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 offers a layered, vertically connected experience. 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, transitioning to a more intense, volcanic environment at greater depths.
Tokuda adds another layer of complexity, revealing that the Oilwell Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event. The lower levels resemble 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 depth and intrigue to this seemingly desolate landscape.
Nu Udra, The Black Flame
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the fearsome Nu Udra, also known as the "Black Flame." This massive, octopus-like creature possesses a flammable, slimy body, using its powerful tentacles to ensnare prey before unleashing devastating fire attacks. Completing the elemental trio—with Rey Dau (lightning) and Uth Duna (water)—Nu Udra brings a fiery challenge to the game.
Fujioka explains the design inspiration: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point… we thought of taking a normally aquatic creature and modifying them to give a more striking look and feel." The demonic aesthetic, enhanced by horn-like head elements and a fittingly ominous musical score, further solidifies Nu Udra's intimidating presence. Tokuda notes, "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 battles promise intense difficulty, utilizing a combination of focused and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, relying instead on its tactile senses, adds another layer of strategic challenge.
More Monsters in the Basin
But Nu Udra isn't alone. The fiery, monkey-like Ajarakan, utilizing martial arts-inspired moves and powerful fists, adds another formidable threat. Its blend of brute strength and fire-based attacks promises thrilling encounters.
The Rompopolo, a strangely globular creature with needle-like mouthparts, employs toxic gases in combat. Its unsettling purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke a mad scientist aesthetic, a deliberate design choice according to the developers. Despite its menacing appearance, the Rompopolo’s rewards yield surprisingly "cute" equipment.
A familiar face also returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes a comeback, fitting seamlessly into the Oilwell Basin's volcanic environment. 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.
