Monster Hunter Wilds Interview: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin – IGN First

Exploring the Fiery Depths of Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into New Monsters

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a thrilling new locale: the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic environment shaped by fiery eruptions and viscous oilsilt. This article delves into the design philosophy behind this unique hunting ground, focusing on its ecosystem and the captivating new monsters inhabiting its depths.

The Oilwell Basin, unlike the expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, is a vertically layered environment. Director Yuya Tokuda explains the Basin's fluctuating state, shifting between a mud-and-oil-filled Fallow, a Firespring-scorched Inclemency, and a mineral-revealing Plenty. This dynamic environment directly influences the creatures that thrive within it.

Executive Director and Art Director Kaname Fujioka highlights the Basin's verticality, with distinct upper, middle, and lower strata, each with unique environmental conditions and inhabitants. The lower levels, influenced by volcanic heat, host creatures reminiscent of deep-sea or hydrothermal vent life, drawing on the design experience of Monster Hunter: World's Coral Highlands. The contrast between the barren, smoggy Fallow/Inclemency and the vibrant, almost marine-like Plenty is a key design element, showcasing the Basin's hidden vitality.

The Oilwell Basin's ecosystem is built on geothermal energy, a stark contrast to the sunlight-dependent ecosystems of previous locales. This unique energy source supports a complex food chain, from microorganisms thriving on heat to small monsters providing sustenance for larger predators.

Rompopolo: The Toxic Trickster

Rompopolo, a globular, noxious creature, is a prime example of the Basin's unique inhabitants. Its design, inspired by the concept of a "mad scientist," features a chemical purple hue, glowing red eyes, and a mouth full of thin needles. Fujioka emphasizes Rompopolo's trickery and use of toxic gas, contrasting with the surprisingly cute design of its crafted equipment and Palico gear.

Ajarakan: The Blazing Brawler

Ajarakan, a towering, flame-wreathed gorilla-like monster, offers a different kind of challenge. Its design emphasizes straightforward strength and impactful attacks, contrasting with the more subtle movements of fanged beasts. Tokuda explains the design choice of a top-heavy silhouette to enhance its imposing presence. Ajarakan's attacks, combining brute force and fiery elements, highlight its dominance within the Basin's ecosystem.

Nu Udra: The Apex Predator

Ruling the Oilwell Basin is Nu Udra, a colossal, octopus-like creature covered in flammable oil. Its design, inspired by octopuses, showcases a striking silhouette and demonic horns, while intentionally obscuring its face. The music accompanying Nu Udra battles evokes demonic imagery, enhancing its menacing presence.

The development team's long-held ambition to create a tentacled monster, dating back to Monster Hunter Tri, is finally realized in Nu Udra. Its fluid, wriggling movements, enabled by advancements in game technology, are a significant achievement, drawing inspiration from past tentacled monsters like Lagiacrus, Yama Tsukami, and Nakarkos, but pushing the boundaries of what's possible with its dynamic, real-time movement and interactions with the environment. Nu Udra's numerous tentacles, each with sensory organs, present a complex challenge, requiring hunters to strategically target and sever them to gain an advantage. Flash Bombs prove ineffective against its unique sensory system.

Gravios's Return

The Oilwell Basin also welcomes the return of Gravios, a fan-favorite monster from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and emission of hot gas make it a fitting inhabitant of the fiery landscape. The developers aimed to create a challenging encounter that requires hunters to utilize the wound system and part breaking mechanics to overcome its formidable defenses.

Monster Hunter Wilds Roster

The Oilwell Basin is teeming with monsters beyond those highlighted here. The careful consideration given to monster selection ensures each creature plays a significant role in the game's overall experience. The developers' dedication to innovation and their commitment to creating memorable monsters is evident in every detail of the Oilwell Basin.