Monster Hunter Wilds directors reveal a whole new locale and ferocious monster to conquer through an exclusive interview. Dive deeper to learn more about the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, the Nu Udra.

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

Oilwell Basin stands out due to 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 venture, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes," Fujioka explained. He added that the top layers are characterized by oil-like swamps, creating a unique "gradation" in its structure.

Tokuda noted that during the event known as the Plenty, the area transforms into an underwater volcano ecosystem. When entering around the center or bottom levels, the area takes on a marine-like appearance. The team leveraged their experience from designing the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World to craft the Oilwell Basin's dynamic environment. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke pours out of the Oilwell Basin, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it shifts to a clear, ocean-like ambiance. A closer look at the environmental biology reveals a region teeming with ocean bed-like creatures," Tokuda elaborated.

These unique creatures are indigenous to Oilwell Basin, adding to its distinctiveness. Despite its seemingly barren appearance, it is home to a diverse array of monsters and creatures.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

No Monster Hunter locale is complete without its apex predator. The harsh and desolate Oilwell Basin is ruled by the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster boasts a slimy, flammable body adapted to its environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Alongside Windward Plains’ Rey Dau, who commands lightning, and Scarlet Forest’s Uth Duna, who wields water, Nu Udra completes the elemental trio with its mastery of fire.

Nu Udra's design draws inspiration from octopuses, traditionally aquatic creatures, as Fujioka expressed, "I’ve always wanted to include a tentacled creature." They adapted this concept to create a more striking and "demonic" appearance, complete with horn-like elements on its head. Its unique battle music, infused with elements reminiscent of black magic, enhances the thematic experience. "We instructed the composers to incorporate phrases and instruments evoking black magic, resulting in a distinctive and impactful piece," Tokuda added.

Engaging Nu Udra in battle is a formidable challenge, given its multiple tentacles and ability to unleash both focused and area-of-effect attacks in rapid succession. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, as it navigates its surroundings through its tentacles rather than vision, adds another layer of difficulty.

More Monsters In The Basin

Nu Udra isn't the only dominant force in the Oilwell Basin. The Ajarakan, a huge, scaly, and monkey-like creature enveloped in flames, follows closely behind. It employs martial arts-inspired movements and powerful punches in its combat style, blending massive physical strength with fiery prowess, making it a thrilling new addition to the Monster Hunter series.

Another intriguing resident is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases during combat. Its eerie purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke the image of a mad scientist. The developers drew inspiration from this archetype, describing Rompopolo as a "tricky monster." Despite its menacing appearance, the equipment crafted from its drops is surprisingly "cute" for both Hunters and their Palico companions.

A familiar face also returns to the Oilwell Basin: Gravios, last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath make it a fitting inhabitant of this volcanic region. "When considering monsters that would complement the Oilwell Basin's environment and fit into the game's progression without overlapping with other creatures, we thought Gravios would offer a fresh challenge and decided to bring it back," Tokuda explained.

With these exciting revelations, anticipation is building for the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th.