Yuya Tokuda, the director of Monster Hunter Wilds, expressed immense satisfaction with the game’s monstrous new creation: an oil-soaked giant octopus named Nu Udra in the Oilwell Basin. The basin presents a dramatic twist on oceanic habitats, showcasing a hellish landscape where fire meets water.

In a revealing interview with IGN, Tokuda describes Nu Udra as an apex predator, likening it to a squid that was mistakenly made to walk on land and engulfed in flames. According to him, the creature is a landmark technical achievement, proving challenging due to its tentacle movements that require mastery over terrain and combat dynamics.

“Monsters with tentacles like that pose a lot of technical challenges, like controlling it with respect to the terrain and its target,” says Tokuda, illustrating the complexity of development.

He also shared a memorable anecdote about an animator who was proud to demonstrate Nu Udra’s unique movements.

“When we first implemented the movement of it going inside a hole, an animator told me, ‘When you weaken it and it starts heading back to its nest, please wait here for a moment!’” recalls Tokuda, reflecting on the passion and pride within his team.

Overall, while the Oilwell Basin may not be a prime tourist destination, Tokuda is excited for players to engage with Nu Udra, embracing the challenge it presents in a game that’s already promising an exhilarating combat experience.