Why Does My Manticore Armor Look Different in The Witcher 3?
You’ve donned the Manticore armor in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but something seems off. It doesn’t quite match what you saw online or what your friend is wearing. Why the discrepancy? The answer lies primarily in two key factors: New Game Plus (NG+) and crafting tiers. The Manticore armor has distinct appearances depending on whether you’re playing a standard game or a NG+ run. Furthermore, within each of those playthrough types, the specific tier of the armor (e.g., standard vs. superior vs. mastercrafted vs. grandmaster) may introduce minor visual variations. The legendary version of the Manticore set in NG+ features more noticeable steel armor, particularly around the upper chest and knees, distinguishing it from the standard Manticore set in a normal game.
Understanding Manticore Armor Visuals
The Role of New Game Plus (NG+)
The Witcher 3 offers a New Game Plus mode, allowing you to start a new game with your character’s experience, skills, and some of your gear from your previous playthrough. This is a fantastic way to experience the game again at a higher difficulty and with different choices. However, NG+ also introduces “Legendary” versions of Witcher gear sets.
- Normal Game Manticore Gear: The Manticore armor found and crafted in a standard game will have a specific appearance tied to its tier (Superior, Mastercrafted, Grandmaster).
- New Game Plus Legendary Manticore Gear: In NG+, the Manticore armor becomes “Legendary Manticore Gear.” These sets often feature slight visual upgrades, such as added steel plating or altered textures, to distinguish them from their normal game counterparts. This visual change is most noticeable in the chest and knee areas, providing a more armored look.
Crafting Tiers and Their Subtle Differences
Even within a normal game or NG+, the appearance of your Manticore armor can change depending on its crafting tier. While not as dramatic as the NG+ “Legendary” upgrade, each tier (Superior, Mastercrafted, Grandmaster) can introduce subtle visual alterations. These alterations might include minor texture improvements, slight additions of armor plating, or changes to the color palette.
- Base Manticore: This is the starting point, usually found or crafted early on.
- Superior Manticore: An upgraded version with better stats and a slightly refined look.
- Mastercrafted Manticore: A further enhancement with improved visuals, often adding more detail to the armor.
- Grandmaster Manticore: The highest tier, offering the best stats and a polished appearance. The Grandmaster version, crafted by the Grandmaster Smith in Beauclair, signifies the peak of your crafting journey.
The Importance of Grandmaster Crafting
The Grandmaster Manticore armor is only available in the Blood and Wine expansion and represents the pinnacle of the Manticore gear set. The visual details on the Grandmaster set are more pronounced, often featuring richer textures and more intricate designs compared to the lower tiers. This is especially true for the “Legendary” Grandmaster Manticore gear found in NG+.
Example Visual Differences
Consider these examples to illustrate the variations:
- Chest Armor: The standard Manticore armor might have leather straps across the chest, while the Legendary version in NG+ adds steel plates over the upper chest area for added protection.
- Knee Protection: Standard versions might have simple leather knee pads, while the Legendary version adds steel knee guards for enhanced defense.
- Color Palette: Subtle changes in color can also occur between tiers, with higher tiers often featuring richer and more vibrant colors.
FAQs About Manticore Armor Visuals and Stats
1. What is the difference between Manticore and Legendary Manticore armor?
The primary difference is that Legendary Manticore armor is the NG+ version of the gear. It often has enhanced visuals, such as additional steel plating, and improved stats compared to the standard Manticore armor found in a normal game.
2. Does legendary gear look different in Witcher 3?
Yes, legendary gear in NG+ typically has a different look compared to its normal game counterpart. This can include added armor pieces, altered textures, or changes to the color palette.
3. Where is legendary Manticore armor found?
The diagrams for Legendary Manticore armor are located in the same places as the regular Manticore armor diagrams, but you must be playing in New Game Plus to find the Legendary versions. This means revisiting the same locations in Toussaint where you found the original diagrams.
4. Is Manticore armor already grandmaster?
No, Manticore armor must be upgraded to the Grandmaster level. You start with the base Manticore gear, then upgrade it to Superior, Mastercrafted, and finally Grandmaster, using the appropriate diagrams and crafting materials.
5. What level should I be to wear Manticore armor?
The Manticore witcher set is designed for level 40 and above. Trying to wear it before level 40 will be impossible.
6. Is Manticore armor light, medium, or heavy?
Manticore armor is a medium armor. This provides a balance between protection and mobility, making it suitable for various combat styles.
7. What are the best stats for Manticore armor?
The Legendary Manticore Armor provides a well-rounded set of bonuses, including:
- Resistance to piercing, slashing, and monster damage
- Increased critical hit damage
- Adrenaline Point generation
- Bonus to Toxicity
It is a balanced set, favoring alchemy builds.
8. Can you get Grandmaster Viper armor?
Yes, but the Viper Witcher armor pieces are only available during story missions of the Hearts of Stone expansion. The armor diagrams can be purchased during the auction in the mission Open Sesame!.
9. How many Grandmaster armors are there?
There are five Grandmaster armor sets available in the Blood and Wine expansion:
- Griffin
- Ursine (Bear)
- Feline (Cat)
- Wolven (Wolf)
- Manticore
10. Which Grandmaster gear is best?
The “best” Grandmaster gear depends on your playstyle. Grandmaster Ursine is excellent for tanking and Quen builds, while Grandmaster Feline is suited for fast attacks and damage dealing. Grandmaster Manticore favors alchemy builds.
11. What are the effects of Manticore armor?
Manticore armor excels in improving alchemy-related skills. It boosts toxicity tolerance, potion duration, and bomb effectiveness. The specific effects vary slightly based on the armor tier.
12. Is the Manticore set any good?
Yes, the Manticore set is very good, particularly for players who favor alchemy builds. It offers a balanced mix of stats and bonus effects that can carry you through most of the late-game content.
13. Can you lose Grandmaster rank (in-game)?
No, Grandmaster rank for gear is a permanent upgrade. Once you craft the Grandmaster version, the armor remains at that level. This is different from the chess term of the same name; in chess, a Grandmaster rank is the highest title a chess player can attain and is held for life, although exceptionally the title can be revoked for cheating.
14. Is Temerian armor worth it?
Temerian Armor is useful early in the game. It provides decent protection against various damage types. While it’s not endgame gear, it’s a worthwhile purchase early on to help you survive tough encounters.
15. What makes The Witcher 3 such a compelling game?
The Witcher 3 stands out due to its immersive world, compelling characters, intricate quests, and the freedom to make meaningful choices that impact the story. The deep lore, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, and the game’s beautiful graphics, contribute to its enduring popularity. The study of the engagement and learning aspects in games such as The Witcher 3 is further explored by organizations such as the Games Learning Society, which can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The visual differences in Manticore armor stem from whether you are in a standard game or NG+, and the crafting tier of the armor itself. By understanding these factors, you can ensure that your Geralt is sporting the exact look you desire while maximizing his effectiveness in combat. Whether you prefer the steel-plated appearance of the Legendary Manticore armor or the classic look of the standard set, The Witcher 3 offers plenty of customization options to suit your style.