Monster Hunter Wilds directors have unveiled an exciting new locale and a formidable monster in an exclusive interview. Dive deeper to explore the Oilwell Basin and its dominant creature, the Nu Udra.

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 introduce players to the Oilwell Basin, a unique area players will explore, and its ruler, the Nu Udra.

The Oilwell Basin stands out with its vertical structure, contrasting 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 added that the upper layers are characterized by oil-like swamps, creating a "gradation" in the environment.

Tokuda elaborated that the area transforms significantly during the event called the Plenty. "Once you enter around the center or bottom level, the area will look more like an underwater volcano ecosystem," he said. The design draws inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke emerges from the Oilwell Basin, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it shifts to a clear, marine-like tone. A closer look at the environmental biology reveals it's home to creatures you'd typically find on the ocean bed."

These unique creatures are native to the Oilwell Basin, adding to its distinctiveness. Despite its seemingly lifeless appearance, the area teems with diverse monsters and creatures.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

Every locale in Monster Hunter needs its apex predator, and the Oilwell Basin's is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra. This massive, octopus-like monster, adapted to its environment, uses its slimy and flammable body to devastating effect. With its slithering tentacles, it captures prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, Nu Udra completes the trio with its fire affinity.

Fujioka expressed his long-standing desire to introduce a tentacled creature. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he said. They transformed a typically aquatic creature into a striking, demonic figure, complete with horn-like elements on its head. The battle music enhances its eerie atmosphere, with Tokuda noting, "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."

Battling Nu Udra is a formidable challenge due to its numerous tentacles and rapid, both focused and area-of-effect attacks. It remains immune to Flash Bombs, relying instead on its tentacles to sense its surroundings.

More Monsters In The Basin

Nu Udra isn't the only dominant force in the Oilwell Basin. The fiery, monkey-like Ajarakan, covered in scales and flames, uses martial arts-inspired movements and powerful fists in combat, adding a thrilling new monster to the series.

The globular Rompopolo, with its needle-like mouth and toxic gas emissions, adds a sinister element with its purple hue and glowing red eyes. Inspired by the mad scientist archetype, it's a "tricky monster," yet its drops yield charming equipment for both the Hunter and their Palico companion.

Even a returning monster, Gravios from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, finds a new home in the Oilwell Basin. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath fit perfectly within the locale. "When considering monsters that match the Oilwell Basin's environment and don't overlap too much with existing monsters, we thought Gravios could provide a fresh challenge," Tokuda explained.

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