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Exploring Monster Hunter Wilds' Oilwell Basin: A Deep Dive into its Ecosystem and New Monsters
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the Oilwell Basin, a dynamic locale unlike any seen before. This fiery, oil-slicked landscape, described by director Yuya Tokuda, shifts dramatically depending on the environmental cycle (Fallow, Inclemency, Plenty). During the Fallow, it's a mud and oil-covered wasteland; Inclemency brings burning oilsilt; and the Plenty reveals underlying minerals and artifacts, transforming the area into a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem.
Art director Kaname Fujioka explains the Basin's vertical design, with distinct upper, middle, and lower strata, each offering unique challenges and environmental features. The lower levels, in particular, resemble underwater volcanoes or deep seas, drawing on the team's experience creating the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter: World. This geothermal energy fuels the Basin's unique ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of creatures.
New Monsters: Rompopolo and Ajarakan
The Oilwell Basin is home to two fascinating new monsters:
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Rompopolo: This globular, toxic creature, inspired by the image of a mad scientist, uses stored toxic gas to disrupt hunters. Its design, while chaotic, results in surprisingly cute Palico equipment.
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Ajarakan: A towering, flame-wreathed gorilla-like monster, Ajarakan’s design emphasizes straightforward, powerful attacks, contrasting with the more cunning Rompopolo. Its attacks utilize flames and magma, creating a visually striking and challenging encounter. The team intentionally gave Ajarakan a top-heavy silhouette to enhance its imposing presence.
The Apex Predator: Nu Udra
The Oilwell Basin's apex predator is Nu Udra, a colossal, flame-coated creature with octopus-like tentacles. Its design, inspired by octopuses, incorporates demonic imagery, reflected in both its appearance and the accompanying battle music. Nu Udra's flexible body and unique movement, a long-held ambition for Tokuda and Fujioka, presented significant technical challenges, successfully overcome using new technologies. Its many tentacles, each capable of being severed, offer a dynamic and challenging hunt, with light-emitting sensory organs indicating its next target. Flash bombs, however, are ineffective against it.
The Return of Gravios
The Oilwell Basin also marks the return of Gravios, a fan-favorite monster from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Its hard, rocky carapace and hot gas emissions make it a fitting addition to the locale. The team focused on retaining Gravios' signature hardness while also integrating it seamlessly into Wilds' gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the wound system and part breaking strategies.
A Testament to Monster Hunter's Design Philosophy
The development of the Oilwell Basin and its inhabitants showcases the Monster Hunter team's dedication to innovative monster design and their commitment to pushing technical boundaries. The creation of Nu Udra, in particular, represents a culmination of years of accumulated ideas and technological advancements. The team's careful consideration of each monster's role within the ecosystem and the integration of gameplay mechanics underscores their meticulous approach to world-building and monster design.
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