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What is a Good Sword in Witcher 3 Early Game?

A “good” early game sword in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one that strikes a balance between accessibility, damage output, and beneficial secondary effects. The Viper Swords (Steel and Silver), obtainable very early in White Orchard, are arguably the best starter swords. Their availability and decent stats make them ideal for the initial stages of the game. However, other options like the Moonblade (silver) and crafted swords can also be viable depending on your playstyle and preferred sign usage. Ultimately, a good early game sword will reliably help you defeat enemies while you accumulate experience and resources to acquire better gear.

Diving Deeper into Early Game Swords

The early game in The Witcher 3, particularly the White Orchard and Velen regions, presents a unique challenge for Geralt. He’s under-geared, under-leveled, and facing increasingly dangerous monsters and bandits. Choosing the right sword can make a significant difference between a swift victory and a frustrating defeat. Let’s explore the key attributes that make a sword “good” in the early stages and examine some specific examples.

Key Attributes of an Early Game Sword

Accessibility: How easy is it to obtain the sword? Is it a readily available crafting diagram, a quest reward, or a hidden treasure? The easier it is to acquire, the better it is for early gameplay.
Damage Output: Naturally, a sword’s base damage is crucial. Look for swords with the highest damage per second (DPS) that you can realistically obtain at your current level.
Secondary Effects: Bonus effects like increased critical hit chance, armor piercing, bleeding, poisoning, or sign intensity enhancements can significantly boost a sword’s effectiveness, especially in the early game when Geralt’s stats are still low.
Rune Slots: Swords with multiple rune slots allow you to further customize their attributes by inserting runes that provide various bonuses. These bonuses can be a game-changer, especially against tough opponents.
Level Requirement: Ensure that the sword’s level requirement aligns with your current level. A powerful sword that you can’t equip yet is useless.

Top Contenders for Early Game Swords

Viper Swords (Steel and Silver): As mentioned, these are excellent starter swords due to their easy availability and decent stats. You can find the diagrams in White Orchard, making them accessible very early in the game.
Moonblade (Silver): Located in the Pontar River, the Moonblade is a relic silver sword that offers improved critical hit chance, damage bonuses on critical hits, and increases the intensity of your Yrden sign. It even provides a chance to freeze enemies. The Moonblade is an excellent option for players focusing on a sign-heavy build.
Harvall (Steel): While not as universally recommended as the Viper swords, Harvall is a steel sword that increases the intensity of your Igni sign. This can be useful if you prefer to use fire magic early on. You can obtain the Harvall steel sword from a bandit camp near the Mill in White Orchard.
Serpentine Silver Sword: Crafted early on, the Serpentine Silver Sword introduces players to poison and pushback abilities.
Crafted Swords: Keep an eye out for crafting diagrams sold by blacksmiths and merchants. While the stats may not be immediately impressive, crafted swords can often be upgraded as you level up, making them a worthwhile investment.
Relic Swords: Randomly found throughout the world, relic swords can sometimes be surprisingly powerful for their level. Check every chest and loot everything you can!

Strategies for Finding Good Early Game Swords

Explore Thoroughly: Don’t rush through the early areas. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny. Hidden chests and abandoned settlements often contain valuable loot, including swords and crafting diagrams.
Complete Side Quests: Many side quests offer swords as rewards. Pay attention to the quest descriptions and rewards before accepting a quest.
Visit Blacksmiths and Merchants: Regularly visit blacksmiths and merchants to check their inventory for new swords and crafting diagrams.
Loot Enemies: Don’t forget to loot the bodies of fallen enemies. They may occasionally drop swords, especially named bosses and mini-bosses.

Considering Your Playstyle

The “best” early game sword ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle. If you favor a sign-heavy build, swords that enhance sign intensity or offer other sign-related bonuses will be more beneficial. If you prefer a fast-paced, aggressive combat style, swords with high damage and critical hit chance will be more effective. Experiment with different swords to find one that suits your needs.

The Importance of Upgrading

Remember that swords can be upgraded at blacksmiths and armorers. Regular upgrades will keep your swords competitive and ensure that you’re dealing maximum damage. Don’t neglect this crucial aspect of gear management.

