Unveiling the Ultimate Blades: How to Obtain the Most Powerful Swords in The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece brimming with engaging quests, memorable characters, and a vast arsenal of weapons. Amongst these weapons, the most sought after are, understandably, the most powerful swords. Achieving peak combat effectiveness requires a keen understanding of where to find these blades and how to maximize their potential. The journey to wielding the “best” sword in The Witcher 3 is nuanced and often debated, depending on what aspects of the game you’re trying to optimize. However, to cut to the chase:
- For the best silver sword overall, the coveted Aerondight stands out. Obtained through the Blood and Wine DLC, you’ll need to complete the quest “There Can Only Be One” in Toussaint. The Aerondight’s unique ability to increase its damage with each charged kill makes it exponentially stronger as you progress.
- For the strongest steel sword, the Toussaint Steel Sword (Relic Version) is a popular option. It offers solid damage output and can be found within the Blood and Wine expansion.
These weapons, particularly Aerondight, require specific actions to unlock their full potential, such as building up charges and leveling up alongside Geralt. They’re not just about raw stats; they’re about gameplay synergy and maximizing effectiveness in combat.
Delving Deeper: Acquiring Aerondight, The Premier Silver Sword
Embarking on the Quest: “There Can Only Be One”
Aerondight isn’t simply lying around waiting to be picked up. You must prove your worthiness by undertaking the quest “There Can Only Be One.” This quest becomes available in the Blood and Wine DLC. You can start it in one of two ways:
- Check Notice Boards: Look at notice boards in Toussaint, especially the one in The Gran’Place in Beauclair. The quest should be listed there.
- Speak with the Hermit: Located west of Corvo Bianco in Toussaint is a hermit. Talking to him directly will initiate the questline.
Proving Your Virtues: The Five Knightly Values
To complete the quest and claim Aerondight, you must demonstrate the five knightly virtues, tested through a series of encounters:
- Compassion: This typically involves resolving a conflict peacefully or helping someone in need.
- Generosity: Giving aid or resources to someone who requests it.
- Honor: Keeping your word and acting with integrity in a given situation.
- Valor: Displaying bravery in the face of danger, usually involving a monster hunt.
- Wisdom: Making sound judgements and offering sage advice.
Each virtuous act will be marked by a “radiant aura” around Geralt, confirming you’ve successfully completed the test. Once you’ve proven your worth, you’ll face the Hermit in a duel, after which you’ll be granted the Aerondight.
Mastering Aerondight: Charging and Scaling Damage
Aerondight’s true power lies in its unique charging mechanic. As you fight, the sword gains charges with each successful hit. When fully charged, killing an enemy will permanently increase the sword’s damage output, scaling with Geralt’s level. This process can be repeated until Aerondight reaches its maximum potential for your current level.
Tips for Maximizing Aerondight’s Potential:
- Control Enemy Levels: Utilize enemy upscaling to ensure enemies don’t die too quickly, giving you ample opportunity to build charges.
- Strategic Use of Quen: Use Quen to block attacks without losing charges.
- Optimize Build: Adjust your build to prioritize attack power and critical hit chance to maximize damage output.
- Patience is Key: Leveling Aerondight takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not seeing immediate results.
Steel Yourself: Acquiring Powerful Steel Swords
The Toussaint Steel Sword: A Reliable Option
The Toussaint Steel Sword (Relic Version) offers excellent damage and is relatively easier to obtain compared to some other top-tier swords. It can be found randomly within Toussaint. Looting Bandit camps, abandoned sites, and chests within the region offer a better chance to come across the blade.
The Black Unicorn Relic Steel Sword
The Black Unicorn Relic Steel Sword is a strong option for killing humans. The diagram for this sword is found near Kaer Morhen, though keep in mind it requires level 46 or higher to wield.
