"Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils Nu Udra, Oilwell Basin's New Monster"

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

In an exclusive interview with IGN, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka unveiled the Oilwell Basin, a new locale that players will explore in the game, along with its dominant monster, the Nu Udra. This area stands out with its vertical structure, a departure from the series' typical horizontally expansive locales. "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," explained Fujioka. He noted that the upper layers are dominated by oil-like swamps, creating a distinct "gradation" in the environment.

Tokuda added that the Oilwell Basin transforms during the game's event known as the Plenty. When you venture into the center or bottom levels, the area resembles an underwater volcanic ecosystem. The design draws inspiration from the Coral Highlands of Monster Hunter World. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke pours out from everywhere in the Oilwell Basin, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it takes on a clear, marine-like tone. If you look closely at the environmental biology, you'll discover a region inhabited by creatures typically found on the ocean floor," Tokuda elaborated. This unique environment is teeming with distinct and native creatures, adding to its allure.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin is ruled by the formidable "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This colossal, octopus-like monster, adapted to its environment with a slimy, flammable body, uses its tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with its fiery breath. Nu Udra complements the elemental trio with its fire affinity, alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains, who controls lightning, and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, who wields water.

Fujioka expressed his long-standing desire to include a tentacled creature in the series. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he said, explaining that they adapted a typically aquatic creature for a more striking and "demonic" appearance, complete with horn-like elements on its head. The battle against Nu Udra is accompanied by unique music that evokes themes of black magic and demonic imagery. "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," Tokuda remarked. Fighting Nu Udra is challenging due to its numerous tentacles and ability to execute both focused and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. It is also immune to Flash Bombs, relying instead on its tentacles to sense its surroundings.

More Monsters In The Basin

Nu Udra isn't the only imposing creature in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a massive, scaly, monkey-like monster covered in flames, also roams this area. It uses martial arts-inspired moves and powerful punches, combining immense physical strength with fiery attacks, making it a thrilling new addition to the Monster Hunter series.

Another intriguing inhabitant is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases. Its eerie purple color and glowing red eyes evoke a mad scientist theme. "We were directly inspired by the stereotypical mad scientist in designing Rompopolo, making it a 'tricky monster,'" the developers noted. Despite its menacing appearance, Rompopolo's drops can be crafted into surprisingly "cute" equipment for both the Hunter and their Palico companion.

Returning to the Oilwell Basin is Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath make it a fitting addition to this volcanic environment. "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," Tokuda explained.

With these exciting revelations, anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds' release on February 28th is soaring.