Exploring Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into its Ecosystem and New Monsters
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the Oilwell Basin, a unique locale drastically different from previous environments like the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest. This fiery, oil-silt covered landscape, described by director Yuya Tokuda, shifts dramatically depending on the environmental cycle (Fallow, Inclemency, Plenty). During the Fallow, the basin is a muddy, oily expanse; Inclemency brings burning oilsilt; and the Plenty reveals underlying minerals and artifacts.
A Vertically Integrated Environment
Kaname Fujioka, executive director and art director, explains the Oilwell Basin's design: Unlike the horizontally expansive previous areas, the Oilwell Basin is vertically layered. Each stratum – top, middle, and bottom – offers unique environmental changes. The top layer receives sunlight and accumulates oil, while the lower levels become increasingly hotter, featuring lava and other extreme elements. This verticality mirrors the deep-sea or underwater volcano ecosystems, drawing on the team's experience creating the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World.
New Monster Inhabitants
The Oilwell Basin's unique environment supports a distinct ecosystem. The article highlights two new monsters:
Rompopolo: A globular, toxic creature designed with a "mad scientist" aesthetic. Its design emphasizes its trickery and use of stored toxic gas, contrasting with surprisingly cute Palico equipment crafted from its remains.
Ajarakan: A flame-wreathed, gorilla-like monster with a slimmer silhouette than the Congalala. Its design emphasizes straightforward power and flashy, martial arts-inspired attacks, including fiery slams and grabbing maneuvers. Its design was carefully considered to ensure its strength was easily understood while still visually striking.
The Apex Predator: Nu Udra
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is Nu Udra, a previously unnamed "Black Flame" monster. Inspired by octopuses, its design emphasizes its flexible, tentacled body and control over flames. Its movements are fluid and unpredictable, drawing inspiration from past tentacled monsters like Lagiacrus, while its demonic appearance and accompanying music enhance its intimidating presence. The developers highlight the technical challenges of creating a monster with such a flexible, multi-limbed design, emphasizing the significant advancements in technology that made it possible. Nu Udra's many tentacles, each with sensory organs, present a unique challenge to hunters, requiring strategic attacks to overcome its powerful and varied attacks. Severing tentacles alters its attack patterns, making it more manageable, especially in multiplayer hunts.
The Return of Gravios
The Oilwell Basin also features the return of Gravios, last seen in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and emission of hot gas make it a fitting inhabitant of the area. The developers highlight their careful consideration in bringing back Gravios, ensuring its distinctive features and challenging gameplay remained intact while fitting the game's overall progression.
Monster Hunter Wilds Roster
The article concludes with a brief mention of other monsters appearing in the Oilwell Basin, promising a diverse and challenging hunting experience. The developers' dedication to creating unique and memorable monsters, even overcoming technical hurdles, is evident throughout the article.
