The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, boasting new challenges and a formidable new foe: Arkveld. This imposing beast, the game's flagship monster, is proving a significant hurdle for even experienced hunters.
Arkveld, a massive winged creature wielding electrifying chains, is the star of the show. The beta features a timed hunt against the "Chained Arkveld," imposing a 20-minute time limit and a five-faint restriction. Its powerful attacks, surprising speed, and long-reaching chain whips are proving incredibly difficult to overcome. One particularly brutal move involves grabbing and roaring at the hunter before a devastating slam.
Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds
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Even seasoned hunters are finding themselves repeatedly defeated. This challenging encounter showcases the game's impressive new technology and animation. One amusing video circulating on the r/MHWilds subreddit shows Arkveld unexpectedly interrupting a hunter's meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wilds.
arkveld is having none of that
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Despite the difficulty, the challenging nature of Arkveld is met with excitement by the Monster Hunter community. The "Chained" designation, coupled with its flagship status, fuels speculation about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant in the full game.
The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th to 9th, and again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can tackle both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, with added 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, including our IGN First coverage and final preview, check out our dedicated Monster Hunter Wilds hub. This hub also includes a guide to the beta, multiplayer tips, weapon types, and a confirmed monster list.