Monster Hunter Wilds Unleashes New Leviathan: Nu Udra

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 unveiled a new location and its formidable inhabitants. Prepare to explore the unique Oilwell Basin and face its fearsome ruler, the Nu Udra.

Delving into the Oilwell Basin

Unlike the series' typical horizontally expansive locales, the Oilwell Basin boasts a vertical structure. Fujioka explains, "With the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest already horizontally vast, we opted for a vertically connected Oilwell Basin. The deeper you descend, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes." The upper levels are swampy, transitioning into a volcanic environment deeper down.

Tokuda adds that the Basin transforms during the "Plenty" event, resembling an underwater volcanic ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from Monster Hunter World's Coral Highlands, the team created a dynamic environment teeming with unique creatures, even in its seemingly barren state.

The Black Flame: Nu Udra

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, the Nu Udra, is a colossal, octopus-like monster with a flammable, slimy body. Utilizing its tentacles to ensnare prey, it unleashes devastating fire attacks. Completing the elemental trio (Rey Dau – lightning, Uth Duna – water), the Nu Udra embodies fire.

Fujioka explains the design inspiration: "I always wanted a tentacled creature. We took an aquatic creature and modified it for a striking look, aiming for a demonic aesthetic with horn-like additions." Its battle theme complements this demonic imagery, incorporating musical elements reminiscent of black magic.

Nu Udra presents a formidable challenge, using both single-target and area-of-effect attacks with its numerous tentacles. Immune to Flash Bombs, it relies on its tactile sense rather than vision.

More Oilwell Basin Inhabitants

Beyond Nu Udra, the Basin is home to the fiery, martial arts-skilled Ajarakan, and the toxic Rompopolo, a bizarre, globular creature inspired by mad scientist tropes. Surprisingly, Rompopolo's drops yield "cute" equipment.

A familiar face also returns: Gravio, from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, fits seamlessly into the volcanic landscape. Tokuda notes that Gravio's inclusion provides a fresh challenge while complementing the Basin's environment and the game's progression.

With these exciting reveals, anticipation builds for Monster Hunter Wilds' launch on February 28th.