Nu Udra Revealed as Apex in Monster Hunter Wilds - IGN First

From the arid expanses of dry deserts to the lush canopies of bustling forests, the volcanic eruptions of blazing volcanos to the icy expanses of frozen tundras, the Monster Hunter series has always enthralled players with its diverse ecosystems. Each environment teems with a unique cast of monsters, making the journey of exploration and hunting a thrilling adventure. This sense of discovery is vividly captured in Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the franchise. After traversing the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, hunters now set their sights on the Oilwell Basin—a harsh terrain engulfed in flames and oilsilt.

In the Oilwell Basin, adventurers will navigate through paths obstructed by dripping, viscous oil and molten magma. Despite its seemingly desolate appearance, life thrives here, with small creatures wriggling through the mire and remnants of an ancient civilization scattered throughout the landscape. Yuya Tokuda, the director of both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds, shares insights into the dynamic nature of this locale.

"During the Fallow, the Oilwell Basin is dominated by mud and oil. When the Inclemency known as the Firespring arrives, it burns away the oilsilt. During the Plenty, the burned-away oil and soot dissipate, revealing the vibrant minerals, microorganisms, and the original hues of the manmade artifacts beneath," Tokuda explains.

Down in the Muck

The development team, led by Kaname Fujioka, who directed the first Monster Hunter and serves as executive director and art director for Wilds, aimed to create a vertically connected environment in the Oilwell Basin. "Unlike the horizontally expansive Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, the Oilwell Basin changes as you move through its top, middle, and bottom strata. Sunlight reaches the top, where oil pools like mud, and as you descend, the heat intensifies with the presence of lava and other substances," Fujioka elaborates.

Tokuda adds, "From the middle to bottom strata, you'll encounter creatures reminiscent of deep-sea life or underwater volcanic dwellers. In Monster Hunter: World, we envisioned the Coral Highlands as an ecosystem where aquatic creatures adapted to surface life. We've applied this knowledge to craft the unique creatures and ecosystem of the Oilwell Basin."

Fujioka emphasizes the contrast the Oilwell Basin offers. "During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke billows from the ground, resembling a volcanic eruption or hot spring. But in the Plenty, the environment transforms into a clear, marine-like setting. Observing closely, you'll discover a region teeming with creatures typically found on the ocean floor."

The Oilwell Basin's ecosystem is distinct, relying on geothermal energy rather than sunlight and vegetation. Shellfish like shrimp and crabs, small monsters providing raw meat, and large predators form a complex food chain. The large monsters here are unique, such as Rompopolo, a globular, noxious creature with needle-like mouths.

Fujioka explains Rompopolo's design: "We envisioned it as a tricky monster that thrives in swamps and disrupts players with its toxic gas. The concept of a mad scientist inspired its chemical purple hue and glowing red eyes. Interestingly, the equipment crafted from it is surprisingly cute, as is the Palico gear."

Tokuda describes the Rompopolo Palico equipment as "amusing," a sentiment I shared after experiencing it firsthand. I encourage players to craft this equipment and experience its charm.

Flames of Ajarakan

Another new addition to the Oilwell Basin is Ajarakan, a massive gorilla-like creature shrouded in flames, yet with a slimmer silhouette than the Scarlet Forest's Congalala. Ajarakan's martial arts-inspired movements and bear-hug attacks on Rompopolo showcase its unique charm.

Tokuda notes, "Fanged beasts typically have low hips and heads at eye level with hunters, which can diminish their perceived threat. We designed Ajarakan with a top-heavy, towering silhouette, incorporating flame elements and wrestler-like grabbing attacks to highlight its physical strength. It combines power, physical attacks, and flames, such as melting and tossing objects at you."

Fujioka adds, "With Ajarakan, we aimed for a monster with straightforward strengths. Its simple yet powerful attacks, like punching or slamming its fists to create flames, make it a standout in the Oilwell Basin's ecosystem."

Ajarakan's design evolved to incorporate more personality, as Fujioka explains. "Originally, it was just a physically powerful monster. We wanted to enhance its character by leveraging the fiery environment, giving it a design where it seems to wear flames like the Buddhist deity Acala. Its rising internal temperature allows it to melt anything in its path, adding depth to its character. We wanted players to feel the intensity of being hugged by such a hot creature."

