Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Way of the Blacksmith Main Quest Walkthrough

Find Heiji and build a Forge at the Hideout in Assassin’s Creed Shadows to complete the Way of the Blacksmith quest.

The Way of the Blacksmith is one of the first Hideout quests you can complete after establishing your base of operations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It is best to complete this mission as soon as possible because of the importance of the Forge in your playthrough. Building the Forge allows you to improve weapons and armor to keep up with your levels. Moreover, they also unlock engravings. 

Where to Find Heiji in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Way of the Blacksmith begins with Tomiko talking about Heiji, a friend who owes her a favor. She is certain that he will join the Hideout and contribute as a blacksmith if given a chance. She tells you that he is:

• In southwestern Izumi Settsu
• In Sakai
• East of the Port of Sakai

Sakai is south of Osaka, along the coast in Izumi Settsu. Sakai should be visible on the map, but you can spend a scout to determine Heiji’s exact location. Heading into town from the north, take the right fork along the main road. You will soon come upon Heiji’s blacksmith shop on the right side of the road. When you find Heiji, he will be surrounded by bandits. 

• Assassinate the first bandit with his back to you and hide his body in the bush behind him. 
• Whistle while hiding in the shrubbery to lure the next thug and stealth attack him when he is close. 
• Move to the bush ahead (beside the stall) and lure the penultimate bandit with a whistle.
• The final bandit bullying Heiji should have his back to you, making for an easy assassination. 

Heiji is devastated by the loss of his parents and agrees to leave Sakai, join your Hideout in Settsu, and repay his debt to Tomiko. 

Build the Forge

You will need the following materials to build the Forge at your Hideout:

• 40 Crops
• 30 Wood
• 10 Minerals

You can find 15 minerals around the spot where you rescued Heiji. The other materials can be found around enemy camps and by completing contracts. Once you have gathered enough, head to the Hideout and open the ‘Improve Hideout’ menu. Select the Forge from the ‘Main Rooms’ section. Choose a spot in the Hideout to place the Forge. You have completed the Way of the Blacksmith quest and are ready to begin improving your gear. 

---

We provide the latest news and create guides for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Meanwhile, you can check out the following AC Shadows articles or catch us playing games on Twitch and YouTube:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows: PS5 and Xbox Performance and Quality Modes Explained
• Can You Do One-Shot Assassinations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
• How To Get Assassin’s Creed Shadows Slash of Sprecher for Free
• Who Are the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Protagonists? Everything We Know About Yasuke and Naoe
• Can You Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam Deck
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Time Countdown for All Regions