The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, and it's brought some serious heat with it. Players are already facing off against Arkveld, the game's fearsome flagship monster, sparking both excitement and a healthy dose of dread.

Arkveld, the star of the Wilds show, promises a significant role in the game's story. This beta gives brave hunters a chance to test their mettle against the Chained Arkveld, a 20-minute hunt with a five-faint limit.

As many are quickly discovering, this winged behemoth is no pushover. With electric chains whipping from its arms, Arkveld unleashes crackling thunder attacks with surprising speed.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Even experienced hunters are finding themselves carted by its powerful attacks. Arkveld's whip-like movements, long-range attacks, and overall menace showcase the impressive new technology. One attack, in particular—a grab-and-roar combo ending in a powerful slam—has left beta testers thunderstruck.

The chaos extends beyond combat. One player on the r/MHWilds subreddit captured a hilarious video of Arkveld interrupting their in-game meal—a reminder that lunch breaks are a luxury in the wilds.

arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }This visually stunning fight and incredibly dangerous monster, while daunting for some, has only fueled the passion of dedicated Monster Hunter fans. After all, conquering formidable beasts is the core of the experience. Arkveld's fearsome yet iconic design is a testament to that. The "Chained" designation, coupled with its flagship status, has players speculating about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs February 6-9 and February 13-16. Hunt both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, and explore new features like the Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Learn more about Capcom's latest hunting adventure in our IGN First coverage, including our final preview.

Check out our guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta for tips on multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.