Forging Glory: Crafting the Griffin Silver Sword in The Witcher 3
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So, you’re looking to craft the Griffin Silver Sword in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? Excellent choice! This blade is a solid early-to-mid game option, especially for players focusing on Sign builds. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain the diagrams and craft each tier of the Griffin Silver Sword.
Understanding the Griffin School Gear
The Griffin School gear is a Witcher gear set, specifically designed for Witchers who favor Signs and a more balanced approach to combat. The armor pieces emphasize Sign intensity and Stamina regeneration, while the swords are reliable and effective against monsters. The silver sword, in particular, is a crucial tool in your arsenal for dispatching the creatures that plague the Continent. You’ll need the diagram for the sword, the right crafting materials, and a skilled artisan to bring it to life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Each Tier
The Griffin Silver Sword comes in multiple tiers: basic, enhanced, superior, and mastercrafted. Each tier requires you to find a specific diagram and gather unique crafting components.
1. Obtaining the Basic Griffin Silver Sword Diagram
- Location: The diagram is located in the abandoned lighthouse of Lornruk, on the far northwestern tip of Velen.
- Challenges: Reaching the lighthouse isn’t a walk in the park. The drawbridge to the tiny island is raised, requiring you to swim across. Furthermore, a level 14 Wyvern guards the lighthouse. Prepare for a fight! Consider using Grapeshot bombs and the Aard sign to bring it down.
- Inside the Lighthouse: Once you’ve dealt with the Wyvern, enter the lighthouse. You’ll find the diagram for the Griffin Silver Sword within a chest, typically on the upper levels of the structure.
2. Gathering the Crafting Materials (Basic Sword)
Once you have the diagram, you’ll need the following components:
- Silver Ore x 6: Can be mined from silver deposits or purchased from blacksmiths.
- Leather Scraps x 4: Obtained by dismantling animal hides.
- Monster Saliva x 1: Dropped by various monsters.
- Monster Claw x 1: Dropped by various monsters.
3. Finding a Journeyman Blacksmith (Basic Sword)
You can’t just waltz into any blacksmith’s shop and expect them to forge a Witcher sword. You need a Journeyman Blacksmith or higher. One of the earliest you can find is in Oxenfurt, located on the east side of the main island. Look for a blacksmith with the Journeyman title. Speak with him and select the crafting option. If you have the diagram and materials, the Griffin Silver Sword will be available for crafting.
4. Upgrading to Enhanced, Superior, and Mastercrafted Tiers
The process for crafting the higher tiers is similar, but with different diagram locations and crafting materials:
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Enhanced Griffin Silver Sword:
- Diagram Location: Dragon’s Mouth Cave, east of Downwarren in Velen. It’s guarded by a few level 7 drowners, so you need to be careful
- Crafting Materials: Griffin Silver Sword, Leather Scraps x5, Silver Ingot x8, Monster Tooth x 1
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Superior Griffin Silver Sword:
- Diagram Location: A large, underground cave just west of Elverum Lighthouse on Ard Skellig. You must go to the southernmost end of Ard Skellig, find the cave and inside will be the diagram.
- Crafting Materials: Enhanced Griffin Silver Sword, Leather Scraps x6, Silver Ingot x10, Monster Heart x1
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Mastercrafted Griffin Silver Sword:
- Diagram Location: Dropped by a level 29 Giant Centipede in the Abandoned Mine during the Treasure Hunt Quest: Griffin School Gear Upgrade Diagrams – Part 4 (Toussaint).
- Crafting Materials: Superior Griffin Silver Sword, Leather Scraps x7, Dimeritium Ingot x10, Monster Essence x1
Important: For the Mastercrafted tier, you’ll need to visit Grandmaster armorer Lafargue in Toussaint. He is the only one who can craft the Mastercrafted gear. You will need to have the Blood and Wine Expansion for this tier.
