Commerce has always been a driving force of progress, and this remains true in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, not all business is conducted through legitimate means. If you're eager to uncover the whereabouts of all Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, this comprehensive guide is your ideal starting point.
The Iron Hand in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
The Iron Hand questline becomes accessible after Naoe masters the tea ceremony under the guidance of Imai Sokun, a prominent businessman in Settsu. Later, you'll reconnect with Imai Sokun as he voices concerns about someone fraudulently using the House Imai name for illicit dealings. Your mission is to dismantle this covert merchant syndicate that threatens the legitimacy of House Imai. You'll encounter five merchants, each overseeing different business aspects, and you have the option to deal with them either non-lethally or lethally, according to your preference.
How and Where To Find All Iron Hand Guild Members in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
In the early stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll need to explore the game world and pinpoint key locations before following the provided clues to locate each target. This guide eliminates the guesswork, providing you with precise directions.
Merchant Tamao
Tamao, a dealer in contraband, is not subtle about his operations. Bypass the intel-gathering phase and head straight to the Yamashiro region. Find Kyoto, the large city at its center, and locate Honpoji Temple on the eastern side. From there, move west to uncover Merchant Tamao hiding in his brewery. Staff gossip will reveal that he's reluctant to emerge. Attract his attention by smashing barrels in the courtyard; he'll eventually come out to confront you. Deal with him and proceed to your next target.
Merchant Kanta
Delving deeper into the Iron Hand, you'll find that not all merchants are willing participants. Merchant Kanta, located in the Mouth of Seta in the Omi region, falls into this category. You can choose to confront him or use the Observe mechanic to gather crucial intel that proves he's being coerced into working for the guild. Sparing his life allows Kanta to join Imai Sokun’s merchant fleet as a captain.
Merchant Ginroku
Ginroku specializes in selling rare delicacies to affluent families around Miyazu Bay. Travel to the Tamba region, locate Miyazu Bay to the west, and find Ginroku southwest of Miyazu Castle, just across the bridge. You can choose to eliminate him for his involvement with the Iron Hand or search nearby huts for a crucial letter that spares his life. If spared, Ginroku can collaborate with the real House Imai and access wealthier clients in Sakai Port.
Merchant Kin-no-suke
Merchant Kin-no-suke's ostentatious displays of wealth raise suspicions, compounded by his use of bandits to pilfer from others. Head to the city of Obama in Wakasa, just east of the Trading Port, to find him. Be prepared for his bodyguards; a strategic use of smoke bombs and swift assassinations should suffice to ensure his demise.
Iron Hand
Finally, you'll confront the head of the syndicate, the Iron Hand, in a heavily guarded area. Prepare for an extended battle as you approach Fukuchiyama Castle in Tamba, near the region's center. Look for the Iron Hand on the south side of the castle walls. He'll put up more resistance than the others, so thin out the guards before engaging him. Once the Iron Hand is defeated, return to Imai Sokun to claim your rewards.
That concludes your journey to locate all Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For additional assistance with the game, check out resources on The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
