If you’re running around the Windward Plains wondering why Gemma keeps talking about a "prototype" but won’t actually give you the mission, you aren't alone. It’s annoying. You see the dialogue, you see the notification, and then... nothing. No waypoint. No gold quest marker on the map. Just you and your Seikret staring at the sand.
Basically, Smithy's Seal of Quality MH Wilds is a side quest that acts as a bit of a gatekeeper for some really useful mid-game utility. It isn't just a "kill this thing" filler quest. It’s the mission that officially brings Gemma, the Smithy, into the field as a hunting assistant. Honestly, having her show up to drop specialized traps while you're getting bullied by a monster is a total game-changer.
But getting it to actually show up in your log is where most hunters trip up.
How to Unlock Smithy's Seal of Quality
You can’t just stumble into this. The game forces a very specific sequence of events. First, you have to clear the main story through Chapter 4, specifically the "New Ecosystems" portion. Once that’s done, Gemma will have a side quest icon over her head at the camp.
This first quest is called High-Quality Materials.
She’s going to ask you for a "Hide Plus" from a Chatacabra. Here is the catch: you can't just go hunt a low-rank one from the quest board. You need to head out into the field in the Windward Plains and find a Rank 4 Chatacabra. Look at your map; if the icon doesn't show Rank 4, it won't drop what you need. Break its parts—specifically the head and arms—to get the hide.
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Once you turn that in, Gemma will get all excited about her new invention. This is where the actual Smithy's Seal of Quality quest begins. But, and this is the part that confuses everyone, she doesn't "give" it to you in the traditional way.
Finding the Quest in the Menu
After talking to Gemma, the quest doesn't just activate. You have to manually go over to Alma, the Quest Counter.
- Open the Post/Join Quest menu.
- Navigate to the Optional Quests tab.
- Look for the quest titled Smithy's Seal of Quality.
If you just try to go out and kill the target monster (a Lala Barina) in free roam, it won't count. You have to post this specific mission.
Taking Down the Lala Barina
The meat of this quest is hunting the Lala Barina, that giant, terrifyingly elegant spider that loves to bleed you dry. If you haven't fought it yet, bring Astera Jerky or plenty of bandages. The "Bleed" status in Wilds is brutal; it’s not something you can just ignore while you're swinging a Great Sword.
The Lala Barina is fast. Like, "where did it go" fast. It uses its silk to reposition constantly. But there’s a hidden objective in this quest that most people miss because they’re too busy trying to survive. Gemma wants you to test her prototype trap.
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The Secret Objective: The Prototype Trap
During the hunt, Gemma will occasionally call out. She’s set up a specific zone with a prototype trap—usually a high-output Pitfall or Shock variant. Your job isn't just to kill the spider; it’s to lure it.
You’ll see a yellow marker or a ping on your mini-map indicating Gemma’s position. Get the Lala Barina's attention—throw a stone, use a Screamer Pod, whatever—and lead it directly into the trap's radius. When the trap triggers, you get a massive damage window. More importantly, fulfilling this "test" is what officially grants you the seal of quality.
The Rewards: Is It Worth It?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: it’s mandatory if you want to be efficient. Completing this quest gives you a fat stack of supplies immediately: 10 Pitfall Traps and 10 Shock Traps. In the early-to-mid game of MH Wilds, resources can be a bit tight, so a free restock of high-tier capture tools is great.
But the real prize is Gemma herself. By completing Smithy's Seal of Quality, you unlock Gemma as a Hunting Assistant.
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In Monster Hunter Wilds, the support system is way more dynamic than previous games. Gemma doesn't just stand there; she will join certain hunts and deploy traps automatically. She’s essentially a high-level Palico with better gear and better timing. If you’re a solo player, having her there to pin a monster down for five seconds can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrated "Quest Failed" screen.
Why the Quest Might Be Bugged for You
There’s a known issue some players are reporting where the quest won't progress even after talking to Gemma. If your Smithy menu feels "stuck" or you can't see the new armor sets after the hunt, try these steps:
- Distance Reset: Sometimes the UI gets "latched" to Gemma. Walk completely out of the camp area until the UI disappears, then walk back in.
- The Recommendation Trick: If you can't craft the new Lala Barina armor, talk to Gemma and ask for "Recommended Armor." She’ll often pull up the sets that the bug is hiding in the standard menu.
- Check the Hub: If the quest isn't appearing at Alma, make sure you aren't currently in a multiplayer lobby where the host hasn't reached Chapter 4 yet.
Actionable Steps for Hunters
Don't let this quest sit in your log. The utility is too high. Here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Check your Chapter: Make sure you've finished the "New Ecosystems" main quest.
- Hunt the Chatacabra: Go to the Windward Plains (Rank 4) and break the parts to get the Hide Plus.
- Talk to Alma: Do not wait for a notification. Go to the Optional Quest tab and manually trigger the Lala Barina hunt.
- Lure, Don't Just Slay: When Gemma pings the map during the fight, stop attacking and lead the monster to her trap. It's the only way to "officially" satisfy the seal of quality requirements.
Once you’ve got that seal, your trap game becomes significantly more potent. Gemma is one of the best assistants in the game for a reason—make sure she’s on your team sooner rather than later.