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

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, offering thrilling new combat encounters. A formidable new antagonist, Arkveld, is proving a significant challenge, generating both excitement and apprehension among beta testers.

Arkveld, the game's flagship monster and cover star, is poised to play a crucial role in the Wilds storyline. The current beta allows hunters to engage in a timed hunt against the Chained Arkveld, with a 20-minute time limit and a five-faint restriction.

This colossal winged beast, wielding electrifying chains from each arm, presents a formidable challenge. Its lightning-fast attacks and powerful chain swings make for a dynamic and dangerous fight. Even experienced hunters report being swiftly defeated by its devastating moves.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 in MHWilds

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Arkveld's impressive animations, utilizing its chains for mobility and devastating long-range attacks, showcase the game's advanced technology. One attack, in particular, has captivated (and terrified) players: Arkveld's grab-and-slam maneuver, leaving hunters stunned and roaring in defeat.

The beast's impact extends beyond the hunt itself. A humorous video circulating on the r/MHWilds subreddit depicts Arkveld unexpectedly disrupting a hunter's meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Wilds.

arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }This visually stunning and intensely challenging fight has ignited the enthusiasm of dedicated Monster Hunter fans. The difficulty, while daunting, reinforces the core gameplay loop of conquering powerful monsters. Arkveld's formidable presence, coupled with the "Chained" designation, fuels speculation about a potentially even more terrifying "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 face both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, alongside 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 further details on Capcom's latest hunting adventure, explore IGN First coverage, including the Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview.

Consult our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta for tips on multiplayer gameplay, weapon types, and confirmed monster encounters.