Mastering the Griffin Steel: A Witcher’s Guide to Upgrade Diagrams in The Witcher 3
So, you’re tracking down those coveted Griffin School gear diagrams in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, eh? Specifically, you’re after the Griffin steel sword upgrade diagrams. You’ve come to the right place, Witcher! The diagrams are scattered across the Northern Realms, each requiring a bit of exploration and monster-slaying to obtain. Let’s get straight to the point:
The basic Griffin Steel Sword diagram can be found on An Skellig, west of Yngvar’s Fang. Alternatively, fast travel to Urialla Harbor and ride Roach to the spot. Look for a tall rock alter with a Witcher symbol on it; the chest containing the diagram is behind the altar. For the Mastercrafted Griffin Steel Sword diagram, venture to the abandoned village of Boxholm. You’ll find it in the ruins on the mountain skirt. Climb the small ledge to reach the chest containing the diagram.
Griffin Steel Sword Diagram Locations: A Detailed Breakdown
Finding the diagrams is only half the battle. Knowing where to look, what to expect, and how to navigate the terrain is crucial for a smooth and efficient hunt. Let’s break down the locations for each upgrade level, providing a little context and advice along the way.
Basic Griffin Steel Sword
As mentioned earlier, the basic diagram is on An Skellig. Whether you choose to slide down from Yngvar’s Fang (a thrilling, if slightly risky, option) or take the more conventional route from Urialla Harbor, be prepared for bandits. The area around the rock altar is a popular spot for these opportunistic rogues. A quick application of Hanged Man’s Venom to your silver sword should make short work of them. Once they’re dealt with, examine the Witcher symbol carved into the stone, and the chest should be clearly visible behind it.
Enhanced Griffin Steel Sword
The Enhanced Griffin Steel Sword diagram is located west of Midcopse, on a small peninsula. The precise location is inside a cave found in that region.
Superior Griffin Steel Sword
The Superior Griffin Steel Sword diagram is located west of Yngvar’s Fang on An Skellig. This diagram is close to where the basic Griffin Steel Sword diagram is found.
Mastercrafted Griffin Steel Sword
The Mastercrafted Griffin Steel Sword diagram is located in the abandoned village of Boxholm, east of the signpost. This area is also related to the quest “Missing Son.” Locate the ruins along the mountain skirt, climb the eastern wall, and find the chest containing the diagram under some rubble to the north.
Crafting Your Griffin Steel Sword: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve acquired the diagrams, the next step is crafting the swords. Remember, you’ll need a blacksmith capable of working with Witcher gear, and the necessary crafting components. Don’t just hand the diagram to any old blacksmith; look for one with the “Master Blacksmith” designation for the best results. Crafting Witcher gear involves multiple steps:
- Gather the required ingredients: This often involves dismantling weapons and armor, hunting monsters for specific components, and purchasing materials from merchants.
- Find a Master Blacksmith: In Novigrad or Oxenfurt, look for blacksmiths who can craft Witcher gear.
- Provide the diagram and materials: The blacksmith will require the diagram you found and all the necessary crafting materials.
- Pay the crafting fee: Crafting Witcher gear is expensive, so make sure you have enough crowns.
- Claim your sword: Return after the crafting time is complete to claim your newly crafted Griffin Steel Sword.
The Griffin School: Playstyle and Benefits
The Griffin School is designed for Witchers who favor a balanced approach, combining swordplay with the use of Signs. This is reflected in the bonuses offered by the Griffin armor set.
- Sign Intensity Boost: The Griffin gear enhances the power of your Signs, making them more effective in combat.
- Stamina Regeneration: The set bonus provides faster stamina regeneration, allowing you to cast Signs more frequently.
- Elemental Resistance: The Griffin armor offers excellent protection against elemental attacks, crucial for dealing with mages and certain monsters.
The Griffin School style encourages strategic combat, using Signs to control the battlefield and exploit enemy weaknesses, while relying on your sword for consistent damage. GamesLearningSociety.org highlights how such strategic thinking contributes to deeper learning and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the game itself. This illustrates the inherent educational value in engaging deeply with games like The Witcher 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Griffin Gear
Let’s address some common questions about the Griffin School gear, providing extra clarity and insight.
1. Is there a Griffin crossbow?
Yes, there is. Like the other Witcher school gear sets (Feline, Ursine, and Manticore), the Griffin set includes a crossbow.
2. Where do I craft Griffin steel sword?
A capable weaponsmith in Novigrad, near the Vivaldi Bank, can craft the Griffin Steel Sword. Look for the weaponsmith through an archway south of the bank, turning left.
3. Who can craft enhanced Griffin sword?
Find an armorer in Hierarch’s Square and a blacksmith in the open market of Novigrad.
4. Which sword to use against Griffin?
Use your silver sword with Thunderbolt potion active and use Aard sign.
5. Where is the Griffin silver sword superior?
It’s found in a large, underground cave just west of Elverum Lighthouse.
6. Is Griffin armor good in Witcher 3?
Yes, the Griffin School Armor Set is good, it grants elemental resistance and boosts Sign intensity.
7. How do you upgrade Griffin armor to grandmaster?
Power the portal with the crystal and pass through it. Defeat the Golem and loot the Grandmaster Griffin silver sword, armor and trousers diagrams. Head back to Lafargue’s workshop.
8. How do you get grandmaster Griffin gear?
Lafargue, located in Beauclair, is the only one able to craft this gear.
9. How do I start the Griffin armor quest?
Find one of the locations of the diagrams, or buying one of the treasure maps
10. Where is the legendary Griffin armor?
The diagrams are all located within the Dragonslayer’s Grotto.
11. How do you get the Griffin silver sword?
Go to the abandoned lighthouse of Lornruk on the Northwestern tip of Velen.
12. How do you get the enhanced Griffin steel sword?
Head west of Midcopse, to the small peninsula.
13. Where is the enhanced Griffin silver sword diagram?
Enter the cave southeast of The Orphans of Crookback bog signpost.
14. What are the benefits of using the Griffin School gear?
The Griffin School gear focuses on amplifying Sign intensity, stamina regeneration, and elemental resistance.
15. At what level should I start using Griffin Gear?
The basic Griffin Gear is generally suitable for Witchers around level 11, while the enhanced version is designed for level 18. Mastercrafted requires an even higher level, around level 30 or above.
Concluding Thoughts
Hunting down the Griffin steel sword upgrade diagrams can be a rewarding experience, leading you on an adventure through the diverse landscapes of the Northern Realms. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is an organization promoting the educational value of video games. Remember, Witcher, patience, preparation, and a healthy dose of monster-slaying are the keys to success. Now, go forth and forge your destiny!