Exploring Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into its Ecosystem and New Monsters

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic locale unlike any other in the series. This fiery, oil-silt-covered landscape, described by director Yuya Tokuda, shifts dramatically depending on the environmental cycle (Fallow, Inclemency, Plenty). During the Fallow, it's a mud-and-oil-filled wasteland; Inclemency brings scorching fires; and Plenty reveals the underlying minerals and remnants of an ancient civilization.

Kaname Fujioka, executive director and art director, explains the Oilwell Basin's vertical design: "We had two horizontally broad locales...so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The environment there changes slightly when you travel between the top, middle and bottom strata." This verticality creates distinct ecological niches, with creatures resembling deep-sea or underwater volcano life inhabiting the lower, hotter strata. The ecosystem, inspired by the Coral Highlands from Monster Hunter: World, thrives on geothermal energy rather than sunlight and vegetation.

Rompopolo: The Toxic Trickster

Rompopolo, a globular, noxious monster with needle-like teeth, was designed with a "mad scientist" aesthetic, featuring a chemical purple hue and glowing red eyes. Fujioka highlights its tricky nature and the surprisingly cute Palico equipment crafted from its remains.

Ajarakan: The Flaming Brawler

Ajarakan, a flaming gorilla-like monster, contrasts with Rompopolo's trickery through straightforward, powerful attacks. Its towering silhouette and wrestling-inspired moves, emphasizing its physical strength and fiery abilities, make it a formidable foe. The design, according to Tokuda, aimed to create a monster whose strengths are immediately apparent.

Nu Udra: The Apex Predator

The Oilwell Basin's apex predator, Nu Udra (previously known as "Black Flame"), is a tentacled behemoth that coats itself in flames. Inspired by octopuses, its design emphasizes a striking silhouette and ambiguous facial features. Its movements, reminiscent of Lagiacrus from Monster Hunter Tri, were a long-held ambition for both Tokuda and Fujioka, finally realized through advancements in game technology. The music accompanying Nu Udra battles incorporates elements of black magic, enhancing its demonic aura.

The team drew inspiration from past tentacled monsters like Yama Tsukami and Nakarkos, aiming for a unique visual impact and adventurous feel. Nu Udra's animations are highly detailed, showcasing its flexible body as it navigates the terrain and even retreats into small holes. Its many tentacles, all severable, pose a significant challenge, with light-emitting sensory organs at their tips indicating its attack targets. Flash Bombs are ineffective against it.

Gravios' Return

The Oilwell Basin also features the return of Gravios, last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and hot gas emissions make it a fitting addition to the environment. The team aimed to make Gravios a challenging late-game encounter, emphasizing the use of the wound system and part breaking to overcome its formidable defenses. Basarios, Gravios' juvenile form, is absent from Wilds.

Conclusion

The Oilwell Basin, with its unique ecosystem and diverse monster roster, showcases the Monster Hunter team's dedication to creative monster design and innovative gameplay. The careful consideration given to each monster's design, animations, and role within the ecosystem highlights the team's commitment to creating a memorable and challenging hunting experience. The inclusion of both new and returning monsters, each perfectly suited to the environment, promises a thrilling and rewarding hunt for players.

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