The Witcher 3 offers a rich and rewarding experience, and choosing the right gear is an integral part of that experience. While the Viper Swords provide a solid foundation, exploring alternative options like the Moonblade and crafted swords can significantly enhance your early game performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the Viper Swords really the best early game swords?

Yes, the Viper Swords (Steel and Silver) are generally considered the best early game swords due to their easy accessibility and relatively good stats. You can obtain the diagrams in White Orchard, making them available right from the start. While other swords might offer slightly better stats or unique effects, the Viper Swords’ availability makes them a reliable choice.

2. Where can I find the Moonblade?

The Moonblade can be found in the Pontar River at the Spoils of War icon Southwest of Mulbrydale and Northeast of Crow’s Perch. Be prepared for some underwater exploration!

3. What level should I be to start looking for better swords than the Viper Swords?

Once you reach level 5 or 6, you should start actively looking for better swords. By this point, you’ll have explored enough of Velen to encounter more powerful enemies and unlock more crafting options.

4. Do swords scale with my level in The Witcher 3?

No, most swords in The Witcher 3 do not scale with your level. Some crafted or quest-related swords might have higher base stats if you acquire them at a higher level, but generally, you’ll need to constantly upgrade your gear as you progress.

5. What are rune slots, and why are they important?

Rune slots are sockets on swords that allow you to insert runes. Runes provide various bonuses, such as increased attack power, sign intensity, or resistance to specific damage types. Swords with multiple rune slots offer greater customization and can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness.

6. Should I prioritize crafting or finding swords?

Both crafting and finding swords are viable strategies. Crafting allows you to create specific swords with desired stats, while finding swords relies on luck and exploration. A good approach is to craft swords whenever possible and supplement them with found swords.

7. What’s the difference between steel and silver swords?

Steel swords are used against human and animal enemies, while silver swords are used against monsters. Using the wrong type of sword will result in significantly reduced damage.

8. How do I repair my swords?

Swords degrade with use and need to be repaired regularly. You can repair them yourself using repair kits or pay a blacksmith or armorer to repair them for you.

9. Is it worth investing in sword-related skills early in the game?

Yes, investing in sword-related skills, such as those in the Combat tree, can significantly improve your combat effectiveness. Skills like “Muscle Memory” and “Precise Blows” can greatly increase your damage output and critical hit chance.

10. What is the best early game ability points Witcher 3?

Focus on skills like “Muscle Memory” for increased fast attack damage, “Sun and Stars” for vitality regeneration during the day, and “Delusion” for dialogue options. These are some of the best early game ability points in Witcher 3.

11. Where can I find crafting diagrams for swords?

Crafting diagrams can be found in various locations, including:

Blacksmiths and Armorers: They often sell diagrams for swords and armor.
Treasure Chests: Exploration can lead to diagrams hidden in chests.
Quest Rewards: Some quests reward diagrams upon completion.
Looting Enemies: Occasionally, enemies will drop diagrams.

12. Are there any free DLC armor sets that are good for the early game?

Yes, the free DLC includes the Nilfgaardian Armor Set, which is a decent armor set for the beginning stages of the game. You can purchase it from the quartermaster in White Orchard.

13. What should I do with old swords that I no longer need?

You can sell old swords to blacksmiths or armorers. They will offer the best prices for weapons and armor. The ones in Oxenfurt and Novigrad are those who pay the best.

14. Where can I learn more about the game mechanics and strategies?

There are many online resources available, including guides, forums, and wikis. You can also find helpful information on sites like GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the educational and cognitive aspects of gaming. Explore the possibilities of how gaming can be used for education!

15. What is the maximum level in The Witcher 3?

When playing the base game on its own or with the Hearts of Stone expansion, Geralt’s max level is 70. However, the large Blood and Wine expansion increases this cap up to level 100.

By considering these factors and exploring the various options available, you can choose the best early game sword to suit your playstyle and conquer the challenges of The Witcher 3. Remember, experimentation and adaptation are key to becoming a master Witcher!

What is a good sword in Witcher 3 early?