Though mechanics come and go, blacksmithing in video games has been a constant since their inception. Whatever world you enter, whatever quest you undertake, you will always find a forge on the outskirts of the city, ready to supply you with weapons and armor.
Some of these metal arts adherents are just there to act as salesmen, but every once in a while an NPC comes along that really makes you sit up and notice. Like the iron they forge, they are strong, constant and multifaceted. Don’t be fooled by their big arms and crunchy personalities: these tough smiths are here for the long haul.
8 The Blacksmith – Dead Cells
Blacksmith from Dead Cells seems to have a pretty good gig. As you fight your Sisyphean way out of jail, the blacksmith gets to sit back behind boss arenas to collect your hard-earned cells. You’d think he could help a little, but apparently his job is too important to keep a prisoner from getting stabbed seven times until Sunday.
Still, it’s hard to be mad at this bespectacled master of steel. From other vendors, you can buy weapons that only last once, but the Blacksmith’s upgrades are permanent. Spending your cells in the Legendary Forge will increase your chance of getting good items on each run, making your eventual escape that much easier.
7 Master Edgewise – Loom
Although he only briefly appears in the ‘point-and-click adventure Loom’ from the 90s, the scant information you get about Master Edgewise leads you to believe that he is an absolute champion. He is the best blacksmith in the army of the evil Bishop Mandible, but he is also responsible for forging ten thousand swords.
You don’t need to know a whole lot about metalworking to know that this is an incredible number of swords. And while most people would be worn out by that incredible amount of work, Edgewise seems to be as shredded as ever as he puts the edge on the final knife. His only concern seems to be when you ruin his job. Talk about dedication to your craft!
6 Andrew – Metro Series
Making your way through post-apocalyptic Russia isn’t easy. Mutations are rampant, disease is rampant and militant communist forces are trying to suppress any semblance of power. What should a Spartan Ranger do?
Like most games with moral choice systems, the answer is up to you, but Andrew the Blacksmith is here to make sure you get there. Besides being a talented gunsmith, Andrew tends to save your sorry ass multiple times in the Metro series. After leaving the arsenal during the events of Metro 2033, he continues his good work elsewhere, smuggling refugees out of harm’s way.
5 Chunk and Sindri – God of War
Based on two Dwarf Blacksmiths from the Norse sagas, the brothers Brok and Sindri seem to have each other from the start. But as with everything in newer God of War games, things aren’t always as they seem. Brok and Sindri are two sides of the same coin, a bickering odd couple who, if they can put their differences aside, can work wonders.
In a surprising change of pace for serial god assassin Kratos, you are able to bring the two brothers together to forge the key to Tyr’s temple. Once united, the brothers are inseparable and will help you with whatever you need from them, even after Ragnarok’s arrival.
4 Zoltan Chivay – The Witcher 3
Zoltan Chivay may not be the best blacksmith in the Witcher universe. You barely have a chance to use his services, and when you do, you find that he is just an apprentice. In a world full of people who can craft magical weapons and armor, he’s not the first person you turn to to get your sword sharpened.
On the other hand, this mohawked, punk rock dwarf is a riot to be around. He drinks you under the table, makes plans with you, and deftly plays with you in Gwent. But more than that, Zoltan is one of the most solid friends you’ll come across in the Witcher series. Like Dandelion, he is with you to the bitter end and will go down cursing if he must.
3 Andre van Astora – Dark Souls
Andre van Astoria is the epitome of what makes a good blacksmith: he has a hearty laugh, a friendly, slightly accentuated voice and can’t or won’t wear a shirt. He also really seems to care about your well-being, which is saying something in a game where almost everyone you meet tries to take your head off your shoulders.
Aside from Solaire and Siegmeyer, Andre is probably the most beloved NPC in Dark Souls, and it’s easy to see why. Hearing the steady jingle of his hammer as you run down the stairs from the Undead Chapel will feel like you’re running into your mom’s arms after some school bullies take your Pokemon cards. His shop is the haven amid the storm of demons and toiling undead.
2 Biggoron – The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Is a bigger blacksmith a better blacksmith? While some games question this, the answer in the Legend of Zelda series is a resounding yes. And since Biggoron is the greatest blacksmith in Ocarina of Time, he is clearly the best blacksmith. It’s just simple math.
While his shop isn’t exactly in the most convenient location, getting to Biggoron atop Death Mountain is worth the effort. Completing the game’s full trading sequence will reward you with Biggoron’s Sword, a giant sword that is somehow twice as powerful as the legendary Master’s Sword. Maybe it’s time for a new legend?
1 Smithing Master Hewg – Elden Ring
If you search the dictionary for a definition of tough, there’s a photo of Smithing Master Hewg van Elden Ring looking straight at you. Unlike most blacksmiths, who exist only to sell or upgrade you sharp stuff, Hewg has a defined character arc that takes him from a memorable misbegotten to someone you genuinely care about.
While much of the pathos you feel for Hewg stems from his relationship with Roderika, his signature mark is his oath to Queen Marika: forging a weapon that will kill a god. Hewg will hold on to that promise even if the Roundtable Hold runs out. It continues to work even when it burns. Love or hate his crunchy personality, he remains utterly devoted to his task even if it means his death.
0 Comments