nu Udra, the Oilwell Basin is home to other formidable creatures. The Ajarakan, a fiery, monkey-like monster, utilizes martial arts-inspired attacks. The Rompopolo, a globular creature with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gases in combat. Its design, inspired by mad scientists, yields surprisingly "cute" equipment drops.

A returning monster, Gravio (from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate), also inhabits the Oilwell Basin, fitting seamlessly into its volcanic environment. Tokuda notes, "When we were thinking of 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.