Tracking down the elusive Black Market Dealer in A Universal Time (AUT) feels a bit like chasing a ghost. One minute he's tucked behind a tree in the desert, and the next, he's vanished into thin air. You've probably spent twenty minutes running around the map, jumping over walls, and getting increasingly annoyed that he isn't where the last YouTube video said he'd be.
Honestly, it’s frustrating.
The aut black market spots are notorious for shifting. If you're looking for him in early 2026, you need to know that the developers love to tweak these spawn points. It isn't just about knowing "where" anymore; it's about understanding the timing and the specific landmarks that haven't changed even when the map gets a fresh coat of paint.
He’s not just a shop. He’s your primary ticket to turning junk into U-Shards or dumping ability shards for a massive XP boost. If you're trying to level up a new Stand or Spec quickly, finding this NPC is basically mandatory.
Where He’s Hiding Right Now
The current rotation generally favors four specific zones. While the map occasionally gets small updates, the dealer tends to stick to the outskirts of major landmarks. You aren't going to find him standing in the middle of the park like a normal citizen.
The Train Station Huddle
This is usually the first place people check, and for good reason. He likes to hang out near the station, but he’s never out in the open. Check the corners of the building or behind the structural pillars. If he’s there, he’ll be leaning against the wall looking suspicious.
The Floating Village Bridge
This one is a pain to get to if you don't have a mobility-based Stand. He often spawns right in front of the bridge leading into the village. Look for the small buildings near the entrance. He’s often just standing there, waiting for someone to offer him a pile of shards.
The Desert Tree
The desert is huge, but the spot is specific. Head toward the waterfall. Just above it, near the entrance to the sandy wastes, there are a few lonely trees. He loves the shade of the one furthest from the main path.
The Port and Riverside
Sometimes he decides he wants to see the water. If you're at the Port, check the crates. He’s tucked away in the corners where the shadows are darkest. Recently, players have also spotted him near the East Riverside park area, specifically near the bridge where Jotaro hangs out.
Timing is Everything
You can't just camp a spot. Well, you can, but it’s a waste of time. The Black Market Dealer operates on a strict despawn timer. Usually, he sticks around for about 5 minutes before jumping to a new location.
The cooldown between spawns is where the confusion starts. Some servers seem to refresh him every 1 minute and 30 seconds, while others take upwards of 10 to 20 minutes. If you’ve checked all four main spots and he’s missing, he’s likely in that "limbo" state between spawns.
Don't panic. Just wait a few minutes and run the lap again.
Pro Tip: If you're in a public server, keep an eye on the chat. Players will often call out "BM at Desert" or "BM at Village." It saves a lot of legwork.
Why You Actually Need Him
Why bother? Because the economy in AUT is kind of a mess if you don't use the dealer.
📖 Related: Playing Age of Empires Mobile PC: How to Actually Make it Work
- U-Shard Farming: You’ve got a bunch of items you don't need? Sell them. It’s the most consistent way to get U-Shards without relying purely on luck or quests.
- The XP Grind: This is the big one. You can sell ability shards to him for raw experience points. If you're trying to max out a high-tier Stand, this is significantly faster than killing thugs or bosses repeatedly.
- Gambling (Let’s be real): Those U-Shards go right back into the gacha systems. We all do it.
The "Soul World" Confusion
A lot of players get mixed up between the main map and Soul City. If you’re in the Soul World, the aut black market spots are completely different.
In Soul City, you want to look at the Inner Ring. Check the top of the hill near the forest. There’s also a spot near the mountain peak and one right by the gate of the training area. If you’re searching for the dealer in the main map while he’s actually spawned in a different dimension, you’re going to be looking for a long time.
Moving Forward: Your To-Do List
If you want to be efficient, stop wandering aimlessly.
First, set a landmark. Use the central park as your "North Star."
Second, hit the Port, then the Train Station, then loop around to the Desert. If he’s not in those three, he’s either at the Floating Village or he’s currently despawned.
Get your items ready before you find him. There’s nothing worse than finding the dealer, realizing your inventory is a mess, and having him vanish while you’re trying to figure out what to sell. Clear your junk, keep your shards handy, and keep your mobility moves off cooldown.
Go check the Train Station first—it's the most common spot for a reason.