Monster Hunter Wilds New Monster, Nu Udra of the Oilwell Basin, Revealed by Director

Monster Hunter Wilds directors recently unveiled a thrilling new locale and formidable monster 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 introduced the Oilwell Basin, a unique vertical environment unlike the series' typical horizontal locales. Fujioka explained, "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 are primarily oil-like swamps, transitioning to a more intense, volcanic environment deeper down.

Tokuda added that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event, resembling an underwater volcano ecosystem in the lower levels. The team drew inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands for this unique design. "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 contribute to the Basin's distinctive ecosystem, a seemingly lifeless landscape teeming with hidden life.

Nu Udra, the Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra—a colossal, octopus-like monster with a flammable, slimy body. Utilizing its powerful tentacles to ensnare prey, it unleashes devastating fire attacks. Nu Udra, with its fire affinity, complements the Windward Plains' lightning-wielding Rey Dau and the Scarlet Forest's water-powered Uth Duna.

Fujioka explained the design inspiration: "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," noting their intention to modify a typically aquatic creature for a more striking appearance. The "demonic" aesthetic, including horn-like head elements, is further emphasized by its unique battle music. Tokuda added, "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 presents a formidable challenge, using a variety of swift, wide-ranging attacks and immunity to Flash Bombs.

More Monsters in the Basin

Nu Udra isn't alone. The fiery, monkey-like Ajarakan, employing martial arts-inspired moves, adds another layer of danger. The Rompopolo, a globular monster with needle-like mouthparts and toxic gas attacks, offers a unique and unsettling challenge. Its design was inspired by stereotypical mad scientists, resulting in surprisingly "cute" equipment drops.

A familiar face also returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes a comeback, fitting seamlessly into the Oilwell Basin's volcanic environment. Tokuda explained, "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.