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

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, boasting new challenges, including a formidable new antagonist: Arkveld. This imposing beast, the game's flagship monster, is proving a significant hurdle for even seasoned hunters.

The beta introduces a hunt against the Chained Arkveld, a 20-minute showdown with a five-faint limit. This massive, winged creature wields electric chains, unleashing rapid, powerful attacks that have sent many hunters packing.

Arkveld is a peak monster
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Arkveld's impressive moveset, facilitated by new game technology, utilizes its chains for both mobility and devastating long-range attacks. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing and roaring at the hunter before a forceful slam. The sheer spectacle of the fight is undeniable.

Unexpected encounters are also part of the Arkveld experience. A video circulating on the r/MHWilds subreddit hilariously depicts Arkveld interrupting a hunter's meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Wilds.

arkveld is having none of that
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While the difficulty may deter some, the challenge is embraced by many Monster Hunter fans. The sheer power of the flagship monster is a testament to the game's design. The "Chained" designation also fuels speculation about a potentially even more challenging "Unchained" variant in the future.

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, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, check out IGN First's coverage, including the final preview. Our guide to the beta also offers details on multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.