New Monster Hunter Wilds Creature Unveiled

Monster Hunter Wilds directors unveil a thrilling new locale 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' typical horizontally expansive locales, the Oilwell Basin is vertically structured. 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 feature oil-like swamps, with a gradual shift in environment as you 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." These unique creatures add to the Basin's distinct and surprisingly diverse ecosystem.

Nu Udra, the Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra—a massive, octopus-like monster with a flammable, slimy body. Its powerful tentacles ensnare prey before unleashing scorching flames. Following the elemental themes of Rey Dau (lightning) and Uth Duna (water), Nu Udra completes the trio with its fire affinity.

Fujioka explains the design: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," noting the intention to adapt an aquatic creature for a more striking visual. The "demonic" look, including horn-like head elements, complements its unique battle music, which Tokuda describes as incorporating "phrases and musical instruments reminiscent of black magic."

Battles with Nu Udra are intensely challenging, utilizing its tentacles for both focused and area-of-effect attacks. Its immunity to Flash Bombs highlights its reliance on its sense of touch rather than sight.

More Monsters in the Basin

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

A familiar face also returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, fits seamlessly into the volcanic environment. Tokuda explains its inclusion: "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.