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

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, and it's brought a new heavyweight contender to the arena: Arkveld. This fearsome beast is the game's flagship monster, promising a significant role in the Wilds' storyline and already generating considerable buzz among beta testers.

This new flagship monster is a sight to behold—a massive winged creature wielding electrifying chains from each arm. Arkveld's attacks are both powerful and surprisingly swift, leaving even seasoned hunters reeling. Its ability to use these chains for mobility, launching long-range attacks, and generally wreaking havoc makes for a truly impressive display of the game's enhanced technology. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing a hunter, roaring, and then delivering a devastating slam.

The sheer power of Arkveld's moves is evident in the many "cart returns" reported by beta players. (For the uninitiated, a cart return means being defeated and sent back to camp). But the challenge isn't just about brute force; Arkveld's surprising speed and unpredictable attacks keep hunters on their toes. The excitement is palpable, as seen in this Reddit clip of Arkveld hilariously interrupting a hunter's meal:

Arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

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Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

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The current beta features a hunt against the "Chained Arkveld," a 20-minute challenge with a five-faint limit. This has sparked speculation among players about the potential for an even more formidable "Unchained" version in the full game.

The visually stunning battles and the sheer danger posed by Arkveld have only fueled the enthusiasm of dedicated Monster Hunter fans. Conquering such challenging monsters is, after all, the core of the Monster Hunter experience.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th-9th and February 13th-16th. Along with Arkveld, you can hunt the returning Gypceros, and explore 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 a deeper dive into Capcom's latest hunting adventure, check out IGN First coverage, including our final preview. Our guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta also provides helpful tips, including multiplayer information, weapon type details, and a list of confirmed monsters.