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, transforms dramatically depending on the in-game "Fallow," "Inclemency," and "Plenty" cycles. During the Fallow, it's a muddy, oily wasteland; Inclemency brings fiery eruptions; and Plenty reveals underlying minerals and artifacts, revealing a hidden vitality.
Art director Kaname Fujioka explains the Oilwell Basin's vertical design, with distinct upper, middle, and lower strata, each possessing unique environmental characteristics and temperature gradients. The lower levels, in particular, mirror underwater volcanic ecosystems, drawing on the team's experience creating the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World. This geothermal energy drives the ecosystem, supporting a unique array of creatures.
New Monsters: Rompopolo and Ajarakan
Two notable new monsters inhabit this environment:
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Rompopolo: A globular, toxic creature designed to be a challenging, chaotic opponent, drawing inspiration from the concept of a "mad scientist" with its purple hue and glowing red eyes. Its resulting equipment, however, is surprisingly cute.
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Ajarakan: A flame-wreathed, gorilla-like monster, designed with a more upright posture to emphasize its imposing presence. Its straightforward, powerful attacks, combined with fiery abilities, highlight its strength and make it a visually striking opponent. Its design evolved throughout development, incorporating increasingly flashy moves.
The Apex Predator: Nu Udra
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is Nu Udra, a massive, tentacled creature that coats itself in flames. Its design, inspired by octopuses, was a long-held ambition for both Tokuda and Fujioka, dating back to Monster Hunter Tri. Nu Udra's unique movement and combat style, enabled by advancements in game technology, make it a truly memorable encounter. Its many tentacles, each with light-emitting sensory organs, pose a unique challenge, requiring hunters to carefully observe its attacks. Interestingly, flash bombs are ineffective against it.
The Return of Gravios
The Oilwell Basin also features the return of Gravios, a fan-favorite monster from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and heat-emitting properties make it a fitting addition to the environment. The team focused on maintaining Gravios' signature hardness while also integrating it into the game's progression and wound system.
A Testament to Monster Hunter's Design Philosophy
The interviews with Tokuda and Fujioka reveal a deep commitment to creative monster design, incorporating both long-held ambitions and innovative use of new technologies. The development team's dedication to detail, evident in Nu Udra's intricate animations and Gravios' enhanced challenge, showcases the evolution of the Monster Hunter series. The Oilwell Basin, with its unique ecosystem and compelling monsters, promises a thrilling hunting experience.
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