"Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils Nu Udra, New Monster from Oilwell Basin"

In an exciting development for fans of the Monster Hunter series, the directors of Monster Hunter Wilds, Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka, have unveiled a new locale and a formidable monster in an exclusive interview with IGN. Dive into the details about the Oilwell Basin and its dominant creature, the Nu Udra.

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

The Oilwell Basin, a new area in Monster Hunter Wilds, offers a unique vertical structure, a departure from the series' typical horizontal expanses. Kaname 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 layers are characterized by oil-like swamps, creating a distinct "gradation" within the environment.

Yuya Tokuda highlighted the transformation of the area during the Plenty event, noting that it resembles an underwater volcano ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the Coral Highlands of Monster Hunter World, the team crafted a dynamic environment. "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," Tokuda said.

The Oilwell Basin's unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of native creatures, adding to its distinctive atmosphere despite its seemingly lifeless appearance.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

Dominating the Oilwell Basin is the apex predator known as the Nu Udra, dubbed the "Black Flame." This colossal, octopus-like creature has a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with its scorching flames. Completing the elemental trio alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, Nu Udra embodies the power of fire.

Fujioka expressed his long-standing desire to introduce a tentacled creature, stating, "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point." The team transformed the aquatic creature into a striking, demonic entity with horn-like elements on its head. The battle music for Nu Udra, infused with themes of black magic, enhances its menacing presence. Tokuda noted, "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."

Facing Nu Udra in battle is a daunting challenge, as it wields multiple tentacles and unleashes both focused and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, due to its reliance on touch rather than sight, adds another layer of difficulty.

More Monsters In The Basin

Nu Udra isn't the only formidable creature in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a massive, scaly, and monkey-like monster covered in flames, employs martial arts-inspired attacks and powerful fists. This blend of physical strength and fire power makes Ajarakan a thrilling addition to the game.

Another resident is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with needle-like teeth and toxic gas capabilities. Its purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke the image of a mad scientist, a direct inspiration for its design. Despite its eerie appearance, Rompopolo's drops can be crafted into surprisingly "cute" equipment for Hunters and their Palico companions.

Returning to the series is Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, fitting seamlessly into the volcanic environment of the Oilwell Basin. Tokuda explained the decision to bring back Gravios: "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 revelations, anticipation is building for the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th.