Director Unveils Nu Udra, New Monster in Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin

Monster Hunter Wilds directors reveal a brand-new region and fierce monster to battle in an exclusive interview. Discover more about the Oilwell Basin and its dominant predator, the Nu Udra.

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

The Oilwell Basin stands out due to its vertical design, differing from the series’ typically expansive horizontal environments. "We had two horizontally broad areas in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected space. The deeper you go, the hotter and more magma-filled it becomes," explained Fujioka. He added that the upper layers are dominated by oil-like swamps, creating a layered, gradient-like structure throughout the zone.

Director Yuya Tokuda shared insights into how the area transforms during the Plenty event phase. When players reach the central or lower levels, the environment shifts into what resembles an underwater volcanic ecosystem. The team drew inspiration from their previous work on the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World when designing this version of the Oilwell Basin. "During the Fallow and Inclemency phases, smoke rises everywhere like from volcanoes or hot springs. But during the Plenty phase, it takes on a clear marine tone. Observing the environmental biology closely, you’ll notice it hosts creatures typically found on the ocean floor."

These creatures are native to the Oilwell Basin, contributing to its ecological uniqueness. Though the area may seem lifeless at first glance, it is teeming with monsters and wildlife uniquely adapted to its extreme conditions.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

No Monster Hunter world would be complete without its apex predator. In the Oilwell Basin, that title belongs to the terrifying Nu Udra—also known as the “Black Flame.” This massive, octopus-like creature has a slick, flammable body shaped by its harsh surroundings. It uses its writhing tentacles to ensnare prey before engulfing them in flames, making it a truly fearsome opponent.

Nu Udra joins the elemental trio seen in other zones: Rey Dau (lightning) in the Windward Plains, Uth Duna (water) in the Scarlet Forest, and now Nu Udra representing fire.

Its design draws heavily from deep-sea creatures, particularly octopuses, which Fujioka admitted was a long-held desire. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature," he said, adding that the team reimagined aquatic features to create a more striking visual effect. They also incorporated horn-like elements to give it a demonic appearance. This theme extends to its battle music, composed using instruments and vocal phrases evoking black magic. "We wanted something unique and atmospheric. I think it turned out great," Tokuda remarked.

Fighting Nu Udra is a major challenge. With multiple tentacles and a mix of focused and AoE attacks, it keeps hunters on their toes. It's also immune to Flash Bombs since it relies on touch rather than sight to locate prey.

More Monsters In The Basin

Nu Udra isn’t the only dominant monster in the region. Standing just below it in dominance is Ajarakan—a large, flame-covered simian-like beast. It utilizes martial arts-inspired combat techniques, relying heavily on fast and powerful punches. Combining brute strength with fiery attacks, Ajarakan adds another layer of intensity to the Oilwell Basin’s ecosystem.

Another new addition is Rompopolo, a globular creature with thin needle-like mouthparts that release toxic gases during battle. Its eerie purple coloration and glowing red eyes evoke the image of a mad scientist. The development team confirmed that this was intentional, calling Rompopolo a "tricky monster." Despite its unsettling appearance, its materials can be crafted into surprisingly charming gear for both Hunters and Palico companions.

Fans will also recognize Gravio returning from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its rocky armor and fiery breath make it a natural fit for the Oilwell Basin’s volcanic environment. "When considering which monsters matched the setting and offered fresh gameplay experiences, we felt Gravios could feel new again in this context," Tokuda noted.

With these exciting reveals, anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds continues to build ahead of its February 28th launch date.