The Black Dye Merchant offers the signature shadow aesthetic that many Ghost of Yotei players crave. This guide details the merchant’s full offering, her location, and every required step so you can maximize both your visual style and gameplay immersion.
Black Dye Merchant checklist
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Merchant Name | Black Dye Merchant |
| Location | Teshio Ridge — western bank of the Teshio River, beneath Sarobetsu Forest, northwest of Red Crane Inn |
| How to Unlock | Complete “The Kitsune” main quest, specifically the “The Way of the Shamisen” sub-quest |
| Currency Used | Flowers |
| Signature Items | Exclusive black dyes for armor, masks, and weapon kits |
| Notable Dyes | Memories Gone (Taro’s Armor), Lightning in the Dark (Onryō Armor) |
| Special Headgear | Stroke of Luck Headband (3 Flowers) |
| Special Mask | Smoke Kitsune Mask (10 Flowers) |
| Merchant Type | Specialty vendor offering cosmetic dyes and stealth-themed appearance sets |
| Unique Feature | Transforms armor and accessories into shadow-themed versions with darker tones for stealth aesthetics |
| Availability | Becomes accessible after completing the required questline; inventory expands with progression |
Locating Black Dye House
You’ll find the Black Dye Merchant in the Teshio Ridge region, specifically on the western bank of the Teshio River and just beneath the shadowy Sarobetsu Forest. Her hut is marked by black cloth banners, which signal the right house as you approach from the road northwest of the Red Crane Inn. The area is surrounded by thick mist and trees which add to the atmosphere.
How to reach the Black Dye House
You won’t have access to most of her wares right away—she keeps the rarest items hidden until her family is safe. Follow these steps to unlock the black dye house:
Step 1
Begin the main story “The Kitsune” questline.
Step 2
Proceed through the sub-quest “The Way of the Shamisen.” Oyuki will guide you through this sensei tale.
Step 3
Talk to Oyuki and overhear Matsumae and Fujita's conversation about the cipher and Nine Tail's Hideout.
Step 4
Follow Oyuki through Teshio River and reach the Nakajima Sake House in Sarobetsu Forest.
Step 5
Meet chosuke and find out about Nine Tails cipher. Chosuke will tell you that the symbol was on a dye house.
Step 6
Follow his directions and with Oyuki to find the Black Dye House in Sarobetsu Forest.
Step 7
You will find the Kitsune symbol on a fabric here. That's how we know the quest is being tracked correctly.
Step 8
After the rescue, the merchant permanently sets up in her Black Dye House and expands her inventory.
Black Dye Merchant Inventory
Below is a speculative / example table for the types of items and dyes you might expect from the Black Dye Merchant.
| Item | Category | Cost | Notes / Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke of Luck Headband | Headgear | 3 Flowers | Available by default after unlocking the merchant |
| Smoke Kitsune Mask | Mask | 10 Flowers | Same unlock status |
| Memories Gone (Taro’s Armor Dye) | Armor Dye | 8 Flowers | Requires progress in the Kitsune questline |
| Lightning in the Dark (Onryō Armor Dye) | Armor Dye | 20 Flowers | Also unlocked through the Kitsune questline |
Special features and tips for stealth play
The Black Dye Merchant is more than a vendor; she represents the stylistic and symbolic philosophy at the heart of the game. Black dyes not only alter appearance but signal a deeper commitment to a stealth and vengeance-based strategy. The Smoke Kitsune Mask, for example, visually links to the Kitsune clan’s story.
- Always collect flowers before the visit to avoid extra backtracking.
- Prioritize story progress if you want the best armor variants in black.
- Black dyes make night stealth easier—use for night infiltrations and cinematic scenes.
Discussion