Arkveld: Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Fuels Hype, Fear

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, meaning it's not just a boss fight, but a central figure in the Wilds experience. The current beta lets hunters test their mettle against the "Chained Arkveld" in a thrilling 20-minute hunt with a five-faint limit.

Prepare for a challenge. Arkveld is a massive, winged creature wielding electrifying chains as weapons. Its attacks are powerful, fast, and surprisingly varied. Experienced hunters are reporting significant difficulty, finding themselves frequently carted by its devastating moves. Arkveld's use of its chains for mobility and ranged attacks showcases impressive new game mechanics. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing the hunter, roaring, and then slamming them to the ground—a moment that's already become legendary among beta testers.

The chaos extends beyond combat. One player even captured a hilarious video of Arkveld interrupting their in-game meal—a testament to the unpredictable nature of the wilds.

Arkveld's impressive design and challenging fight have been overwhelmingly well-received by the Monster Hunter community. While the difficulty might intimidate some, many players are energized by the prospect of conquering such a formidable foe. The "Chained" designation, combined with its flagship status, has sparked speculation about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" variant in the full game.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 runs from February 6th to 9th, and then again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can face off against both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, and take advantage of 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 more in-depth information, check out IGN First's coverage, including our final preview. You can also find helpful guides covering multiplayer, weapon types, and confirmed monsters in our Monster Hunter Wilds Beta guide.