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

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back with a vengeance, bringing new challenges that have players buzzing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. At the center of this storm is a formidable new adversary named Arkveld, the flagship monster that graces the cover of the game and promises to be a pivotal part of the Wilds journey. Beta participants are now facing the daunting task of hunting the Chained Arkveld, with a strict 20-minute time limit and a maximum of five "faints" before defeat.

Arkveld is no ordinary beast; it's a colossal winged creature armed with electric chains that extend from its arms. These chains are not just for show—they crackle with thunderous energy as Arkveld swings them, delivering devastating attacks with surprising speed. The monster's prowess has seasoned hunters frequently finding themselves carted back to base, a testament to the new technology that allows Arkveld to maneuver with its whips, launch long-reaching assaults, and generally wreak havoc. One particularly electrifying move has players in awe: Arkveld grabs the hunter, roars menacingly, and then slams them down with force.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

The chaos doesn't stop at combat. A humorous yet telling video shared on the r/MHWilds subreddit shows Arkveld crashing a player's meal, proving that the wilds are no place for a peaceful lunch break.

arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

Visually stunning and dangerously thrilling, the fight against Arkveld is a spectacle that has the Monster Hunter community both thrilled and challenged. While the difficulty may be daunting, it's precisely this kind of challenge that the series is known for. The introduction of Arkveld as the flagship monster not only sets a high bar but also fuels speculation about a potential "Unchained" version that could be even more terrifying.

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 take on both Arkveld and the returning monster Gypceros, and explore new features like the Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Mark your calendars: Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more in-depth information, dive into our IGN First coverage, including the Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview.

For those eager to jump into the action, check out our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta. It includes tips on playing multiplayer with friends, a rundown of all the Monster Hunter Wilds weapon types, and a list of the confirmed monsters you might encounter.