The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back, offering thrilling new challenges. A formidable new foe, Arkveld, is proving to be a significant hurdle for beta testers, generating both excitement and apprehension.

Arkveld is the game's flagship monster, prominently featured on the cover and central to players' adventures in Wilds. The beta introduces a timed hunt against the Chained Arkveld, presenting a 20-minute challenge with a five-faint limit.

This colossal winged beast wields electric chains, unleashing powerful, surprisingly swift attacks. Its ability to crackle the air with thunder and its impressive speed have already proven challenging for even experienced hunters. Many are reporting being quickly defeated by its devastating moves. Arkveld's dynamic use of its chains for movement and attacks showcases the game's advanced technology. One particularly memorable attack involves grabbing and roaring at the hunter before a powerful slam.

Arkveld's impact extends beyond combat; one player hilariously documented Arkveld interrupting their in-game meal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Wilds.

Arkveld is a peak monster
byu/Joeljb960 inMHWilds

arkveld is having none of that
byu/tomkwuz inMHWilds

The visually stunning battles against Arkveld are undeniably challenging. However, this difficulty seems to only heighten the enthusiasm of dedicated Monster Hunter fans. Conquering powerful monsters is the core of the game, and Arkveld's iconic design and formidable strength reinforce this central theme. The "Chained" designation, combined with its flagship status, 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 tackle 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, including our IGN First coverage and final preview, please refer to the links provided in the original article. A comprehensive guide to the beta, including multiplayer tips, weapon types, and confirmed monsters, is also available.