Let me tell you something – if you’re serious about progressing in The Forge, the Fungi Merchant’s hidden shop isn’t just optional content, it’s absolutely essential for endgame success. I’ve spent countless hours navigating that maze, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about this game-changing merchant.
The Maze Merchant Shop in The Forge is one of those hidden gems that separates casual players from veterans. Introduced in the Iceberg Expansion update on January 11, 2026, this mysterious mushroom NPC sells some of the most powerful items in the entire game. But finding him? That’s half the battle.
The Fungi Merchant is a special NPC hidden deep within the maze on Iceberg Island. Unlike regular vendors, this shop focuses exclusively on high-value progression items – specifically, one game-changing potion and eight powerful weapon blueprints that you won’t find anywhere else.
What makes this merchant special is the daily rotation system. Every 24 hours, the shop refreshes with five items from a total pool of nine. You’ll always find the Fungi Potion available, but the four weapon blueprints change randomly each day. This system encourages daily visits and strategic planning rather than one-time farming.
Honestly, the Maze Merchant represents everything I love about The Forge’s design philosophy. It rewards exploration, patience, and smart resource management. When I first discovered this shop, it completely changed how I approached the game – suddenly, those dangerous maze runs felt worth the risk.
The thrill of never knowing which blueprints will appear each day keeps me coming back. There’s nothing quite like finally seeing that rare Colossal Gemblade blueprint you’ve been waiting for, or stocking up on Fungi Potions during an extended mining session.
Getting to the Maze Merchant requires some preparation, but trust me, it’s worth every effort. Here’s my step-by-step method:
First, you need to hit EXP Level 70 to unlock the portal to Frostspire Expanse island. Once there, head to the docks where you’ll find the Ferry Operator NPC.
The ferry ride isn’t free – you’ll need one Coinite ore for each trip. Don’t have Coinite? Farm it first before attempting the journey, otherwise you’re wasting time.
After paying, board the ferry and enjoy the ride. Important tip: Don’t try to swim to the island or jump off the ship – it’ll kill your character instantly.
Once on Iceberg Island, look for a rope leading into a Secret Cave. This is your entrance to the Hidden Maze where Fungi awaits.
Here’s the tricky part – Fungi’s location changes daily within the maze. My veteran tip? Move methodically and clear areas as you go. I always start by heading east and following the twisted path. Rushing usually leads to missed paths and frustrating backtracking.
After dozens of maze runs, I’ve compiled the complete list of every item available in Fungi’s shop. Here’s everything you need to know:
The remaining eight items are all weapon blueprints, each available as a single stock per day:
| Blueprint | Price | Weapon Type | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executioner’s Greataxe | $380,000 | Great Axe | A+ |
| Shark’s Fangs | $80,000 | Dagger | B+ |
| Crystalized Broadsword | $290,000 | Straight Sword | A |
| Anchored Straight Blade | $260,000 | Great Axe | A |
| Knight Spear | $320,000 | Spear | A- |
| Colossal Gemblade | $500,000 | Colossal Sword | S |
| Anchored Greatsword | $440,000 | Great Sword | A |
| Colossal Terrorblade | $470,000 | Colossal Sword | S |
Everything in this shop is expensive, but here’s how I make it work:
After countless maze runs, I’ve developed some reliable strategies:
The maze isn’t empty – you’ll face:
These enemies respawn throughout the map, so you’ll need solid combat skills. I recommend checking out The Forge Best Weapons Tier List & Craft Guide for optimal loadouts.
One of the most common questions I get is about restocking mechanics. Here’s how it works:
While you’re in the maze, don’t forget about the Heavenly Pickaxe – one of the best rewards in the entire game. To unlock it:
The Heavenly Pickaxe boasts 725 Mining Power and 85% Luck Boost with 4 Rune Slots – absolutely game-changing for serious players. For more details on all pickaxes, check out All Pickaxes in The Forge and How to Get Them.
Let’s be real – these items are expensive. Here’s my veteran approach to funding your Maze Merchant shopping sprees:
Every 24 hours, along with the shop inventory. The maze layout also resets daily.
Only one of each blueprint per day. The potion has multiple stocks available.
Absolutely. The blueprints unlock some of the best weapons in the game, and the potion dramatically improves farming efficiency.
You’ll need to pay another Coinite ore to return. Make sure you’re well-prepared before entering.
No – focus on blueprints that match your playstyle and current progression level.
The Maze Merchant system represents everything great about The Forge – it rewards exploration, planning, and consistency. When I first started playing, I found the maze frustrating and the prices overwhelming. But now? It’s one of my favorite parts of the game.
The key is changing your mindset. Don’t think of the maze as a chore – think of it as your daily progression check-in. Learn the patterns, respect the enemies, manage your money wisely, and the Fungi Merchant will become your best friend in The Forge.
If you’re new to The Forge or still learning the basics, I highly recommend checking out The Forge Beginner Progression Guide to get started on the right foot.
Remember, the best players in The Forge aren’t just lucky – they’re consistent. Make the Maze Merchant part of your daily routine, and you’ll see your progression accelerate dramatically.
Now grab your best gear, stock up on Coinite, and I’ll see you in the maze!
