One of the many burning questions that Monster Hunter fans have been asking has finally been answered. The Black Flame’s real name has finally been revealed thanks to IGN and a member of the Monster Hunter Wilds dev team. The massive molten octopus is officially called Nu Udra. Along with its name, we now have some extra footage of this monster in action. Just as everyone suspected, it’s as terrifying as its debut made it out to be.
All About Nu Udra the Black Flame
Nu Udra the Black Flame resides in the Oilwell Basin, which is the third revealed locale that Capcom has graced us with. Thanks to a video from IGN, we now have a new look at how the terrifying Nu Udra moves and interacts with the hunter and other monsters. Previously, we were only able to see the Black Flame briefly tussle with a player character within the lava-filled depths of the Oilwell Basin. As the trailer that debuted the monsters shows, this happens during the locale’s inclemency period known as the Firespring.
In IGN’s video, we see Nu Udra in different areas of the map and in different weather patterns. However, no matter where this giant octopus goes, it always seems to be dripping the oil that the locale is named after. This adds to its already unsettling appearance and movement. The monster is one that Monster Hunter Wilds executive director and art director Kaname Fujioka is proud of. In the video, he states that every part of Nu Udra’s look and movement was well thought out. They wanted it to seem like it is fully conscious of how its tentacles move as it traverses the locale and attacks.
The Monster’s Demonic Look
Fujioka also states that the dev team wanted Nu Udra to have a demonic aura, which is evident in its appearance. In the video, he says, “That’s why we gave it horn-like elements and made it hard to tell where its face is.” Even the Black Flame’s music has elements of that goal present. Even though most people have not heard its theme, it’s meant to include “phrases and traditional instruments reminiscent of black magic.” Veterans of the series know that whenever a monster’s theme song has phrases, they’re in for a difficult fight ahead. Nu Udra might end up being a solid roadblock in the game.
The Locale’s Other Native Monsters
Nu Udra is one of the three large monsters we know to live in the Oilwell Basin. The other two are the unsettling Rompopolo and the slightly less menacing fire monster, Ajarakan. Of course, there are smaller creatures that call the oily swamps and lava-filled regions of the locale home. One of the small monsters is a salamander-like creature that’s called a Gelidron. There’s also a creepy raptor-like small monster, which is a skeleton that is practically a staple within the series. Just like with the other locales, there’s bound to be small endemic life that players can catch and hopefully keep as pets.
A Hunter’s Thoughts
As a Monster Hunter and horror fan, Nu Udra is already climbing up my personal ladder of favorite monsters. I am a fan of unique and terrifying creatures with quirks that make them stand out among the crowd. While I do expect to cart during the fight, which is losing a life for those unfamiliar with the series, I am excited to see more of this monster. That’s especially true now that it’s confirmed the Black Flame’s tentacles can be severed, which might feel even better than slicing off Rathian‘s oftentimes annoying tail.
