In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, commerce is a driving force, and not all transactions are above board. If you're eager to uncover the locations and strategies for dealing with all Iron Hand Guild members, this guide is your essential resource.
The Iron Hand in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
The Iron Hand questline becomes accessible after Naoe masters the tea ceremony under the guidance of Imai Sokun, a respected businessman in Settsu. Reuniting with Imai later, you learn of a counterfeit operation masquerading as House Imai. Your mission is to dismantle this secret merchant syndicate threatening the genuine House Imai. Five merchants are involved, each overseeing different business sectors, and you can choose between non-lethal or lethal approaches to deal with them.
Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order
How and Where To Find All Iron Hand Guild Members in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As an early objective in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll explore the game world to uncover key locations and use clues to pinpoint your targets. This guide eliminates the guesswork, providing direct paths to each guild member.
Merchant Tamao
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Tamao deals in contraband and isn't subtle about it. Skip the intel gathering and head to the Yamashiro region. Find Kyoto, the central city, and locate Honpoji Temple on the east side. Move west from there to find Tamao hiding in his brewery. Eavesdrop on the staff to learn he's reluctant to come out. Draw him out by smashing the barrels in the courtyard, then confront him as he emerges.
Merchant Kanta
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Not all merchants are willing participants in the Iron Hand syndicate. Kanta, found in the Mouth of Seta in the Omi region, is one such case. You can attack him or use the Observe mechanic to gather evidence of his coercion. Spare his life, and he'll transition to a captain in Imai Sokun’s merchant fleet.
Merchant Ginroku
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Ginroku caters to the elite with rare delicacies near Miyazu Bay in the Tamba region, southwest of Miyazu Castle. You can eliminate him for his involvement with the Iron Hand or find a letter in nearby huts that allows him to escape retribution. If spared, he'll work with the real House Imai and gain access to richer clients at Sakai Port.
Merchant Kin-no-suke
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Kin-no-suke's ostentatious wealth raises eyebrows, especially since he uses bandits to steal from competitors. Investigate him in Obama, Wakasa, east of the Trading Port. Surrounded by bodyguards, employ tactics like smoke bombs and stealth assassinations to neutralize them and confront Kin-no-suke.
Iron Hand
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The final target, the Iron Hand himself, is located in the highly secured Fukuchiyama Castle in Tamba. Prepare for a challenging battle. Approach from the south side of the castle walls to find him. Thin out his guards methodically before engaging him directly. After defeating the Iron Hand, return to Imai Sokun to claim your rewards.
With this guide, you're equipped to find and deal with all Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more assistance with the game, check out The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
