You’ve probably seen the "Ultimate Strength" quest sitting in your log and thought it was just another generic high-rank filler. Honestly? Most people do. They see the name, expect a standard "slay two monsters" routine, and click through the dialogue without a second thought. But this specific quest—the MH Wilds Ultimate Strength quest—is actually the gateway to the Street Fighter 6 collaboration, and it fundamentally changes how you play the game once you finish it.
It isn't just about getting a new set of armor. It’s about unlocking what some players are calling the "15th weapon" of Monster Hunter Wilds.
How to actually start the MH Wilds Ultimate Strength quest
Most hunters get stuck before they even begin because they're looking in the wrong place. You won't find this on the standard quest board in the Windward Plains. To trigger it, you have to head over to the Oilwell Basin. Specifically, look for an NPC named Quinn. She’s the Vespae Unit handler, and she's usually hanging around the Base Camp there.
There's a catch, though. You can’t just roll up as a fresh recruit. You need to be at least Hunter Rank 21 (HR 21). If you’re still working through the main story chapters, you might need to grind out a few more field investigations or side missions to hit that cap. Once you talk to Quinn, she’ll send you on a bit of a scavenger hunt.
First, you’re looking for carcasses.
Gross, right?
You’ll need to check the Upper Stratum and the Middle Stratum of the Oilwell Basin. Specifically, keep an eye on Area 5 for a Tempered Rathian corpse. After you've done the detective work, the quest sends you into the deep dark: the Subterrane. Between Area 16 and Area 18, you’ll find the man himself—Akuma.
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Meeting the Demon of Combat
When you find Akuma, don't expect a friendly "pardon me" while you gather ore. He’s going to hit you with a Raging Demon and tell you to go find "True Strength." It’s a bit dramatic, but that’s Akuma for you. This interaction is what actually unlocks the Arena Quests you need to progress.
The Secret "15th Weapon"
This is where the MH Wilds Ultimate Strength quest gets weirdly cool. Completing the follow-up Arena Quest, "Demonic Strength," doesn't just give you a costume. It gives you a full-on moveset overhaul.
When you equip the Akuma Full Armor Set, your traditional weapon basically disappears. Your hunter starts using fists. We're talking Hadokens, Shoryukens, and even the Drive Impact system from Street Fighter 6. It’s not just a cosmetic change; your attack power actually scales based on the raw damage of the weapon you have "equipped" underneath the armor.
What to bring for the Arena
If you’re struggling with the Arena portion of the quest, here's a tip that most people miss: loadouts matter. You’ll be given specific sets to use. The Longsword-based Akuma loadout is generally considered the best because it comes with a Rock Steady Mantle. This lets you ignore the monster's flinching and just keep punching.
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- Focus on the Ajarakan: You need to hunt it in the arena.
- Use the moveset: Don't try to play it like a normal hunt. Use the "Assisted Combo" item in your radial menu.
- The 4-minute mark: If you want that sweet A-rank and the special titles that come with it, you need to clear the Ajarakan in under 4 minutes.
Is the Akuma armor actually viable?
There's a lot of debate on the forums about whether this gear is "meta" or just a gimmick. Here is the nuance: the armor set comes with Heroics Lv. 3, Partbreaker, and Evade Window. It’s built for players who like to live on the edge.
The biggest limitation? You can’t mix and match. It’s a full set. This means you lose out on the highly specialized "Artian" weapon bonuses or the crazy elemental builds you can make in the late-game. However, for sheer fun and a totally different flow to combat, it’s unbeatable.
Also, the "Drive Impact" move actually has an Offset effect. In Wilds, that’s huge. It allows you to clash with a monster’s attack and completely shut them down, much like the new Focus Strike system but with the flair of a fighting game.
What you get for finishing the quest
Once you’ve talked to Akuma one last time after the arena, you’re officially done. You’ll walk away with:
- Akuma α Armor Recipe: Requires SF6 Tickets, Ajarakan Scales+, and Ajarakan Jewels.
- Blanka-Chan Palico Set: Because why wouldn't you want a rolling electric green cat?
- New Poses and Titles: The "Master of the Fist" title is the big one people show off.
- Special Actions: Even without the armor, you can use basic versions of the moves as gestures, though they won't do much damage.
Actionable Steps for Success
If you're jumping in tonight, follow this exact sequence to save yourself some headache.
- Check your HR: If you aren't at HR 21 yet, go to the Grand Hub and spam some High Rank investigations. It's the fastest way.
- Clear the Carcasses fast: Don't get distracted by mining nodes. Go straight to Area 5 in the Basin, then drop down to the Subterrane.
- The SF6 Ticket Grind: You need 5 tickets for the full armor set. Since you only get one per "True Strength" Arena run, be prepared to fight that Ajarakan a few times.
- Weapon Scaling: Before you put the armor on, equip your highest Raw damage weapon (like a Greatsword or Hammer). Even though you're using your fists, the game uses that weapon's base stats to calculate your punch damage.
The MH Wilds Ultimate Strength quest is easily one of the most creative collaborations Capcom has put out in years. It’s a permanent addition to the game, so there’s no rush, but honestly? Turning Monster Hunter into a third-person brawler is something you have to try at least once.
Stay focused on the Ajarakan's telegraphs during the Arena phase. His fire slams can end a run fast, especially since the Akuma set has a slight weakness to Fire and Ice. Stick to his legs, use the Drive Impact to offset his charges, and you'll have the recipe in no time.