Commerce has always been a driving force behind progress, and this holds true in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, not all business practices in the game are above board. If you're on the hunt to uncover all the Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, this guide is your starting point.
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 art of the tea ceremony from Imai Sokun, a respected businessman in Settsu. Later, Imai Sokun shares his worries about a group impersonating House Imai and engaging in illegal activities. Your mission is to dismantle this secret merchant syndicate challenging the legitimate House Imai. There are five merchants to track down, each managing different business facets, and you can choose to deal with them lethally or non-lethally.
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
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the early stages of the Iron Hand quest require players to explore and uncover key locations using provided clues. This guide eliminates the guesswork, helping you locate each member efficiently.
Merchant Tamao
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Tamao, a dealer in contraband, is not subtle about his operations. Bypass the intel-gathering and head directly to the Yamashiro region. Navigate to Kyoto, the central city, and locate Honpoji Temple on its east side. From there, head west to find Tamao hiding in his brewery. Listen to the staff to learn he's refusing to come out. Smash the barrels in the courtyard to draw him out. Once he's out, confront him and move on to the next target.
Merchant Kanta
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
As you delve deeper into the Iron Hand quest, you'll find that not all merchants are willingly part of the syndicate. Merchant Kanta, found in the Mouth of Seta in the Omi region, is one such case. You can choose to attack him or use the Observe mechanic to gather crucial intel revealing he's being coerced into working for the guild. Spare his life, and he will become a captain in Imai Sokun’s merchant fleet.
Merchant Ginroku
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Ginroku specializes in selling rare delicacies to wealthy families around Miyazu Bay. Head to the Tamba region, specifically southwest of Miyazu Castle, across the bridge. Here, you can either eliminate him for his involvement with the Iron Hand or find an important letter in nearby huts that allows him to escape your judgment. If spared, he'll work with the real House Imai, gaining access to more affluent clients in Sakai Port.
Merchant Kin-no-suke
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Merchant Kin-no-suke's ostentatious displays of wealth raise suspicions, especially since he employs bandits to steal from competitors. Investigate him in the city of Obama in Wakasa, just east of the Trading Port. Be prepared to deal with his bodyguards; a smoke bomb and swift assassinations can be effective. Ensure he meets his end to progress.
Iron Hand
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Finally, you'll uncover the location of the syndicate's leader, the Iron Hand, in a heavily guarded area. Prepare for a challenging fight. He's located in Tamba, specifically at Fukuchiyama Castle, near the region's center. Approach from the south side of the castle walls to find him. Expect heavy resistance from him and the castle's guards. Clear them out strategically before confronting the Iron Hand. After defeating him, return to Imai Sokun to claim your rewards.
That concludes your journey to find all the Iron Hand Guild members in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more assistance with the game, be sure to check out resources on The Escapist.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
