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

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta has returned, bringing with it a thrilling new challenge: a fearsome monster named Arkveld. This formidable creature has sparked both excitement and apprehension among beta players as they dive into the hunt.

As the flagship monster of Monster Hunter Wilds, Arkveld takes center stage on the game's cover and promises to play a pivotal role in players' adventures. During the beta, hunters can take on the "Chained Arkveld" challenge, which comes with a 20-minute time limit and allows up to five "faints."

Arkveld is no ordinary beast; it's a massive, winged creature armed with electric chains that extend from its arms. These chains allow it to unleash thunderous attacks that electrify the air around it. Despite its size, Arkveld moves with surprising speed, making it a challenging opponent even for seasoned hunters. Its ability to swing its chains and use them to maneuver around the battlefield has been a standout feature of the new technology showcased in the beta.

One of Arkveld's attacks has particularly caught the attention of the Monster Hunter community: it grabs the hunter, roars menacingly, and then slams them to the ground. This move, among others, has led to many hunters being sent back to camp in a cart, highlighting the monster's lethal prowess.

Arkveld's presence has also led to some humorous moments, such as when it interrupted a player's meal, as captured in a video shared on the r/MHWilds subreddit. It's clear that the wilds are no place for a peaceful lunch break.

Despite the high difficulty, the Monster Hunter community seems invigorated by the challenge. The thrill of taking down such a dangerous and visually stunning monster is at the heart of the series, and Arkveld embodies this perfectly. The "Chained" moniker and its flagship status have sparked speculation among players about the possibility of an even more terrifying "Unchained" version in the future.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 is scheduled to run from February 6 through 9, and again from February 13 through 16. During these periods, players can hunt both Arkveld and the returning monster Gypceros, as well as explore new features such as a Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more in-depth coverage, check out our IGN First articles, including the Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview. Additionally, our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta covers how to play multiplayer with friends, details on all the weapon types, and a list of confirmed monsters you might encounter.