Jacksmith

About This Game

Jacksmith, developed by Flipline Studios, is a unique crafting and strategy game released in September 2012. You play as Jacksmith, a donkey blacksmith, alongside your sheepdog apprentice, Scout. When the evil wizard Dudley kidnaps Princess Liliana, you craft weapons for six warrior clans to battle monsters and save her. Across seven regions, you forge swords, bows, axes, maces, pikes, and shields, using ores and elemental boosts. The hands-on crafting process involves melting, molding, and hammering, while battles let you collect loot and fire cannons. With colorful 2D art and a medieval soundtrack, Jacksmith appeals to fans of crafting, strategy, and Flipline’s Papa’s series, offering deep progression and replayability.

How to Play

Jacksmith combines crafting precision with strategic battles. Here’s how to play:

1. Take orders from warriors (e.g., pigs, cats) specifying weapon type, ore, and parts like grips or tips.
2. Craft weapons at the Crafting Station:
   • Choose the ore (e.g., copper, bronze) and mold (e.g., sword blade).
   • Melt ore by pulling bellows, adjusting speed for efficiency.
   • Pour molten metal slowly into molds for higher power.
   • Hammer, stretch, or assemble parts with timed clicks for durability.
   • Add handles, tips, or elemental boosts (e.g., fire, ice) for better stats.
3. In battles, warriors auto-fight using your weapons. Weapon quality (power, durability, luck) affects their performance. Collect loot like gems and ores by mousing over it.
4. From day three, use Scout’s cannon to fire shots (cannonballs, fire bombs) by clicking or pressing 1-4, recharging between shots.
5. Spend gems at Gander’s shop for better ores, parts, or cannonballs. Unlock new weapons and boosts by filling star meters. Craft Epic Weapons with blueprints for top stats.
6. Progress through regions, facing tougher monsters until you confront Dudley. Focus on accurate crafting for high weapon scores, and use elemental boosts (e.g., ice against ice-enchanted foes) for better loot. In-game guides help perfect each step.

Platforms

Jacksmith is available on multiple devices:

• Mobile: iOS and Android via browser play on sites like Poki or through emulators like BlueStacks (no official app).
• Tablet: iPad, Android tablets, and similar devices.
• PC/Computer: Play in any web browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux via Poki, CrazyGames, Y8, HoodaMath, Coolmath Games, or Skipthegame. Browser play needs an internet connection but no downloads, using HTML5 or Ruffle emulation (updated April 2023). Progress saves automatically in browsers. The Steam version, Jacksmith: Weapons and Warriors, launched May 2025 for $9.99, offers widescreen and enhanced features.

Pop Groups

Jacksmith attracts a broad audience but especially these players:

• Crafting Enthusiasts: Fans of Grindcraft or Minecraft enjoy the detailed weapon forging.
• Time-Management Players: Those who like Papa’s Pizzeria vibe with the order-craft-battle loop.
• Strategy Gamers: Similar to Bloons TD, the elemental boosts and battle tactics add depth.
• Casual Players: Gradual difficulty suits short or long sessions.
• Younger Players: The colorful art and donkey hero appeal to kids and teens (rated Pegi 6).

More Games Like This

If Jacksmith sparks your interest, try these titles for crafting or strategy:

• Papa’s Freezeria (Poki): Craft sundaes in a Flipline time-management sim.
• Papa’s Sushiria (Skipthegame): Make sushi with similar hands-on mechanics.
• Grindcraft (CrazyGames): Focus on resource gathering and crafting.
• Shop Empire (Y8): Manage a mall with strategic upgrades.
• Kingdom Rush (Coolmath Games): A tower defense game with tactical battles.

These games mix crafting, strategy, or time management for continued fun.

Developer

Jacksmith was created by Flipline Studios, the team behind Papa’s Pizzeria and Papa’s Donuteria. Founded in 2007, Flipline is known for vibrant 2D art and addictive gameplay. Jacksmith won awards for best strategy game and art, reflecting their skill in blending simulation with narrative. Their 2025 Steam release, Jacksmith: Weapons and Warriors, modernized the game with widescreen and streamlined crafting.

Features

Jacksmith offers a rich experience:

• Detailed Crafting: Forge six weapon types with customizable ores, molds, and elemental boosts.
• Eight Elements: Fire, water, ice, stone, wind, lightning, plant, and shadow for strategic combat.
• Seven Regions: Battle through varied landscapes with unique monsters.
• Cannon Mechanics: Fire cannonballs or bombs to aid warriors, starting day three.
• Epic Weapons: Unlock blueprints for high-stat gear via star meters.
• Loot Collection: Gather gems, ores, and parts to upgrade your shop.
• Colorful Art: Bright 2D visuals and medieval music set the tone.
• Progression System: Unlock weapons, parts, and clans as you advance.
• Free Browser Access: Play instantly, with a premium Steam version available.

Controls

Controls are simple:

• Mouse (PC): Click to take orders, craft weapons, collect loot, and fire cannons.
• Keyboard (PC, Optional): Number keys (1-4) for cannon shots; arrow keys for menus.
• Touchscreen (Mobile/Tablet): Tap to interact, drag for crafting actions, tap for cannons (best via emulators).
• Steam Version: Same mouse/keyboard setup, customizable in settings. In-game tutorials ensure quick learning.

Release Date

Jacksmith was announced July 5, 2012, and launched September 27, 2012, as a Flash game. It moved to HTML5 in April 2023 for browsers. Jacksmith: Weapons and Warriors hit Steam on May 22, 2025, with widescreen and upgrades. It’s logged over 1.8 million plays on Miniplay and remains a nostalgic hit.

FAQ

Q: Is Jacksmith free to play?
A: Yes, it’s free on Skipthegame, Poki, CrazyGames, and other browsers. The Steam version costs $9.99.

Q: Do I need an internet connection?
A: Browser play needs internet. The Steam version supports offline play post-download.

Q: Why is crafting tricky?
A: Precision boosts weapon stats. Use in-game gauges for slow pours and accurate hammering. Shop upgrades simplify tasks.

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Yes, rated Pegi 6, with cartoonish battles suitable for kids and teens.

Q: How many regions are there?
A: Seven, each with unique enemies, ending with Dudley’s castle.

Q: Are there ads?
A: Browser versions may have minimal ads. Steam is ad-free; some sites like HoodaMath are low-ad.

Q: Does progress save?
A: Browser progress saves per device. Steam saves locally. No cross-device sync unless platform-specified.

Q: Why no mobile app?
A: No official app exists, but browser play or emulators work. Fans on Reddit hope for a port.

Q: What’s new in the Steam version?
A: Widescreen, color-coded bookmarks, and part indicators streamline crafting.

Q: Are there similar games on Skipthegame?
A: Try Papa’s Sushiria for Flipline crafting or Bad Ice-Cream 3 for arcade fun. Grindcraft on CrazyGames suits crafting fans.