How to Craft Gear at the Blacksmith in Final Fantasy XVI

You’re not just going to a shop to get new weapons and armor for Clive. Final Fantasy XVI also involves stopping by to craft and upgrade gear at Blackthorne the blacksmith at Cid’s hideaway in Final Fantasy XVI. Because it’s so critical, you’ll find yourself quickly gaining access to the smithy so you’re never left wanting.

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How to unlock Blackthorne the blacksmith in Final Fantasy XVI and craft gear

You’ll naturally unlock Blackthorne the blacksmith in Final Fantasy XVI as part of the “Hide, Hideaway” questline. This comes up after the flashback to Clive’s youth is done and you meet Cid. Before you head to Lostwing with him, you’ll need better equipment. Upon reaching the main hall, Goetz will direct up into the smithy and give you some Continental Rum so Blackthorne will actually acknowledge you.

After properly meeting the Surly Smith, you’ll see the Final Fantasy XVI forging tutorial. You need a recipe and materials to craft and reinforce items. The tutorial equipment is an Iron Belt+1, which you’ll already have the 12 Iron Fillings to make. However, going forward you’ll need to get more recipes (by taking quests and advancing the story) and materials (by fighting monsters and visiting areas) to create more items.

Aside from the belt, there will be two more recipes available right away. One is a Broadsword +1, which requires a Frozen Tear and 30 Wyrrite. I only had 27 when I got here, as it’s a common drop from the early fights in the “tutorial.”The other is Iron Bracers +1, which need a Frozen Tear and 24 Wyrrite.

I recommend going to take the “Food for Thought” sidequest at the Hideaway’s Fat Chocobo eatery immediately after unlocking the blacksmith. The quest involves taking three meals to people’s tables and gets you 500 gil and another 10 wyrrite you can use to make that sword.

Final Fantasy XVI is available for the PlayStation 5. There is a six-month exclusivity period.