How Good is Wolf Gear in The Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The Wolven armor set in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as one of the most balanced and versatile gear options available to Geralt. It’s not the absolute strongest in any single category, but its all-around capabilities make it a favorite among players who prefer a flexible playstyle. Simply put, Wolf gear is exceptionally good for players who want to seamlessly blend swordplay with sign usage. Its medium armor classification provides a sweet spot between mobility and protection, and it offers valuable stat bonuses that support both offensive and magical combat strategies. If you’re seeking a reliable, stylish, and well-rounded armor set, the Wolven gear is an excellent choice. This article dives deep into why the Wolf school gear is so highly regarded, how it compares to other sets, and how to make the most of it.
The All-Rounder: Why Wolven Gear Excels
The Wolven armor set is distinct for its balanced approach. Unlike the Feline set which prioritizes fast attacks or the Ursine set which focuses on heavy protection, Wolven gear provides a medium armor experience. This means you’re not sacrificing significant mobility for defense, nor are you completely vulnerable to powerful blows. This balance is reflected in its stat bonuses:
- Moderate protection: It offers a reasonable level of armor, making it reliable against most enemies.
- Increased Sign Intensity: This crucial stat boost allows Geralt’s magical signs like Igni, Aard, and Quen to be more potent, increasing damage, range, and effectiveness.
- Enhanced Attack Power: The gear provides a bonus to attack power, making Geralt’s sword strikes more impactful.
- Adrenaline Point Gain: The Wolven set enhances the speed at which Geralt gains adrenaline, which is a key mechanic for powerful combat abilities.
These features make the Wolven set suitable for a hybrid playstyle that blends swordplay with sign usage, making it ideal for Geralt’s role as a monster hunter who utilizes both steel and magic. It is considered a master-of-none, but jack-of-all-trades option for many players, and this is why it remains so popular.
Style and Lore
Beyond its in-game mechanics, the Wolven gear set also wins points for its aesthetic appeal. The wolf motif resonates with the lore of the Witcher universe, making it feel both thematically fitting and stylish. Its design is both functional and visually appealing, striking a balance between classic medieval armour and the more fantastical elements of the game.
Wolven Gear: Not Just for Beginners
While it’s true that the Wolven gear is a great all-rounder for newcomers, it’s by no means limited to new players. The Grandmaster version of the Wolf armor is one of the best in the game, maintaining its balance while offering significant improvements over its lower tiers. Moreover, the unique crafting requirements allow for a smoother transition to the higher versions. Unlike other sets, you don’t need to craft a Mastercrafted version before making the Grandmaster version, saving you some time and resources.
Many veteran players continue to use the Wolven gear throughout their playthrough, attesting to its effectiveness and versatility. It truly allows players to adapt their combat strategies on the fly without being penalized for using a combination of melee attacks and signs. The Wolven Steel Sword is also a standout, offering a balanced approach that is perfect for dealing with a range of different enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Wolf armor medium armor?
Yes, Wolf armor is medium armor. This classification provides a balance between protection and mobility, making it versatile for various combat situations.
2. Is Wolven armor better than steel armor?
While steel armor can offer good protection, particularly for heavier builds, the Wolven armor excels through its balanced stat bonuses, particularly for a mixed combat and sign style. The additional benefits to sign intensity and attack power make Wolven armor more valuable for most builds that utilise signs and swords, and not just being a tank.
3. Is Wolf armor good for a sign-focused build?
Absolutely. Although not its primary focus, the Wolven set’s sign intensity bonus is a major benefit. It’s not as specialized as the Griffin set for sign-focused builds but provides more overall balance with swordplay.
4. Is Wolf armor suitable for fast-paced combat?
Yes, the medium weight of the Wolf armor allows for reasonable mobility, so it does work well with fast-paced combat. While not as light as Cat armor for a purely agile playstyle, the Wolven is ideal for a style that blends speed with power and magic.
5. Is Wolven armor better than Cat armor?
The better choice between Wolven and Cat (Feline) armor depends on your playstyle. Cat armor is better for fast attack builds with high mobility. If you are more interested in a hybrid of swordplay and signs, then Wolven is the better choice, providing an overall balance and sign intensity bonus.
6. What is the best armor set in The Witcher 3?
There isn’t one universally agreed-upon “best” armor set, as it depends on individual playstyle. However, Grandmaster Wolven Armor is frequently considered one of the best all-around choices. Other top sets include Feline (for fast attacks), Ursine (for heavy tanking), and Griffin (for sign intensity).
7. Where are Wolven gear diagrams found?
Many diagrams for the Wolven armor set are located around Kaer Morhen, the witcher stronghold. You will find them scattered throughout the area. Some diagrams for Grandmaster versions are found in Toussaint.
8. Can you upgrade the Kaer Morhen armor to Wolf Armor?
No, the Kaer Morhen armor is a separate piece of gear. It is the starting armor and can be upgraded, but it is not directly related to the Wolven armor set.
9. Is the Grandmaster Wolven Armor one of the best?
Yes, Grandmaster Wolven Armor is widely regarded as one of the best armor sets in the game due to its balanced and highly beneficial stats.
10. Is Wolf armor heavy armor?
No, the Wolf armor is medium armor, it is not heavy armor. It only looks that way due to its more robust, practical design.
11. Is Wolf Armor good for melee damage?
Yes, the Wolven gear is good for melee damage, providing a boost to attack power. Although it is not the outright best in this category, it’s very reliable for sword combat and complements signs perfectly.
12. What are the rarest armor sets in the Witcher 3?
Some of the rarest armor sets include the Tesham Mutna Armor, Hen Gaidth Armor, and Toussaint Armor. These require specific conditions or DLCs to obtain.
13. Are the Wolven swords good?
Yes, the Wolven swords are very good. They are a balanced option, suitable for a hybrid playstyle, with great overall stats for damage and effectiveness.
14. Is Ursine armor better than Wolven?
Ursine armor is better if you want to be very tanky and focus on heavy attacks. Wolven armor is better for a balanced, all-round playstyle, offering good protection, damage, and sign intensity. It depends on your desired play style.
15. Is there light armor version of the Wolven set?
No, there is no light armor version of the Wolven set. The Wolf armor is only available as a medium armor class.
Conclusion
The Wolven gear in The Witcher 3 stands out as a testament to the power of balance and versatility. It’s a reliable, stylish, and potent option for players who enjoy a flexible combat style. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, the Wolf school armor set is a solid choice that will reliably serve you well on your monster hunting adventures. Its balanced approach to melee combat and sign usage makes it a truly great all-rounder, making it worthy of its popularity.