Iris: A Sentimental and Potent Choice
Acquired during the Hearts of Stone DLC through the quest involving Olgierd von Everec, Iris is a unique steel sword. It boasts a special ability to unleash a powerful, charged attack at the cost of some health, making it a risk-reward weapon for skilled players.
Understanding Sword Types: Steel vs. Silver
In The Witcher 3, knowing when to use a particular sword type is fundamental.
- Steel Swords: Primarily effective against human enemies and non-monster creatures.
- Silver Swords: Designed for combating monsters and supernatural entities.
Using the correct sword type significantly increases your damage output and combat effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a better sword than Aerondight?
While Aerondight is widely considered the best silver sword, some players argue that the Gesheft can surpass it in terms of raw damage. The Gesheft diagram is found in a monster den northeast of Beauclair. However, Aerondight’s scaling damage and unique mechanics often make it the preferred choice.
2. How do you permanently increase Aerondight damage?
By killing an enemy with Aerondight at full charge. This permanently increases the base damage of the sword, scaling with your level. This can be repeated over and over until a max damage amount for Geralt’s current level is attained.
3. What is the most OP weapon in The Witcher 3?
Most veteran players consider Aerondight to be one of the most OP swords in The Witcher 3, mainly due to its scaling damage and versatility.
4. What is Geralt’s best sword?
Geralt’s best sword depends on the situation. However, Aerondight stands out as an exceptional choice, due to its scaling mechanic and the fact that it is a silver sword, which is what you’ll use most often.
5. What is the best high-level sword in The Witcher 3?
Aerondight reigns supreme as a high-level silver sword. The Toussaint Steel Sword (Relic Version) is a good choice for high-level steel sword.
6. What is the best sword in Witcher 3 without expansions?
Without DLC, your options are more limited. Some strong steel sword choices include the Feline Swords, Viper swords, and Belhaven Blade. Bloodsword is a strong silver sword option.
7. Can you make swords stronger in Witcher 3?
Yes, but only Witcher gear (like Feline, Ursine, and Griffin swords) can be upgraded through crafting by finding diagrams. Aerondight is special. It increases its damage every time you kill an enemy with full charges.
8. How do you increase sword damage in Witcher 3?
Beyond upgrades, you can enhance sword damage through skills, mutagens, oils, and potions. Specific oils, like Hanged Man’s Venom (for humans) and Beast Oil (for beasts), greatly increase damage against respective enemy types.
9. What is the max level in Witcher 3?
The maximum level in the base game and Hearts of Stone DLC is 70. With Blood and Wine, the level cap increases to 100.
10. Do swords scale with level in Witcher 3?
Most swords do not scale with your level. However, Aerondight is the major exception. It is important to get Aerondight as early as you can and level it up with you for maximum potential.
11. Can Geralt get Ciri’s sword?
Yes, Geralt can acquire Ciri’s sword as a gift for her. It is gifted to her by Master Ort.
12. Is Iris the best steel sword in Witcher 3?
Iris is a very powerful steel sword. Its unique charged attack can deliver massive damage. The Toussaint Steel Sword also stacks up. Which one is better comes down to player preference.
13. What are the best two swords in Witcher 3?
For an overall powerful combination, Aerondight (silver) and the Toussaint Steel Sword (steel) are excellent choices.
14. What is the rarest thing in Witcher 3?
The Witcher 3 contains numerous rare encounters and items. Finding Letho in a supposedly haunted manor is one of the rarer encounters in the game.
15. Does Aerondight level up?
Yes, Aerondight levels up with you, increasing its damage potential as you progress. By killing enemies at full charge, you can permanently increase its damage, making it scale with your level until level 100.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path to Power
Ultimately, the “best” sword in The Witcher 3 is subjective and depends on your play style and preferences. Aerondight and the Toussaint Steel Sword, when leveled and optimized correctly, offer exceptional power and versatility. Experiment, explore, and discover the weapons that best suit your Geralt’s unique combat style. You might also be interested in reading some research about the impact of video games on learning. Take a look at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information. Happy hunting, Witcher!