Beta Testers Adore and Fear New Monster Hunter Wilds Flagship, Arkveld

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back with a vengeance, bringing new challenges that have the community buzzing with excitement and a touch of dread. At the heart of this beta test is a formidable new adversary: Arkveld, the flagship monster for Monster Hunter Wilds. As the cover star, Arkveld is poised to be a central figure in players' adventures through the wilds. The beta introduces the Chained Arkveld hunt, a thrilling 20-minute battle with a five "faint" limit that's testing the mettle of even the most seasoned hunters.

Arkveld is a colossal winged beast, distinguished by electric chains extending from its arms. These chains are not just for show; Arkveld wields them to unleash thunderous attacks, electrifying the air and proving to be surprisingly swift. The challenge is palpable, as experienced hunters find themselves frequently carted back by Arkveld's formidable moves. The beast's use of its whips to navigate, launch long-reaching assaults, and generally cause chaos is a testament to the game's new technology. One particularly striking attack has left beta players thunderstruck: Arkveld grabs the hunter, roars menacingly, and then slams them down with brute force.

The excitement around Arkveld isn't limited to its combat prowess. A video shared on the r/MHWilds subreddit captures the beast's unexpected mischief, hilariously interrupting a player's meal. It's a vivid reminder that in the wilds, there's no safe place for a quick bite.

Arkveld is a peak monster

byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

arkveld is having none of that

byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

Visually stunning and undeniably dangerous, Arkveld's presence in the beta has sparked both awe and concern among players. Yet, the Monster Hunter community thrives on such challenges. The thrill of taking down these massive, fearsome creatures is what the game is all about, and Arkveld's iconic and terrifying nature only heightens the anticipation. The "Chained" designation and Arkveld's flagship status have even led some to speculate about the possibility of an even more daunting "Unchained" version lurking in the future.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 is scheduled to run from February 6 through 9, and then again from February 13 through 16. During these periods, players can not only tackle Arkveld but also face off against the returning monster Gypceros. The beta also introduces new features like a Training Area and Private Lobbies, enhancing the overall experience.

Mark your calendars, as Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For deeper insights into Capcom's latest hunting adventure, dive into our IGN First coverage, including our Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview. And don't miss our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta, which covers everything from multiplayer tips to weapon types and the full roster of confirmed monsters you might encounter.