Commerce has always been a driving force behind progress, and this remains true in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, not all business practices are legitimate. If you're keen on uncovering the whereabouts of all Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step needed to track down these elusive merchants.
The Iron Hand in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
The Iron Hand questline becomes accessible after Naoe masters the art of the tea ceremony under the guidance of Imai Sokun, a respected businessman in Settsu. Later, you'll reconnect with Imai Sokun, who voices concerns about imposters tarnishing the reputation of House Imai through illicit dealings. Your mission is to dismantle this secret merchant syndicate and restore the honor of House Imai. There are five merchants to track down, each overseeing different facets of the business. You can choose to handle them either non-lethally or lethally, depending on your approach.
How and Where To Find All Iron Hand Guild Members in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As one of the initial objectives in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll need to explore the world, uncover key locations, and use the provided clues to pinpoint your targets. This guide will eliminate the guesswork, ensuring you know exactly where to go and what to do.
Merchant Tamao
Tamao, a dealer in contraband, isn't subtle about his activities. Skip the intel-gathering and head straight to the Yamashiro region. Locate Kyoto, the bustling city at its center, and find Honpoji Temple on the east side. From there, move west to find Merchant Tamao hiding in his brewery. His staff will mention he's refusing to come out. Draw him out by smashing the barrels in the courtyard. Once he confronts you, handle him as you see fit before moving on to your next target.
Merchant Kanta
Deeper into the Iron Hand quest, you'll learn not all merchants are willingly part of the syndicate. Merchant Kanta, found in the Mouth of Seta in the Omi region, is one such example. You can choose to attack or use the Observe mechanic to uncover evidence that he's being coerced into working for the guild. By sparing him, Kanta can transition to a captain in Imai Sokun’s merchant fleet.
Merchant Ginroku
Ginroku deals in rare delicacies, catering to the wealthiest families around Miyazu Bay. Travel to the Tamba region and head to Miyazu Bay, southwest of Miyazu Castle, across the bridge. Here, you can either eliminate him for his involvement with the Iron Hand or find a crucial letter in a nearby hut that allows him to escape your judgment. Spare him, and he'll join the real House Imai, gaining access to more affluent clients in Sakai Port.
Merchant Kin-no-suke
Merchant Kin-no-suke's ostentatious displays of wealth raise suspicions, especially since he hires bandits to steal from others to bolster his business. Investigate by heading to Obama in Wakasa, just east of the Trading Port. Deal with his surrounding bodyguards as you see fit—a smoke bomb and quick assassinations can be effective—ensuring he's neutralized.
Iron Hand
After dealing with the other merchants, you'll finally pinpoint the location of the syndicate's leader, the Iron Hand, in a heavily fortified area. Prepare for a challenging confrontation in Tamba, at Fukuchiyama Castle, near the region's center. Approach from the south side of the castle walls to find him. Expect fierce resistance from both the Iron Hand and the castle's guards. It's wise to pick off the guards stealthily before engaging him directly. Once the Iron Hand is defeated, return to Imai Sokun to claim your rewards.
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding all the Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and assistance with the game, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
