Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Players Share Love — and Fear — for Its New Flagship Monster Arkveld

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, introducing thrilling new challenges, most notably the formidable Arkveld. This fearsome beast, the game's flagship monster, is proving to be a significant hurdle for even seasoned hunters.

The beta features a hunt against the Chained Arkveld, a 20-minute showdown with a five-faint limit. Arkveld, a massive winged creature wielding electrifying chains, is surprisingly agile and delivers devastating attacks. Its powerful moves, especially one where it grabs and slams hunters, are sending players back to camp frequently. This showcases the impressive new mechanics, allowing Arkveld to utilize its chains for both mobility and devastating long-range attacks.

The sheer visual spectacle and challenging gameplay are generating both excitement and apprehension within the community. One amusing video circulating on r/MHWilds depicts Arkveld unexpectedly interrupting a hunter's meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Wilds.

Arkveld is a peak monster by u/Joeljb960 in MHWilds

arkveld is having none of that by u/tomkwuz in MHWilds

The difficulty, while daunting, is fueling the enthusiasm of dedicated Monster Hunter fans. The iconic and terrifying design of the flagship monster is a testament to the game's ambition. The "Chained" designation also sparks speculation about a potentially even more challenging "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, along with 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 details, explore IGN First's comprehensive coverage, including the final preview. Our guide to the beta also offers helpful tips on multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.