As development progressed, the team added more dynamic moves to Ajarakan, including jumping and rolling techniques, to maintain its flair.

A Monster Generations in the Making

Dominating the Oilwell Basin's ecosystem as the apex predator is Nu Udra, dubbed the "Black Flame." With its octopus-like tentacles and a body coated in flammable oil, Nu Udra embodies the fiery essence of its habitat. Much like the Windward Plains' Rey Dau with lightning and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna with water, Nu Udra is enveloped in flames.

Fujioka confirms that octopuses inspired Nu Udra's design. "We aimed for a striking silhouette when it rises, giving it demonic horns and an ambiguous face."

Tokuda adds that even the battle music for Nu Udra draws on demonic imagery. "We incorporated phrases and instruments reminiscent of black magic, resulting in a unique and compelling soundtrack."

Nu Udra's tentacle movements echo those of past monsters like Lagiacrus from Monster Hunter Tri. Both Tokuda and Fujioka have long harbored the idea of creating a tentacled monster, a concept that faced technical challenges in the past.

Tokuda shares, "In Tri, we explored underwater combat, and I proposed an octopus-shaped monster with distinctive movements. Although technical limitations prevented us from realizing it then, I've held onto that idea ever since."

Fujioka reflects on past tentacled monsters like Yama Tsukami and Nakarkos, noting their unique impact. "Monsters with such movements stand out, offering a sense of adventure reminiscent of encountering cryptids. We strategically introduce these unique monsters to leave a lasting impression on players."

Tokuda nostalgically adds, "I placed Yama Tsukami in Monster Hunter 2 (Dos) to create that awe-inspiring moment when players first see it floating over the mountains."

Nu Udra represents a significant achievement for the team, enabling new gameplay mechanics. Fujioka explains, "Unlike Yama Tsukami and Nakarkos, which were stationary, Nu Udra uses its cephalopod traits to move freely. This posed technical challenges, but the tests during Wilds' development were promising, allowing us to realize this vision."

Tokuda adds, "Seeing the tests, we decided to make Nu Udra the apex predator of the Oilwell Basin. It's a monster that truly embodies the impact we sought."

The attention to Nu Udra's animations is meticulous, with its movements around ancient ruins and through small holes showcasing the art team's dedication. Fujioka highlights, "We challenged ourselves with depicting flexible bodies. Even if the ideas seemed unreasonable at first, the final product is remarkable when we achieve them."

Tokuda fondly recalls, "When we first implemented Nu Udra's movement into a hole, an animator eagerly showed it to me, and I was truly amazed. Their satisfaction was evident."

Fujioka proudly states, "The way Nu Udra squirms around pipes is a testament to our team's efforts. It's a real-time depiction that showcases the game's technical prowess."

Facing Nu Udra is a formidable challenge. Tokuda advises, "Its body is soft with many breakable parts. Hunters should strategize where to attack. Severing tentacles reduces its area of effect attacks, making it easier to navigate. It's a monster well-suited for multiplayer, as its targets are split. Using SOS flares and Support Hunters can enhance the experience."

Fujioka elaborates, "Like Gravios, where breaking its armor reveals a path to victory, Nu Udra encourages players to study its movements and make tactical decisions, fitting perfectly with Monster Hunter's gameplay approach."

A Welcome Reunion

Fujioka mentions Gravios, a fan-favorite returning to the Oilwell Basin after its last appearance in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. With its rocky carapace and hot gas emissions, Gravios fits seamlessly into the area.

Tokuda explains the decision to bring back Gravios: "We sought monsters that complement the Oilwell Basin's environment, fit within the game's progression, and offer a fresh challenge. Gravios met these criteria, making its return impactful."

The reintroduced Gravios boasts an even harder body, challenging hunters to find ways to inflict damage. Tokuda notes, "We wanted to retain Gravios's defining hardness while making it a late-game challenge. As hunters progress, they uncover more clues about defeating it through the wound system and part breaking."

All Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

17 ImagesWhile Gravios returns, its juvenile form, Basarios, will not appear in Wilds. Fujioka states, "Basarios will sit this one out. The timing isn't right, but we'll see it again in the future."

The Monster Hunter team carefully selects which monsters to reintroduce, ensuring they enhance the game's experience. Although Basarios won't feature in the Oilwell Basin, numerous other monsters will make their presence felt, promising an exciting hunt for players equipped with a Cool Drink.