The Definitive Guide to the Best Steel Sword in Witcher 3 Endgame
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The best steel sword in Witcher 3 endgame is highly debatable and depends on your Geralt’s build, playstyle, and the specific enemies you’re facing. However, the Aerondight steel sword is widely considered to be the top contender due to its unique leveling mechanic that significantly boosts its damage potential. Crafted during the Blood and Wine expansion, Aerondight scales with Geralt’s level and deals increased damage with each consecutive hit.
Understanding Steel Swords in the Witcher 3
Steel swords are primarily used against human and non-monster enemies. Unlike silver swords, which are effective against supernatural creatures, steel swords are your go-to weapons when battling bandits, soldiers, and wild animals. Choosing the right steel sword for the endgame is crucial for maximizing your damage output and ensuring victory in tougher encounters. Factors to consider include:
- Base Damage: The raw damage a sword deals.
- Bonus Stats: Perks like +Attack Power, +Critical Hit Chance, +Armor Piercing, and +Bleeding.
- Level Requirement: The level Geralt needs to be to wield the sword.
- Slots for Runestones: The number of slots available for enhancing the sword with runestones.
- Scaling: How the sword’s stats improve as Geralt levels up.
Why Aerondight is a Top Contender
Aerondight’s key feature is its ability to permanently increase its damage. When you strike an enemy with Aerondight, and the attack lands a critical hit, the sword gains a charge. Once fully charged, the next hit you land with Aerondight will be a guaranteed critical hit. If that hit kills the enemy, the sword gains permanent damage. This can be increased by up to 100% more damage when fully upgraded.
Aerondight: How to Obtain and Maximize Its Potential
Aerondight is obtained during the quest “There Can Be Only One” in the Blood and Wine expansion. To maximize its potential:
- Complete the quest: Follow the questline and exhibit the five virtues (Compassion, Generosity, Honor, Wisdom, and Valor) to prove yourself worthy of the sword.
- Level Up: As you level up, so will Aerondight.
- Charge and Kill: Consistently charge the sword and use it to kill enemies to increase its base damage.
- Runestones: Equip the sword with powerful runestones to further enhance its capabilities.
Other Notable Endgame Steel Swords
While Aerondight is exceptional, other steel swords can be powerful contenders depending on your build:
- Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword: A strong option with high base damage and bonuses to critical hit damage and bleeding. Obtainable in Toussaint through quests or crafting.
- Gesheft: Crafted from a diagram found in the Blood and Wine expansion, offering good damage and stat bonuses, especially for sign-focused builds.
- Hen Gaidth Steel Sword: Obtained from the Unseen Elder during the Blood and Wine expansion. It offers great attack power, critical hit chance, and armor piercing.
- Grandmaster Wolven Steel Sword: Part of the Wolven School Gear set, this sword provides decent damage and bonuses, particularly when paired with the full set.
Comparing Sword Stats
It is important to consider the raw statistics and special bonuses offered by each sword to determine which best suits your playing style. Comparing these attributes allows you to make an informed decision based on what you prioritize in combat.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Sword for You
Ultimately, the “best” steel sword depends on your preferences and build. Aerondight’s scaling damage makes it an excellent choice for long-term investment. Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword offers immediate high damage. Gesheft complements sign-focused builds. Experiment and find the sword that best complements your playstyle and allows you to conquer the challenges of the Witcher 3 endgame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions regarding endgame steel swords in The Witcher 3 to give you comprehensive knowledge.
1. Is Aerondight definitively the best steel sword, or are there situations where other swords are better?
While Aerondight is exceptionally strong, other swords can be better in specific situations. For example, if you haven’t had a chance to level up Aerondight fully, a well-crafted Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword might offer higher immediate damage. Also, if you are facing enemies particularly susceptible to bleeding, then a sword with a high chance to apply bleed could be more effective. Ultimately, the best sword depends on the circumstances and your Geralt’s build.
2. How does Aerondight’s scaling work, and how can I maximize its potential?
Aerondight scales by earning charges through critical hits. Once fully charged, your next hit is a guaranteed critical. Killing an enemy with that charged hit permanently increases Aerondight’s damage. To maximize its potential, actively use Aerondight, charge it whenever possible, and prioritize using the charged hits to kill enemies. The maximum damage increase is 100%.
