Beta Feedback: 'Monster Hunter' Fans Share Reactions to Arkveld

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, featuring exciting new challenges. A formidable new antagonist, Arkveld, is proving a significant hurdle for beta testers, generating both anticipation and apprehension.

Arkveld serves as the flagship monster for Monster Hunter Wilds, prominently featured on the game's cover and poised to play a crucial role in the game's narrative. The beta allows hunters to test their mettle against the "Chained Arkveld" within 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 swift movements and powerful thunderous attacks are already proving difficult for even experienced hunters. Many are reporting being swiftly defeated by its devastating moves.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

.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, where Arkveld grabs and roars at the hunter before slamming them to the ground, has become a memorable (and terrifying) highlight.

The beast's impact extends beyond combat; one amusing video on the r/MHWilds subreddit captures 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; }Despite the considerable difficulty, the challenging encounter is well-received by the Monster Hunter community. The formidable nature of the flagship monster is seen as a positive sign. The "Chained" designation, coupled 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 again from February 13th to 16th. Hunters can tackle both Arkveld and the returning Gypceros, along with 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, explore IGN First's coverage, including the Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview.

Consult our Monster Hunter Wilds Beta guide for information on multiplayer gameplay, weapon types, and confirmed monsters.