New Monster Hunter Wilds Monster, Nu Udra, Unveiled in Oilwell Basin

Monster Hunter Wilds Showcases Nu Udra, the Black Flame

Exploring the Oilwell Basin

In an exclusive IGN interview, Monster Hunter Wilds directors Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka introduce players to the Oilwell Basin, a new explorable region, and its reigning monster, Nu Udra.

The Oilwell Basin stands out with its vertical design, unlike the series’ typical sprawling landscapes. “We created two wide-open areas in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we crafted the Oilwell Basin with vertical layers,” Fujioka explained. “The deeper you descend, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes.” The upper levels feature oil-like swamps, with a gradual shift in terrain as you go deeper.

Tokuda noted that during the Plenty event, the Basin transforms into an underwater volcano-like ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World, the team designed the region to shift dramatically. “During the Fallow and Inclemency, the Basin is shrouded in smoke, resembling a volcano or hot spring. But in the Plenty, it takes on a clear, oceanic vibe,” Tokuda said. “Look closely, and you’ll see creatures resembling those from the ocean floor.”

The Basin’s unique ecosystem hosts a variety of native creatures, making the seemingly barren region teem with life.

Nu Udra, the Black Flame

The Oilwell Basin is ruled by Nu Udra, dubbed the “Black Flame.” This massive, octopus-like monster has a flammable, slimy body shaped by its harsh environment. It uses its slithering tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with fiery attacks. Alongside the lightning-wielding Rey Dau of the Windward Plains and the water-controlling Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, Nu Udra completes the elemental trio with its mastery of fire.

Fujioka explained that Nu Udra’s octopus-like design was intentional. “I’ve long wanted to include a tentacled creature,” he said, noting they adapted an aquatic monster to create a striking, demonic appearance with horn-like features. The monster’s battle music enhances this theme, incorporating elements reminiscent of black magic. “The composers wove in phrases and instruments evoking dark mysticism, creating a truly unique track,” Tokuda added.

Fighting Nu Udra is no easy task. Its multiple tentacles allow for rapid, powerful attacks, including both focused strikes and wide-ranging area-of-effect moves. Immune to Flash Bombs, it relies on its tentacles to sense its surroundings, making it a formidable foe.

More Beasts of the Basin

Nu Udra isn’t the only threat in the Oilwell Basin. The fiery, scaly Ajarakan, a monkey-like beast, roams the region with martial arts-inspired attacks and powerful punches. Its blend of brute strength and fire-based abilities makes it a thrilling addition to the Monster Hunter roster.

Another newcomer, the Rompopolo, is a globular monster with a needle-like mouth and a penchant for toxic gas attacks. Its eerie purple hue and glowing red eyes give it a mad scientist vibe, a design choice the developers leaned into. “We drew inspiration from the classic mad scientist archetype,” they said, adding that its drops yield surprisingly charming gear for Hunters and their Palico companions.

A familiar face also returns: Gravios, last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky exterior and fiery breath make it a perfect fit for the Basin’s volcanic setting. “We chose Gravios because it suits the environment, fits the game’s progression, and offers a fresh challenge without overlapping with other monsters,” Tokuda explained.

With these exciting reveals, anticipation is high for Monster Hunter Wilds’ release on February 28.