Beta Players Express Mixed Feelings on Monster Hunter Wilds' New Monster Arkveld

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta has returned, bringing with it thrilling new challenges for hunters to conquer. One of the standout attractions is the introduction of a fearsome new adversary, Arkveld, which has been stirring up both excitement and apprehension among the player base.

Arkveld serves as the flagship monster for Monster Hunter Wilds, prominently featured on the game's cover and playing a pivotal role throughout the player's journey. During the beta, brave hunters can engage in a timed battle against the Chained Arkveld, facing a 20-minute time limit and a cap of five "faints" before the hunt is over.

This formidable beast is proving to be a tough challenge. Arkveld is a colossal winged creature, equipped with electric chains extending from its arms. These chains not only enhance its menacing appearance but also allow it to unleash devastating, thunderous attacks while maintaining surprising agility.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

Even seasoned hunters are finding themselves frequently sent back to camp by Arkveld's powerful assaults. The monster's innovative use of its whips to navigate the battlefield, execute long-range attacks, and generally wreak havoc is a testament to the advanced technology featured in Monster Hunter Wilds. A particularly electrifying move has players on the edge of their seats, as Arkveld captures the hunter, roars menacingly, and then slams them down with brutal force.

Adding to the chaos, Arkveld is causing unexpected disruptions, as demonstrated in a humorous video shared on the r/MHWilds subreddit, where the beast interrupts a player's meal, proving that the wilds are no place for a peaceful lunch.

arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

Visually stunning and immensely challenging, the battle against Arkveld is a highlight of the beta. While the difficulty may be daunting for some, it's fueling the enthusiasm of Monster Hunter veterans, who relish the thrill of overcoming such formidable foes. The concept of a "Chained" Arkveld, combined with its flagship status, has sparked speculation about the potential for an even more terrifying "Unchained" version in the future.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 is scheduled from February 6 through 9, and again from February 13 through 16. During this period, players can take on both Arkveld and the returning monster Gypceros, along with exploring new features such as the Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more insights into Capcom's latest hunting adventure, check out our IGN First coverage, including our Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview here.

For those looking to dive deeper into the beta experience, our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta provides information on how to play multiplayer with friends, details on all the weapon types available, and a list of the confirmed monsters you might encounter.