Monster Hunter Wilds Interview: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin – IGN First

From arid deserts and vibrant forests to fiery volcanoes and icy tundras, the Monster Hunter series boasts a breathtaking array of environments, each teeming with unique ecosystems and a diverse cast of monsters. Exploring these uncharted territories, traversing their landscapes as you hunt, is a core pleasure of the Monster Hunter experience.

This holds true for Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the franchise. Following the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, hunters will venture into the unforgiving Oilwell Basin, a land scarred by flames and oilsilt. Here, they'll navigate treacherous terrain, encountering viscous oil slicks and blazing magma flows. Despite its seemingly barren appearance, closer inspection reveals a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem, with small creatures wriggling in the mire and remnants of an ancient civilization scattered throughout.

Yuya Tokuda, director of both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds, offers insight into the Oilwell Basin's design:

"During the Fallow, the Oilwell Basin is a mud and oil-filled landscape. The Inclemency, known as the Firespring, burns away the oilsilt, and during the Plenty, the burned oil and soot vanish, revealing minerals, microorganisms, and the original colors of the hidden man-made artifacts," he explains.

Down in the Muck

"With the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest being horizontally expansive, we designed the Oilwell Basin with vertical connectivity," he explains. "The environment subtly changes between the upper, middle, and lower strata. Sunlight reaches the upper layer, where oil accumulates like mud; the deeper you go, the hotter it becomes, with lava and other substances."

Tokuda adds: "From the middle to lower strata, you'll find creatures reminiscent of aquatic life, evoking images of deep seas or underwater volcanoes. In World, we created the Coral Highlands' ecosystem by imagining surface-dwelling aquatic creatures. We applied that knowledge to create the Oilwell Basin's unique creatures and ecosystem."

"During the Fallow and Inclemency, smoke billows from everywhere, like a volcano or hot spring. But during the Plenty, it transforms into a clear, marine-like environment. Observe closely, and you'll find creatures typical of the ocean floor."

The Oilwell Basin's ecosystem is distinct. While seemingly lifeless under the oilsilt, it supports shellfish like shrimp and crabs, as well as small monsters providing raw meat. Larger monsters prey on smaller ones, which in turn consume microorganisms and oilsilt, while the microorganisms thrive on geothermal energy. Unlike the sunlight-and-vegetation-based ecosystems of the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, the Oilwell Basin thrives on geothermal energy.

The Oilwell Basin's monsters are equally unique. Rompopolo, a globular, noxious creature with a needle-like mouth, is a prime example. Fujioka explains its bizarre design:

"We designed it as a mischievous swamp dweller that uses stored toxic gas to wreak havoc. The 'mad scientist' concept heavily influenced its slightly chemical purple color and glowing red eyes. Surprisingly, its crafted equipment is quite cute, as is its Palico equipment."

Tokuda agrees, calling the Rompopolo Palico equipment "amusing." I can attest to its charm from personal experience. I encourage you to craft it and see for yourself.

Flames of Ajarakan

Another new monster, Ajarakan, resembles a massive, flaming gorilla, though slimmer than the Scarlet Forest's Congalala.

In a video showcasing Rompopolo and Ajarakan's territorial disputes, Ajarakan is seen giving Rompopolo a bear hug. Its martial arts-inspired moves, utilizing its fists, set it apart from typical fanged beasts. Tokuda explains:

"Fanged beasts often have low hips, bringing their heads to the hunter's eye level, potentially diminishing the sense of threat. We gave Ajarakan a top-heavy silhouette, adding flame elements and wrestler-like grabbing attacks to highlight its strength. It combines strength, physical attacks, and flames, such as melting and tossing objects."

Fujioka adds: "With unique monsters appearing, we thought it was a good time to introduce a straightforwardly powerful monster—hence Ajarakan. Its simple punches and ground slams create flames, making it a strong, uncomplicated foe."

Ajarakan holds a high position in the Oilwell Basin's ecosystem. Unlike Rompopolo, which utilizes poison gas and oilsilt, Ajarakan's flashy, flame-and-magma-infused attacks clearly establish its dominance. Fujioka elaborates on its design:

"Initially, it was just a physically powerful monster. We collaborated with artists and designers to add personality. Being in a fiery location, we incorporated flames and heat, but not simply fire breath. The design depicts flames on its back, similar to the Buddhist deity Acala. Its rising internal temperature allows it to melt anything, adding personality. The idea of a scorching hug was meant to be intimidating."

Unlike Rompopolo's trickery, Ajarakan focuses on straightforward power. To avoid simplistic movements, Fujioka says the team added increasingly flashy moves towards the end of development.

"We added many interesting techniques, like jumping, balling up, and falling to the ground," he says.

