Monster Hunter Wilds, one of the latest releases in the Monster Hunter franchise, has received praise for its revolutionary design in armor customization. For the first time, players can mix and match armor without being restricted by the absurd genderlock. This long overdue change adds more freedom to players and sets a hoverboard standard for the series armor system. 

• What Is Genderlock?
• What Changed Everything in Monster Hunter Wilds
• Zoh Shia Armor Sets: A Showcase of Potential
• Title Update 1 (TU1) – Launching April 4, 2024
• Title Update 2 (TU2) – Summer 2024
• A New Era for Fashion Hunters
• Conclusion

↖ What Is Genderlock?

Genderlock refers to a gated feature, be it equipment or hairstyle, that restricts a user to specific bounds based on the gender of the character model. In past Monster Hunter games, this meant a player using a female character would only be able to equip armor meant for female characters, and vice versa. While earlier installments did allow freedom with character hair, they did not extend the same privilege to armor design. 

Many players that enjoy customizing their avatars share a common frustration due to being unable to utilize armor pieces that appeal to their aesthetic preferences. These beautiful, meticulously designed armors hinder creative expression due to their appealing nature and the underlying restrictions placed.

↖ What Changed Everything in Monster Hunter Wilds

MH Wilds has truly reinvented the game with Monster Hunter Wilds. Players can now mix and match armor parts with no restrictions to their character's gender – an unprecedented freedom in the Monster Hunter universe. Not only are players able to express themselves through unique personalized outfits, but they are also able to appreciate the intricate details of every armor set.

This shift is not simply an enhancement of the quality-of-life, but a radically progressive change in the framework of the game's philosophy. Empowering players to let go of unnecessary boundaries, Monster Hunter Wilds encourages a focus on individuality and creativity tailored to character customization.

↖ Zoh Shia Armor Sets: A Showcase of Potential

The Title Update 1 (TU1) that is set to release on April 4th, 2025 will illustrate this groundbreaking system's true power. During this update, Zoh Shia will return as part of a series of event quests. Previously, Zoh Shia could only be hunted during the main storyline and defeating him only rewarded generic MH Wilds materials without any unique monster derived armor or weapons. 

Additionally, Zoh Shia will now be able to showcase three new exclusive armor sets along with several weapons that will draw inspiration from his iconic design and transformation during battle. With the abolishment of the genderlock, these new armor sets will exemplify the creative potential that has been achieved. 

Zoh Shia is as dynamic as he is striking. While fighting him, he undergoes a terrifying transformation where the pure white feathers he possesses turn into black, demonic appendages. This duality is captured in his armor sets where one set contains an upper chest portion that is demonic fused with thighs while the second set is the opposite with demonic upper portions and thighs.

Now that the genderlock has been removed, players can freely make use of these components. Others may prefer to go for a full demonic look, while those who want to go fully Wächter-inspired can achieve that look as well. Such combinations would have been impossible to achieve prior due to gender restrictions. This new flexibility shows how the removal of the genderlock increases the possibilities of the player's creativity along with the gears of the game.

↖ Title Update 1 (TU1) – Launching April 4, 2024

Monster Hunter Wilds's first major update is scheduled to go live on April 4, 2024. More details in this announcement regarding the full content list are available, and Capcom has hinted that there will be many requested features and additions with TU1. Fans seeking details on what to expect with TU1 can check the announcement called: Monster Wilds Gets Its 1st Major Title Update – Exactly What Fans Have Been Waiting For.

↖ Title Update 2 (TU2) – Summer 2024

The Capcom second major update (TU2) has confirmed to be launched on summer-2025, following TU1. Most details are still a secret, but the return of Lagiacrus has been disclosed. This monster that everyone seems to love will be available to play in Monster Hunter Wilds during TU2 which will certainly excite veteran players of the series. 

↖ A New Era for Fashion Hunters

The removal of the genderlock is a bold move for the Monster Hunter franchise and one that is likely to pay dividends. The Monster Hunter Wilds also seeks to attract hardcore hunters and fashion lovers by allowing them to mix and match every piece of armor available with every character. 

This change, however, also shows how MH Wilds is willing to shift its focus towards the player's experience. Allowing players to completely harness the design of Zoh Shia in armor form helps with the immersion as players feel more connected to the monsters they are hunting.

↖ Conclusion

The transition to a gender-neutral armor system in Monster Hunter Wilds fundamentally transforms player expectations of customization in the franchise. MH Wilds has improved creative liberty and boosted the gameplay experience by removing needless boundaries. With its armor design and customization features, Monster Hunter Wilds will be a reference point for later games in the series.