The second open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds is finally here, and excitement is at an all-time high. First-time Hunters can jump in and experience a small taste of what Monster Hunter Wilds has to offer, including a variety of hunts — one of which is a battle against the game’s flagship monster, Arkveld.
Once you’ve chosen your weapon from the 14 available types, you’ll be ready to take on tougher monsters, including the White Wraith. This guide will walk you through how to defeat Arkveld.
This Is an Advanced Monster Quest
An advanced quest means this won’t be an easy hunt. Unlike your tutorial battles with Chatacabra and Balahara, this fight is far more demanding, requiring quick reflexes and familiarity with Arkveld’s moveset. It’s similar to how we handled Rey Dau — both are ferocious beasts that hit like a truck if you’re not careful. And Arkveld? He’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Monster Hunter Wilds’ dynamic difficulty.
You Only Have Limited Time
Like other flagship hunts in demo versions, the Arkveld fight has a strict 20-minute time limit. If you can’t defeat him within that time, you’ll fail the quest. Fortunately, unlike previous Monster Hunter games where you were limited to three carts (faints) per quest, Arkveld’s battle gives you five. That extra leeway makes the fight more forgiving, but don’t get too comfortable!
Learning His Moveset
Mastering a monster’s moveset has always been at the heart of Monster Hunter, and Arkveld is no exception. If you’ve fought flagship monsters before — like Malzeno, the teleporting vampire Elder Dragon from Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak — you know to expect surprises. Arkveld has his own tricks up his sleeve. Spoiler Alert: He does.
Mind the Chains
Arkveld’s signature gimmick is his bizarre organic chain, which he can swing to strike foes with devastating force. Given your low-rank hunting gear, these attacks hit hard. The best way to avoid them? Dodge rolling or a well-timed Superman jump — though both come at the cost of counterattack opportunities.
When Arkveld gets agitated, take a step back and appreciate his sheer presence. When his appendages begin glowing red, that’s when his true power is unleashed.
Force of Nature
A furious Arkveld is a dangerous one. When he taps into his dragon element, his appendages — or chains — glow red, and he can unleash a high-damage dragon blast. If you can’t survive this phase, you won’t be able to defeat him.
If you manage to push through, you’ll eventually wear Arkveld down. Blunt weapons like the Hammer should target his head and chains, while sharp weapons like the Longsword can slice at his chains — though whether they can be fully severed remains uncertain. (Somebody tell me please.)
Despite his power, Arkveld isn’t classified as an Elder Dragon. Much like Gore Magala from older titles, he carries an air of mystery, but since he’s no Elder, he can be trapped and captured. Environmental traps are fair game — use them to your advantage!
Once you’ve fought strategically and worn him out, Arkveld will begin limping — that’s your cue that the battle is nearing its climax.
And that’s how you beat Arkveld, the White Wraith of Monster Hunter Wilds. Be sure to check out our other beta guides, including tips on swapping weapons, setting up camps, and cooking food.