When you think of Capcom, do you still see visions of Mega Man hopping around madly and blasting off pellets? While the blue bomber may still be Capcom’s unofficial mascot, its far more popular and profitable Monster Hunter series rules the day. The action-RPG franchise is known for its addictive qualities, especially when enjoyed with friends. To celebrate the recent release of Monster Hunter Wilds, Cosplayer Akakioga is donning some seriously impressive Monster Hunter armor that looks like the real thing.
Why Akakioga Loves Nargacuga Armor From Monster Hunter
“I absolutely love the design of the female armor set and how many textures there are throughout the whole thing,” Akakioga told PLAYBOY. “Even the simplest designs have so many textures and fun little details you can play around with and make your own.”
For anyone who’s ever played Monster Hunter, the game is all about taking down massive baddies and then utilizing their parts to make weapons, armor, and occasionally, delicious food. Akakioga didn’t slay any beasts to make her Nargacuga armor, but she did craft it herself. It was an arduous two-month process, inspired in part by a cosplay done by @allyssooonnn.
Aside from being a labor of love, this cosplay taught Akakioga valuable lessons about transporting cumbersome props. The armor’s many points aren’t exactly easy to store, so she made them detachable. Like a real RPG, Akakioga’s cosplaying stat seemingly goes up after every new costume is made.
“I try and learn a new technique or skill with each costume I make,” Akakioga says. “So getting to look back at how far I’ve come is very humbling.”
What is the Nargacuga Armor From Monster Hunter?
Nargacuga armor is fashioned in-game from Nargacuga parts. The monster in question is a water element flying wyvern, found in a wide array of habitats. Its body is covered in black scales and fur, and its noted for its frightening nightmarishly red eyes.
Just about every part of the Nargacuga’s body can be wielded as a weapon, including its bladed wings. Dangerous as it is, taking one down provides bounty of useful scales, pelts, and shards that can be fashioned into useful items like, say, armor.
To see more of Akakioga cosplay, follow her on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
