Exploring the Oilwell Basin in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into New Monsters and Environments

Monster Hunter Wilds introduces the treacherous Oilwell Basin, a dynamic environment drastically altered by cyclical weather patterns known as the Fallow, Inclemency, and Plenty. This location, unlike the previously explored Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, presents a vertically layered landscape, offering diverse challenges across its upper, middle, and lower strata. The upper layer, bathed in sunlight, is characterized by oil-slicked mud. Descending deeper, the heat intensifies, culminating in lava flows and other extreme conditions in the lower strata.

Yuya Tokuda, director of both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds, explains the Oilwell Basin's environmental shifts: "During the Fallow, it's a mud and oil-filled landscape. The Firespring (Inclemency) burns away the oilsilt, and during the Plenty, the soot vanishes, revealing minerals, microorganisms, and ancient artifacts."

Kaname Fujioka, executive director and art director for Wilds, elaborates on the design philosophy: "We wanted a vertically connected area, contrasting with the horizontally expansive previous locales. The environment subtly changes between the strata, with sunlight reaching the top and intense heat below." This verticality influences the creatures inhabiting the basin, mirroring deep-sea or underwater volcanic ecosystems. The developers leveraged their experience creating the Coral Highlands in World to design the Oilwell Basin's unique fauna.

The Oilwell Basin's ecosystem, unlike those reliant on sunlight and vegetation, thrives on geothermal energy. Small creatures feed on microorganisms within the oilsilt, which in turn derive energy from the earth's heat. Larger monsters prey on these smaller creatures, creating a complex food chain.

Rompopolo, a toxic, globular monster, exemplifies this unique ecosystem. Fujioka describes its design: "We envisioned a tricky swamp dweller using toxic gas. The 'mad scientist' concept inspired its purple hue and glowing red eyes. Surprisingly, its crafted equipment is quite cute!"

Ajarakan, a flame-wreathed gorilla-like monster, provides a stark contrast to Rompopolo. Its design emphasizes straightforward power, incorporating fiery attacks and wrestling-inspired moves. Tokuda explains the design choice: "We wanted a monster whose strength was easily understood, using straightforward attacks. Its towering silhouette and flame-based attacks highlight its power."

Nu Udra, the apex predator, is a colossal, octopus-like creature that coats itself in flames. Its design draws inspiration from octopuses, but with a demonic aesthetic. The team aimed for a striking silhouette and ambiguous facial features. Even the music accompanying battles with Nu Udra evokes demonic imagery.

The creation of Nu Udra represents a long-held ambition for Tokuda and Fujioka, who had previously proposed similar tentacled monsters. The advancements in technology finally allowed them to realize their vision of a freely moving, tentacled monster with complex animations. Nu Udra's many tentacles, each severable, present a unique challenge, requiring strategic attacks to overcome. Its sensory organs, located at the tips of its tentacles, emit light to indicate its targets.

Gravios, a returning monster from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, also inhabits the Oilwell Basin. Its hard carapace and hot gas emissions make it a fitting inhabitant of this fiery landscape. The developers aimed to make Gravios a challenging encounter, requiring players to utilize the wound system and part breaking mechanics effectively.

The Oilwell Basin offers a rich and challenging hunting experience, showcasing the Monster Hunter team's dedication to creating memorable monsters and environments. The careful consideration given to each monster's design, animations, and integration into the ecosystem highlights the team's commitment to delivering a captivating and rewarding gameplay experience.