Strategic Combat and Monster Hunting
Crafting the Griffin Silver Sword is just the first step. To become a true Witcher, you need to understand how to use it effectively in combat. Remember that silver swords are best used against monsters, dealing significantly more damage than steel swords. The Griffin Silver Sword’s bonuses to Sign intensity make it particularly effective when combined with Signs like Igni, Aard, and Yrden.
Furthermore, knowing which oils to apply to your blade can drastically increase your damage output. Applying the correct oil against a specific type of monster can be the difference between a challenging fight and an easy victory.
Don’t forget to use potions, bombs, and decoctions to gain an edge in battle. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Also, remember the benefits of a balanced education. Visit the GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the benefits of learning from games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best silver sword in The Witcher 3?
While the Griffin Silver Sword is a great early to mid-game option, the Aerondight is widely considered one of the best, if not the best silver sword in The Witcher 3, especially when fully charged. It’s obtained in the Blood and Wine expansion. The Cantata is another strong silver sword that can be found during the quest What Lies Unseen.
2. Which blacksmith can craft Griffin swords?
You need a Journeyman Blacksmith or higher to craft the Griffin swords. The earliest one you can find is in Oxenfurt. For the Mastercrafted tier, only Grandmaster armorer Lafargue in Toussaint can craft it.
3. Where is the Legendary Griffin silver sword?
The diagram for the Legendary Griffin Silver Sword (superior) is found in a large, underground cave just west of Elverum Lighthouse on Ard Skellig.
4. Is Griffin armor good in The Witcher 3?
Yes, the Griffin armor set is excellent, especially for players who focus on Sign intensity. It provides good elemental resistance and boosts Sign power significantly.
5. What level do you need to be to use the Griffin Silver Sword?
The basic Griffin Silver Sword can be used at a relatively low level. However, each tier requires a higher level. The Mastercrafted Griffin Silver Sword is intended for high-level players.
6. What oil should I use with my silver sword?
The best oil depends on the type of monster you’re fighting. Use Specter Oil against wraiths and other specters, Necrophage Oil against ghouls and other necrophages, and Hybrid Oil against griffins and other hybrids. Applying the Superior Elemanta Oil to a silver sword will grant Geralt the advantage of 50% more attack power towards these massive Gargoyles and Golems.
7. Why use a silver sword instead of a steel sword?
Silver swords are specifically designed to deal extra damage to monsters, while steel swords are more effective against humans and animals.
8. Where can I find silver ore?
Silver ore can be mined from silver deposits, typically found near mountains or caves. You can also purchase it from blacksmiths.
9. Can I craft the Griffin Silver Sword early in the game?
Yes, you can craft the basic Griffin Silver Sword relatively early in the game, as soon as you reach Velen and can navigate to Lornruk.
10. What are the benefits of using Witcher gear sets?
Witcher gear sets, like the Griffin set, offer superior stats and unique bonuses compared to regular armor and weapons. They are designed to complement specific playstyles.
11. What is a Master Blacksmith?
A Master Blacksmith is a blacksmith with exceptional skills who can craft the highest tier of weapons and armor. Hattori is the only Master Blacksmith in the base game. For Mastercrafted Witcher gear, you need the Grandmaster armorer Lafargue from the Blood and Wine expansion.
12. Why can’t I craft Griffin swords?
You might be missing the diagram, the required crafting materials, or you might be trying to use an amateur blacksmith.
13. Where can I get a good silver sword early in The Witcher 3?
The Serpentine Silver Sword is a good early-game option, obtained by chasing a wraith in White Orchard. The Moonblade can be found in the Pontar River at the Spoils of War icon Southwest of Mulbrydale and Northeast of Crow’s Perch.
14. How do I unlock Hattori as a Master Blacksmith?
You need to complete his side mission, “Of Swords and Dumplings,” which is recommended for level 24 players.
15. Is there a Griffin crossbow in The Witcher 3?
Yes, the Griffin school gear includes a crossbow, just like the Feline and Ursine sets.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the Griffin Silver Sword and dominating the monster-infested lands of The Witcher 3!