With the release of Title Update 1 in Monster Hunter Wilds (early April 2025), hunters gained access to a powerful new material: Blackember Mass. This rare high-rank item is essential for upgrading some of the best weapons and armor in the game, but obtaining it requires defeating one of the game’s toughest foes—Zoh Shia—in its high-rank variant.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to Unlock High-Rank Zoh Shia
- Best Methods to Obtain Blackember Mass
- What Blackember Mass is Used For
- Tips for Defeating High-Rank Zoh Shia
How to Unlock High-Rank Zoh Shia
Before you can farm Blackember Mass, you must first unlock Zoh Shia’s high-rank battle. Here’s what you need to do:
Once unlocked, you’ll be able to take on a much stronger version of Zoh Shia, with improved attack patterns, higher health, and access to Blackember Mass drops.
Best Ways to Get Blackember Mass from Zoh Shia
Blackember Mass is a rare drop, but there are four ways to obtain it:
| Drop Method | Drop Rate |
|---|---|
| Target Reward | 15% |
| Break Left Wingarm | 100% |
| Break Right Wingarm | 100% |
| Carve (Body) | 13% |
Optimal Farming Strategy
Since breaking either wingarm guarantees a drop, you should focus your attacks on them. Here’s how:
- Phase 1 & 2: Deal consistent damage to weaken Zoh Shia.
- Phase 3 (Wingarms Turn Black): This is your chance! Focus all attacks on either the left or right wingarm to break them before the fight ends.
- Use Partbreaker Skill: Equipping Partbreaker (Level 3) will make breaking the wingarms much easier.
- Bring a Severing Weapon: Weapons like Great Swords, Long Swords, or Switch Axes are ideal for targeting specific parts.
If you fail to break the wingarms, you still have a 15% chance from quest rewards and a 13% chance per carve, so always carve the body after the hunt!
What is Blackember Mass Used For?
Blackember Mass is a highly valuable material used for weapon upgrades and armor crafting, including some of the best endgame gear in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Weapon Upgrades
- Blazing Samira (x4)
- Blazing Veiah (x4)
- Blazing Uria (x4)
- Blazing Gariel (x4)
- Blazing Sital (x4)
- Blazing Rafel (x4)
- Blazing Mahaiah (x4)
- F Blazing Spear α (x1)
Armor Crafting
- Numinous Shroud α (x3)
- Numinous Shroud β (x3)
- Numinous Overlay α (x3)
- Numinous Overlay β (x3)
Charm Upgrades
- Earplugs Charm II (x3)
Given its importance in crafting top-tier gear, farming multiple Blackember Masses is highly recommended for endgame hunters.
Tips for Defeating High-Rank Zoh Shia
Zoh Shia is one of the toughest fights in Monster Hunter Wilds, and its high-rank version is even more dangerous. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Recommended Gear
- Fire Resistance 20+ – Zoh Shia deals heavy fire damage.
- Partbreaker 3 – Essential for breaking wingarms efficiently.
- Divine Blessing 3 – Reduces incoming damage.
- Health Boost 3 – Extra survivability.
2. Weapon Matchups
- Great Sword / Hammer – High burst damage for breaking parts.
- Bow / Light Bowgun – Safe ranged option to target wings.
- Lance / Gunlance – Strong defense while maintaining pressure.
3. Battle Strategy
- Avoid the Fire Breath: Zoh Shia’s flame attacks deal massive damage—stay mobile.
- Focus Wingarms in Phase 3: Once they turn black, prioritize breaking them.
- Use Traps & Mounts: Temporarily immobilize Zoh Shia for free damage.
- Bring Healing Items: Max Potions, Dust of Life, and Herbal Medicine are crucial.
Final Thoughts
Blackember Mass is a must-have material for endgame hunters, and while farming it from high-rank Zoh Shia is challenging, the rewards are worth it. By focusing on wing breaks, optimizing your build, and mastering the fight, you’ll be able to craft some of the best gear in Monster Hunter Wilds.Happy hunting, and may RNG be in your favor!
