Delving Deep: How Many Swords Are Really in The Witcher 3?

So, you want to know exactly how many swords Geralt of Rivia can brandish in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? The answer is, well, a bit more nuanced than a simple number. While the game boasts over 100 steel swords, designed for carving through human opponents, and a significant armory of silver swords dedicated to slaying monsters, the exact total number is subject to debate. Many resources point towards 184 swords obtainable throughout the base game and expansions. However, this figure is based on data mining and comprehensive lists compiled by dedicated fans, and may not account for every single variation or hidden blade.

The real magic isn’t just the quantity of swords, but the quality and the unique stories behind each gleaming piece of metal. Let’s unpack why The Witcher 3‘s arsenal is so impressive and address some frequently asked questions.

Why So Many Swords? The Philosophy of a Witcher’s Armory

The Witcher 3 isn’t just a game; it’s an immersive experience. Geralt, as a professional monster hunter, requires a diverse toolkit. This isn’t just about raw power; it’s about matching the right weapon to the right foe.

Steel vs. Silver: A Matter of Metallurgy and Morality

The foundation of a Witcher’s preparedness rests on the distinction between steel and silver swords.

• Steel Swords: These are your bread-and-butter blades, forged to deal with humans, animals, and non-magical creatures. Witcher lore suggests that the steel swords are specially treated to be sharper and more durable than conventional weaponry. In The Witcher 3, you’ll be using these frequently in battles against bandits, soldiers, and the occasional angry bear.

• Silver Swords: Here’s where things get interesting. Silver, imbued with magical properties in the Witcher universe, is deadly to monsters. Many beasts are resistant or immune to conventional steel, making silver the only viable option for survival. It’s a crucial detail that reflects the Witcher’s role as a guardian against the unnatural.

The sheer number of swords reflects this strategic depth. Different sword types offer varying bonuses, such as increased attack power, critical hit chance, or specific elemental damage. Selecting the right blade becomes a core part of the combat experience, forcing players to consider their opponents’ weaknesses.

Relics and Witcher Gear: The Apex of Armaments

Among the countless swords scattered across the Northern Kingdoms, two categories stand out: Relics and Witcher Gear.

• Relic Swords: These are unique, named blades with distinct stats and often intriguing backstories. They are typically found through exploration, quest rewards, or defeating powerful enemies. Obtaining a Relic sword feels like a real achievement, adding to the sense of discovery.

• Witcher Gear: This is the pinnacle of sword-crafting in The Witcher 3. Witcher Gear swords are part of complete armor sets associated with specific Witcher schools, such as the Griffin, Feline, Ursine, and Wolven schools. These sets not only offer superior stats but also provide set bonuses when multiple pieces are equipped. Upgrading Witcher Gear is a rewarding process that allows players to tailor their Geralt to their preferred playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swords in The Witcher 3

Here are some of the most common questions about Geralt’s extensive arsenal:

1. Why does Geralt carry two swords?

Geralt carries both a steel and silver sword because he faces different types of enemies. Steel swords are for humans and animals, while silver swords are specifically for monsters. It’s a matter of practicality and preparedness.

2. Can Geralt get Ciri’s sword?

Yes, Geralt can acquire Ciri’s Sword as a gift for her from Master Ort. It’s a significant moment in the game, reflecting Geralt’s paternal relationship with Ciri and the passing of the torch (or, in this case, the sword).

3. Can swords break in The Witcher 3?

Yes, weapons and armor degrade over time as you use them, and if their durability reaches zero, they will break and suffer significant stat reductions. Regularly repairing your gear at a blacksmith or using repair kits is essential.

4. What is the best steel sword in The Witcher 3?

The “best” steel sword is subjective and depends on your playstyle and point in the game. However, some popular choices include the Tesham Mutna Steel Sword (from the Blood and Wine expansion) and the Iris sword from the Hearts of Stone expansion, which has a unique special ability.

5. What is the best silver sword in The Witcher 3?

Again, it’s subjective, but Aerondight (from the Blood and Wine expansion) is widely considered one of the most powerful silver swords due to its unique ability to increase damage with each hit.

6. Where does Geralt keep his second sword?

In the books and occasionally alluded to in the game, Geralt’s silver sword is often carried by his horse, Roach. In the game, for convenience, Geralt simply carries both on his back.

7. What type of sword is Geralt’s sword?

Geralt’s swords are generally considered longswords. They are designed to be versatile, usable in one or two hands, and effective in a variety of combat situations.

8. What fighting style does Geralt use?

Geralt’s fighting style is a blend of swordsmanship, signs (magical abilities), and alchemy. His swordplay emphasizes quick attacks, parries, dodges, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. He mixes hanging parries, straight thrusts and quick transitions with reverse grips.

9. Why doesn’t Geralt have two swords in the Netflix series all the time?

This is a simplification for the sake of visual storytelling. Constantly showing Geralt retrieving his silver sword from Roach would interrupt the flow of the action.

10. Is Aerondight the most overpowered weapon in The Witcher 3?

Aerondight is considered one of the strongest silver swords in The Witcher 3. It gets better and better over time. Every time the player hits enemies with it, the sword’s damage increases by 10%. When it is fully charged, the sword will always incur critical damage to enemies.

11. What is the rarest thing in The Witcher 3?

The rarest encounters in The Witcher 3 are often tied to specific quest choices or hidden locations. Some examples include finding Letho, finding the body of someone who drinks and knows things or finding the ghost ship in Skellige.

12. Can I lose my sword in The Witcher 3?

You can not really lose your sword. However, if your sword and armor reaches 0, it can cause significant stat reduction. So always make sure to repair it.

13. How heavy is Geralt’s sword?

A blunt replica of Geralt’s Steel Sword (TV Series Ed.) weighs 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs).

14. Is Excalibur a longsword?

Excalibur is often portrayed as a longsword. However, during the 6th century when King Arthur supposedly lived (the earliest sources date to this period), it is more than likely he would have had a short blade, similar to a Roman gladius.

15. Why are Geralt’s eyes yellow in Season 2?

The Witcher season 2 proves that white hair and yellow eyes are not a characterizing Witcher trait, since they can be attributed to the extra mutations that Geralt is subjected to as a child.

Beyond the Steel and Silver: The Significance of Swords in the Narrative

The swords of The Witcher 3 aren’t just tools for combat; they are extensions of Geralt’s identity and the world around him. Each blade carries a story, a connection to a past battle, a lost civilization, or a forgotten monster.

The meticulous detail applied to the game’s weaponry is a testament to CD Projekt Red’s dedication to world-building. Exploring the Northern Kingdoms, uncovering hidden quests, and crafting the perfect sword becomes an integral part of the Witcher 3 experience. It shows the dedication that went into the development of this game. You can learn more about video game design and development at the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for additional information.

The next time you unsheathe a new blade in The Witcher 3, remember that you’re not just wielding a weapon; you’re holding a piece of the story. And with potentially 184 swords (or more!) to discover, the adventure never truly ends.