The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is back with a vengeance, introducing players to exhilarating new battles, including a fearsome new adversary named Arkveld. This monster is stirring up both excitement and trepidation among the hunting community. As the flagship monster for Monster Hunter Wilds, Arkveld takes center stage on the game's cover and promises to be a pivotal part of players' adventures through the Wilds. During the new beta test, brave hunters can challenge the Chained Arkveld within a 20-minute time frame and a limit of five faints.

Arkveld is no easy prey; this massive winged beast is equipped with electric chains extending from its arms. It wields these chains to unleash thunderous attacks and moves with surprising agility. Hunters, even the seasoned ones, are finding themselves frequently carted back to camp by Arkveld's potent assaults. The monster's innovative use of its whips for mobility, long-reaching strikes, and overall menace is a testament to the game's advanced technology. A particularly shocking move involves Arkveld grabbing a hunter, roaring ferociously, and then slamming them into the ground, leaving players thunderstruck.

Beyond the battlefield, Arkveld is causing unexpected chaos, as hilariously captured in a video from a player on the r/MHWilds subreddit, where the beast disrupts a hunter's meal. It's clear that in the Wilds, there's no safe place for a lunch break.

The fight against Arkveld is not only visually stunning but also intensely challenging. While the difficulty might be daunting for some, it's exactly what the Monster Hunter community thrives on—taking down formidable beasts. Arkveld's fearsome presence and iconic design reinforce the game's appeal. Furthermore, the "Chained" label and its flagship status fuel speculation about a potentially even more terrifying "Unchained" version looming on the horizon.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 is scheduled to run from February 6 through 9, and again from February 13 through 16. Alongside Arkveld, players can also hunt the returning monster Gypceros, and explore additional features such as a Training Area and Private Lobbies.

Mark your calendars for the full release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more in-depth insights, check out our IGN First coverage, including our Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview.

For those eager to dive into the beta, our comprehensive guide to the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta offers details on multiplayer gameplay with friends, an overview of all Monster Hunter Wilds weapon types, and a list of confirmed monsters you might encounter.