Despite being mentioned in some of the Secret Skill Texts you can buy from Sudama in Nioh 3, you can’t actually start blacksmithing right away.
This is because you actually have to reach a certain point in the game, including having to clear a strong boss in the story. Luckily, this quick and easy Nioh 3 walkthrough will tell you exactly when you can unlock and use the blacksmith.
How To Unlock The Blacksmith
During the campaign, Nioh 3 players unlock the blacksmith once they return to the Eternal Rift at the end of the story mission, ‘The Hamatsu Incident’.
This means that you’ll first need to clear the Jakotsu-baba boss fight at the end of the Hamamatsu Town Crucible, which can take you anywhere between two and ten hours — depending on how much you mainline the campaign or spend time exploring and completing side objectives in Warring States.
If you completely mainline the story and are skilled enough to beat Jakotsu-baba without leveling up to the recommended level via exploratory side objectives, unlocking the blacksmith might only take you up to four hours at most.
As Li Naotora later gives you the Guiding Mirror, and you return to the Eternal Rift for the first time since the prologue, the quest will then direct you to investigate the new building you see on the right.
Inside the building, you’ll find the Fox-Masked Blacksmith, who welcomes you as a rare customer and will let you sample her wares from here on out.
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How To Use The Blacksmith
After you’ve completed the remainder of the ‘Hamamatsu Incident’ mission, you’ll now be able to Fast Travel to the Eternal Rift whenever you wish — allowing you to use Nioh 3’s smithing mechanics whenever you would like.
With the blacksmith in Nioh 3, the major feature you’ll be able to use is forging new equipment (like weapons and armor) with the various crafting materials you’ll find on your journey. You’ll also be able to use crafting materials to forge tools, like ammunition and healing items.
Another interesting use is the ‘Remodel’ feature, which lets you fix up equipment so it has ‘+values’ and has alternative characteristics — making it a way to create unique character builds.
Finally, the other great use for the blacksmith in Nioh 3 is to disassemble equipment you don’t want and get more crafting materials in return.
With Nioh 3’s trait of leaving you with an abundance of extra gear throughout your playthrough, this is a perfect extra use for unnecessary gear you have no need for — a nice alternative besides exchanging it for Amrita at Shrines, if you have no need for any extra at the moment.
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