Hammer and Forge

The "Hammer and Forge" is a significant main mission in Act I of Ghost of Tsushima, focusing on Jin Sakai's efforts to re-arm and prepare for the ongoing Mongol invasion. This mission highlights the importance of resources and the ingenuity required to fight a technologically superior enemy.

The "Hammer and Forge" mission is encountered early in Jin's journey through Act I, after the initial shock of the Mongol invasion. Lord Shimura tasks Jin with a critical objective: to secure vital resources and forge new weapons to counter the invaders. This involves venturing into dangerous territories and interacting with key characters who can aid in this endeavor. The mission emphasizes the practical necessities of war beyond just battlefield prowess.

Mission Objectives and Walkthrough:

Speak with Lord Shimura: The mission begins with a conversation with Lord Shimura, who outlines the dire need for more weapons and armor. He will direct Jin to seek out a blacksmith.
Locate the Blacksmith: Jin is sent to find a skilled blacksmith who can help re-establish the armories. This often involves traveling to a nearby village or a hidden forge.
Gathering Materials: The blacksmith will explain that they need specific materials to forge the weapons. This typically involves collecting resources like Iron, Steel, and potentially other rare components found in the world.
Clearing Mongol Presence: The areas where these materials are found, or the blacksmith's workshop itself, may be under Mongol control. Jin will need to clear out any enemy presence to secure the location and its resources. This might involve stealth takedowns, direct combat, or a combination of both.
Defending the Forge: In some instances, after securing the materials and the blacksmith, Jin might need to defend the forge from a Mongol counter-attack. This is often a wave-based combat encounter where Jin must protect the blacksmith and the newly forged weapons.
Reporting Back: Once the weapons are forged and the area is secured, Jin will report back to Lord Shimura, sifying the successful re-establishment of Tsushima's armories and a step forward in the fight against the Mongols.

Key Takeaways and Sificance:

Resource Management: This mission introduces the importance of gathering resources in Ghost of Tsushima. Players learn that combat isn't just about skill, but also about having the right equipment.
Character Development: It shows Jin taking on more responsibility and actively working to rebuild and re-arm his people, moving beyond just personal combat.
World Building: The mission helps to flesh out the world by introducing the concept of skilled artisans and the infrastructure needed to support a war effort.
Gameplay Mechanics: "Hammer and Forge" often serves as a tutorial for resource gathering and the upgrade system for weapons and armor, which are crucial for progression throughout the game.

Completing "Hammer and Forge" is essential for advancing Jin's capabilities and the overall war effort. It's a mission that blends narrative progression with practical gameplay elements, setting the stage for the more challenging encounters to come.