Monster Hunter: Gender-Neutral Armor Arrives

Monster Hunter Wilds will now let players wear armor sets regardless of character gender! Read on to learn more about fan reactions and how this changes ‘fashion hunting.’

Monster Hunter Wilds Eliminates Gendered Armor SetsFashion Hunting is Officially Endgame

For years, Monster Hunter players have envisioned a world where sizable armor sets weren’t limited to robust hunters and stylish skirts weren’t unavailable to their female counterparts. Well, dream no more! During the Monster Hunter Wilds Developer Stream on Gamescom yesterday, Capcom confirmed a long-awaited adjustment for the upcoming title: Armor sets will no longer be gender-restricted.

"In previous Monster Hunter games, male and female armor were distinct," said one of Capcom’s developers while showcasing the initial armors in the game’s camp. "I’m pleased to confirm that in Monster Hunter Wilds, there’s no longer male and female armor. All characters can wear any equipment."

"WE DEFEATED GENDER," a Reddit user proclaimed humorously in response to the news. Joy spread throughout the Monster Hunter community, especially among the dedicated "fashion hunters" who prioritize appearance alongside or instead of raw stats. Previously, players were restricted to the specific designs assigned to their chosen character's gender. This meant missing out on desirable armor pieces simply because they were categorized as "male" or "female."

Imagine wanting to sport the Rathian skirt as a male character or look like a football player with the Daimyo Hermitaur set as a female character, only to discover these options were exclusive to the opposite gender. This was a frustrating constraint in the past, as male armor designs often favored bulky aesthetics, while female armor sets tended to be more revealing than some players preferred.

The issue surpassed mere aesthetics in some instances. Monster Hunter: World, for example, implemented a voucher system for players wishing to alter their character’s sex and appearance. The initial voucher is provided gratis to all players, but further vouchers must be purchased for $3. This implied players who initially selected a character of one gender but later desired the visual appeal of a particular armor set restricted to the opposite gender, had to pay real money simply to achieve their ideal appearance without needing to create a new save.

Although Capcom hasn’t formally declared anything concrete, it’s highly likely that Wilds will incorporate the "layered armor" system from prior installments. This allows players to combine their preferred appearances without compromising statistics. This, combined with the elimination of gender-specific sets, unlocks a wide spectrum of options for player self-expression.

Capcom had more in store at Gamescom than just gendered armor sets. The latest trailer introduced two new monsters to the hunt: Lala Barina and Rey Dau. For more on Monster Hunter Wilds’ new features and monsters, check out the article below!