The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, and it's brought a new heavyweight contender to the arena: Arkveld. This fearsome beast is the game's flagship monster, meaning it's the star of the show and will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Wilds adventure. Beta testers are already facing off against this electrifying challenge, experiencing a mix of thrilling combat and humbling defeats.
Arkveld, a massive winged creature wielding electric chains from each arm, is a formidable opponent. Its attacks crackle with thunderous power, and its surprising speed keeps hunters on their toes. Experienced hunters are reporting that even they are finding Arkveld's powerful moves incredibly difficult to overcome. This impressive display of the game's new technology showcases Arkveld's dynamic use of its whips for both mobility and devastating long-range attacks. One attack, in particular—a roar-infused grab followed by a powerful slam—has left many beta testers thunderstruck.
Arkveld's impact extends beyond intense battles; it's even causing some unexpected, humorous chaos. One player's video on the r/MHWilds subreddit perfectly captures Arkveld's unwelcome interruption of a hunter's mid-hunt meal, proving the wilds are truly no place for a leisurely lunch.
This visually stunning fight and incredibly dangerous monster, while daunting for some, has only fueled the enthusiasm of dedicated Monster Hunter players. Overcoming challenging monsters is, after all, the core of the Monster Hunter experience. Arkveld's fearsome yet iconic design is a testament to the game's commitment to delivering thrilling encounters. The "Chained" designation, coupled with its flagship status, has many speculating about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant in the future.
The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th to 9th, and then again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can test their skills against both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, alongside new features like a Training Area and Private Lobbies.
Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28th, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more in-depth information, check out IGN First's coverage, including our Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview. You can also find helpful guides covering multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters in our Monster Hunter Wilds Beta guide.