A Monster Generations in the Making

Reigning over the Oilwell Basin as its apex predator is the "Black Flame," finally revealed as **Nu Udra**. This slimy creature, covered in flammable oil, stretches and wriggles throughout the basin. Like the Windward Plains' Rey Dau (lightning) and the Scarlet Forest's Uth Duna (water), Nu Udra is strongly associated with its environment's element. The octopus-like design was intentional, according to Fujioka:

"Yes, octopuses. We wanted a striking silhouette when it rises, adding demonic horns while obscuring its face."

Tokuda explains that even Nu Udra's battle music reflects demonic imagery:

"The composers incorporated phrases and instruments reminiscent of black magic. It's a unique and effective piece."

Nu Udra's wriggling movements draw inspiration from monsters like Lagiacrus (Monster Hunter Tri). Both Tokuda and Fujioka had long desired to create a tentacled monster like this:

"Tri featured underwater combat, so I proposed an octopus-shaped monster, emphasizing its unique underwater movements," Tokuda recalls. "I had ideas like, 'Many legs mean many severable parts!' Technical challenges prevented its realization then, but I kept the proposal."

Fujioka was asked if past monsters like Yama Tsukami and Nakarkos influenced Nu Udra's design:

"We use such monsters strategically to create impact, as their silhouettes differ greatly from standard monsters. Too many unique monsters can tire players, but using them judiciously leaves a strong impression. Yama Tsukami in Monster Hunter 2 (Dos) exemplifies this—its unexpected appearance creates an adventurous feeling, like encountering a cryptid."

Tokuda adds, "I'm the one who placed Yama Tsukami there." While technology limited Yama Tsukami's actions, they aimed for a memorable presence. Nu Udra's creation represents a significant achievement for both Tokuda and Fujioka.

"Yama Tsukami and Nakarkos attacked with fixed tentacles, but Nu Udra uses its cephalopod traits for free movement, enabling unprecedented gameplay," Tokuda explains. Fujioka adds, "Tentacled monsters pose technical challenges, like terrain and target control. Wilds' technical tests went well, making it possible."

"Seeing the tests, we decided to make it the Oilwell Basin's apex predator," Tokuda says. "It's a testament to the monster's impact. This fulfills a long-held desire to implement a proposal previously rejected due to technical limitations."

Nu Udra's animations are meticulously detailed. When heavily damaged, it wraps around ancient pipes to navigate the terrain, even entering small holes seamlessly. This presented significant challenges for Fujioka's art team:

"We focused heavily on depicting flexible bodies. We start with ambitious ideas, regardless of feasibility, challenging ourselves. While demanding for artists, the results are amazing when successful."

The team utilizes new technologies to realize accumulated ideas. They attempt even uncertain concepts. Tokuda recalls an animator's excitement upon seeing Nu Udra enter a hole.

"The animator's satisfaction was palpable," he says. Fujioka adds, "Nu Udra's movements around a pipe are well-made. Only games can depict such real-time detail. It's a testament to the team's efforts."

Nu Udra presents a formidable challenge. Its flexible body makes finding openings difficult. Close proximity triggers powerful counterattacks. Severing tentacles, however, provides tactical advantages.

"Many tentacles are severable—all ground-touching leg-like parts," Tokuda explains. "Severed tentacles thrash initially, then rot, yielding poor materials if carved later. This applies to other monsters' breakable parts. Nu Udra's attacks have a unique tempo, combining focused and area-of-effect attacks. To address potential targeting issues in multiplayer, sensory organs at tentacle tips use light to indicate targets."

Nu Udra's ground-slamming attacks use light-emitting sensory organs, unaffected by Flash Bombs due to its non-visual perception. Tokuda offers advice for defeating Nu Udra:

"Its soft body has many breakable parts. Determine attack points. Severing tentacles reduces area-of-effect attacks. It's ideal for multiplayer, allowing target splitting. SOS flares and Support Hunters enhance the experience."

Fujioka adds, "Destroying parts facilitates victory, akin to action games. Gravios's defeat involves overcoming its tough armor. Careful observation and strategic decision-making are key in Monster Hunter."

A Welcome Reunion

Fujioka's mention of Gravios leads to a discussion of its return to the Oilwell Basin after its absence since Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky carapace and hot gas emissions make it perfectly suited to the environment.

Tokuda explains Gravios's inclusion: "Considering environmental suitability, game progression, and avoiding similarity to other monsters, we felt Gravios offered a fresh challenge."

Gravios's hardness is emphasized, presenting a difficult initial challenge. Utilizing the wound system and part breaking reveals strategies for overcoming its defenses.

"We prioritized Gravios's hardness," Tokuda explains. "From a game design perspective, we wanted a late-game monster challenging players who've experienced the game's mechanics. The wound system and part breaking are key to defeating it."

All Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds

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The question of Basarios's appearance is addressed—Fujioka confirms its absence for this installment. The team's careful approach to monster selection ensures their full utilization within the game's context. While disappointing for some, many other monsters will appear in the Oilwell Basin. The anticipation for hunting there, Cool Drink in hand, is palpable.