Look, if you’ve been wandering around the Windward Plains or the Scarlet Forest feeling like your gear is just a bit "off," you aren't alone. You’re hitting monsters, they’re hitting back harder, and Gemma—our favorite blonde blacksmith—is just standing there at the forge looking like she has something to say but isn't quite saying it. That's because you haven't tackled the Smithy's Seal of Quality.
It’s one of those side quests that feels optional but really isn't. Not if you actually want to survive the mid-game.
Honestly, it’s kinda easy to miss if you’re just rushing the main story. You finish Chapter 4, you think you’re a big shot, and then the game subtly expects you to go talk to your smithy. This isn't just about getting a gold star on your homework. Completing Smithy's Seal of Quality is basically the gatekeeper to making Gemma a permanent fixture of your hunts.
Why the Smithy's Seal of Quality is actually a big deal
Most players think this quest is just another "go kill a bug" mission. They’re wrong. While the target is indeed a Lala Barina, the real reward isn't the monster parts. It's the utility.
Once you clear this, you unlock Gemma as a Hunting Assistant. In Monster Hunter Wilds, having an NPC who actually knows how to handle a forge and a trap line out in the field is a literal lifesaver. She doesn't just sit back; she helps you with specific environmental traps and prototype gear.
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Plus, she hands over 10 Pitfall Traps and 10 Shock Traps. In the early economy of Wilds, that's a massive win. You've probably noticed that crafting supplies can be a bit of a grind when you’re also trying to manage your Seikret and explore new locales.
How to actually start the quest without getting lost
The game is a bit vague here. First, you have to deal with the "High-Quality Materials" side quest. Gemma will ask for a Chatacabra Hide+. Note the "plus." You can't just bully a regular low-rank frog; you need to find a Rank 4 Chatacabra in the field.
After you hand that over, the Smithy's Seal of Quality doesn't just pop up on your screen. You have to:
- Talk to Gemma at any Base Camp (Forest Base Camp is usually the easiest).
- Go over to Alma at the Quest Counter.
- Open the Optional Quests tab.
If you're looking in the Main Story tab, you’ll be searching forever. It’s tucked away in the side-hustle section.
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Taking down the Lala Barina
The hunt takes place in the Scarlet Forest. If you haven't been there much, it’s beautiful but a total deathtrap. The Lala Barina is a giant, terrifyingly elegant spider-thing that loves to use its "petals" to mess with your day.
Here’s the expert secret: watch the tail. The tail is the weak point. If you’re a Hammer or Great Sword main, you’re going to have a field day, but even Dual Blades can shred this thing if you stay mobile. It's weak to Fire. If you’re still rocking a basic iron weapon, go craft something with a bit of heat.
Gemma will meet you in Area 12. This is where the "Seal of Quality" part comes in. She’s testing a prototype snare trap. It looks like a massive, glowing web. Do yourself a favor and actually use it. You can use Lure Pods to lead the Lala Barina right into it.
The trap immobilizes the monster for a significant window. It’s the perfect time to break those breakable parts—specifically the claws and the petals. If you ignore the trap, you’re just making the fight harder for no reason.
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Avoiding the "Smithy Bug"
There’s been some chatter in the community about a weird glitch where the Smithy menu freezes after this quest. It's annoying. Basically, players find themselves unable to exit the crafting menu after Gemma gives her "recommended" talk.
If this happens to you, don't panic. You don't usually need to restart the game. Just physically walk away from the forge. Usually, once your character gets enough distance, the UI forced-closes itself. It’s a weird "fix," but in the current build of Wilds, it’s the most reliable way to get unstuck.
What you get for your trouble
- Gemma as a Hunting Assistant: This is the big one. She’ll now show up to assist in certain hunts.
- 10x Pitfall Traps: Great for capturing or just stopping a charging monster.
- 10x Shock Traps: Faster to set down than Pitfalls.
- Guild Points: A decent chunk to help your rank.
The traps alone are worth the ten minutes it takes to hunt the spider. But the real value is having Gemma in your corner. In a game where the ecosystem is constantly trying to eat you, having the person who made your armor standing next to you with a trap is a huge vibe.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your quest log: If you’re past Chapter 4, see if Gemma has a yellow exclamation mark over her head.
- Upgrade to Fire: Before heading to the Scarlet Forest, check if you can craft a Rathalos or Aknosom weapon to exploit the Lala Barina's weakness.
- Clear the "High-Quality Materials" first: You cannot see the Seal of Quality quest until the Chatacabra Hide+ is delivered.
- Use the Snare: Don't just kill the monster; use the prototype trap Gemma sets up in Area 12 to ensure you get the optional rewards and the "Assistant" unlock.