Mastering the Serpent: A Guide to Grandmaster Viper Armor in The Witcher 3
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So, you’re ready to slither into the most prestigious version of the Viper School gear? Unfortunately, there’s a little misunderstanding. There is no Grandmaster Viper armor in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The Viper School gear stops at the regular version, which is obtained during the Hearts of Stone expansion. The Grandmaster tier is exclusive to the Blood and Wine expansion and applies to other Witcher school sets.
However, fear not, aspiring Viper! While you can’t get a Grandmaster set, the standard Viper armor is still a fantastic set. This article will guide you through obtaining the Viper School Armor, and we’ll also explore the Grandmaster Witcher gear in general, including the process for getting other Grandmaster sets, so you can deck out Geralt in the best possible equipment.
Acquiring the Viper School Armor
The Viper School Armor is unique because it is only available through the Hearts of Stone DLC. The diagrams for the armor and swords are primarily acquired during the “Open Sesame!” quest.
The “Open Sesame!” Quest and the Auction
The “Open Sesame!” quest is central to obtaining the Viper diagrams. During this quest, you’ll participate in an auction.
- Speak with Countess Mignole: During the auction, make sure to speak with Countess Mignole. She’s one of the individuals you can interact with to gather information.
- Purchase the Diagrams: Countess Mignole will offer to sell you the diagrams for the Viper School Armor set. They’re not too expensive, costing around 295 crowns apiece. Buy them all!
- Steel Sword Location: The diagram for the Viper Steel Sword isn’t acquired through the auction. Instead, it can be found inside Borsodi’s vault at the conclusion of the “Open Sesame!” quest.
Once you have the diagrams, you can visit any armorer or blacksmith capable of crafting Witcher gear to forge the pieces.
Understanding Grandmaster Witcher Gear
Even though the Viper School doesn’t have a Grandmaster set, understanding how to obtain Grandmaster gear is still crucial for completing your Witcher gear collection.
The Blood and Wine Expansion
Grandmaster gear is exclusively available in the Blood and Wine expansion, which takes place in the beautiful duchy of Toussaint.
Visiting Grandmaster Armorer Lafargue
To begin your Grandmaster journey, you must travel to Beauclair and find Lazare Lafargue, the Grandmaster armorer. He is the only one capable of crafting Grandmaster gear.
- Scavenger Hunts: Lafargue will initiate a series of scavenger hunts, one for each Witcher school set you wish to upgrade to Grandmaster. These quests involve finding diagrams scattered throughout Toussaint.
- Crafting: Once you’ve located all the diagrams for a specific school (e.g., Griffin, Feline, Ursine, Manticore, Wolven), return to Lafargue, and he’ll craft the Grandmaster pieces for you, provided you have the necessary materials.
Grandmaster Gear Bonuses
Grandmaster armor sets provide unique set bonuses when you equip multiple pieces. These bonuses encourage you to wear a complete set for maximum effectiveness. For example, the Grandmaster Griffin set enhances Sign intensity and provides additional benefits when casting Signs.
Crafting the Viper School Gear
Once you have the diagrams, you need to find a capable craftsman to create the gear. Here’s what you need to know:
Finding a Craftsman
Any armorer or blacksmith who can craft Witcher gear is capable of forging the Viper School Armor. However, higher-level armorers and blacksmiths will have a better chance of crafting higher-quality versions of the set.
Required Materials
Gathering the necessary crafting materials is the next step. These materials can range from common items like leather straps and iron ore to rarer components such as dimeritium ingots and monster parts. Explore the world, complete contracts, and loot chests to acquire the materials you need.
Related FAQs: Mastering the Art of Witcher Gear
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Witcher gear and the world of The Witcher 3.
1. Is the Viper armor worth it?
Absolutely! The Viper School Armor is a stylish and effective set. It has a look reminiscent of the iconic Kaer Morhen armor, provides solid defense, and includes two potent swords. It’s a great choice, especially during the Hearts of Stone expansion.
2. What level do I need to be to use the Viper armor?
The base Viper set is level 39. In New Game+ (NG+), the Legendary Viper gear set is level 93.
3. Where can I find the diagrams for the Viper armor after missing them during “Open Sesame!”?
If you missed purchasing the diagrams during the auction, you can return to the auction house and see if the Countess Mignole is still there. However, if she isn’t, you might be out of luck, as there’s no other guaranteed spawn for the diagrams.
4. Can I upgrade the Kaer Morhen armor?
Yes, the Kaer Morhen Armor is upgradeable through crafting. It’s essential not to sell or dismantle it because it’s required to craft the Warrior’s Leather Jacket, an upgraded version.
5. What are the upgrade stages for Witcher gear?
The upgrade stages are: Basic, Enhanced, Superior, Mastercrafted, and Grandmaster. In New Game+, you can craft Legendary variants of each level.
6. Is the Viper steel sword any good?
The Viper steel sword is excellent, especially early in the game. It provides a significant power boost and is one of the best swords available at that stage.
7. Is Viper armor light, medium, or heavy?
Viper armor is classified as medium armor.
8. Is Aerondight the best silver sword in the game?
Many players consider Aerondight to be the best silver sword. It’s exclusive to the Blood and Wine expansion and offers powerful bonuses.
9. What’s the best steel sword in the game?
The Hen Gaidth sword is an excellent choice for a first playthrough because it scales to your level.
10. Which painting should I choose during the auction in “Open Sesame!”?
Choose the Portrait of a Merchant to prove the dealer wrong and get a tip for a profitable painting to buy.
11. How many Grandmaster armor sets are there in total?
There are five Grandmaster armor sets in total, each belonging to a different Witcher school.
12. What’s the level cap in The Witcher 3?
In the original game, the level cap is 70. With the Blood and Wine expansion, you can reach level 100.
13. What are some tactical brands similar to Viper?
Viper is a popular tactical brand known for military and outdoor clothing and accessories.
14. Is Viper tactical gear a reputable brand?
Viper is considered a renowned tactical brand with over ten years of experience in the market, known for its quality.
15. What makes Grandmaster gear so special?
Grandmaster gear not only offers superior stats but also provides unique set bonuses when you equip multiple pieces, enhancing your combat abilities.
Embracing the Witcher Lifestyle
While pursuing the best gear is part of the Witcher experience, remember that the game is also about storytelling, exploration, and making meaningful choices. Embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds and playstyles. And, if you want to learn more about the intersection of games and education, be sure to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
The path of a Witcher is never easy, but with the right knowledge and a bit of determination, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Good luck on the Path, Witcher!