3. What runestones are best to use on steel swords, and why?
The best runestones depend on your build and playstyle. However, some popular choices include:
- Igni Runestones: Increase Sign intensity, boosting the effectiveness of your Igni sign.
- Quen Runestones: Enhance the Quen sign, providing better protection.
- Attack Power Runestones: Directly increase your attack power.
- Bleeding Runestones: Increase the chance of applying bleed.
- Armor Piercing Runestones: Help bypass enemy armor, increasing damage.
Choose runestones that complement your build and weaknesses.
4. Is it worth focusing on crafting Grandmaster Witcher gear steel swords, or are relic swords better?
Grandmaster Witcher gear steel swords, like the Grandmaster Wolven Steel Sword, can be very good, especially when combined with the full set bonuses. The set bonuses enhance your overall stats, making the sword more effective. However, relic swords like Aerondight and the Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword often offer unique mechanics and higher raw stats, making them generally superior.
5. How important is armor piercing on a steel sword, and what is a good percentage to aim for?
Armor piercing is crucial against heavily armored enemies. A good percentage to aim for is at least 25-50%, but more is generally better. Higher armor piercing allows you to bypass enemy defenses and deal significantly more damage.
6. What is the best way to acquire diagrams for crafting steel swords in the endgame?
Diagrams are typically found in treasure chests, sold by merchants, or obtained as rewards from quests. Thoroughly explore the world, especially in the Blood and Wine expansion, and complete side quests. Check with blacksmiths and armorers for diagrams they might sell.
7. How does adrenaline generation affect the choice of steel sword, and which swords are best for adrenaline builds?
Adrenaline is crucial for sign-intensive builds and those relying on special combat skills. Swords that offer bonuses to adrenaline generation or sign intensity are best. Gesheft is a good option for adrenaline builds.
8. Can the Hen Gaidth Steel Sword from Blood and Wine compete with Aerondight, and what are its strengths?
The Hen Gaidth Steel Sword is indeed competitive. Its strengths lie in its high attack power, critical hit chance, and armor piercing. While it lacks Aerondight’s scaling, its immediate damage output can be very high, especially against heavily armored opponents. It is particularly useful for builds that focus on maximizing critical hit damage.
9. Are there any secret or hidden steel swords in the Witcher 3 endgame that are exceptionally powerful?
While there are no widely known “secret” steel swords that dramatically outperform the top contenders, thoroughly exploring and completing all quests, especially in the Blood and Wine expansion, can uncover unique and powerful swords. Keep an eye out for unmarked locations and hidden chests.
10. How does the Euphoria mutation from Blood and Wine affect the choice of steel sword?
The Euphoria mutation significantly boosts damage based on toxicity levels. Swords with high base damage and bonuses to critical hit damage become even more powerful. Aerondight benefits greatly from Euphoria due to its scaling damage, and the Hen Gaidth Steel Sword becomes an even more potent choice.
11. What’s the difference between base damage and DPS (damage per second), and how should I consider them when choosing a sword?
Base damage is the raw damage a sword deals per hit. DPS (damage per second) factors in attack speed and other bonuses. While high base damage is important, DPS considers the overall damage output over time. A sword with lower base damage but higher attack speed and critical hit chance might have a higher DPS. Consider both factors but prioritize DPS for sustained combat.
12. How do enemy resistances affect the effectiveness of different steel swords?
Enemies have varying resistances to different types of damage. Swords with armor piercing are more effective against heavily armored enemies. If an enemy is resistant to bleeding, a sword with a high bleeding chance might be less useful. Adapt your sword choice based on enemy resistances for optimal damage output.
13. Which steel swords benefit the most from a sign-focused build, and why?
Sign-focused builds benefit from swords with bonuses to sign intensity, adrenaline generation, or critical hit chance. Gesheft is a strong option due to its sign intensity bonuses. Swords that complement your specific sign focus (e.g., Igni) are also beneficial.
14. Is it possible to respec Geralt’s skills in the endgame, and how does this affect sword choice?
Yes, it is possible to respec Geralt’s skills using a Potion of Clearance. This allows you to experiment with different builds and optimize your sword choice. For example, if you respec to a critical hit-focused build, a sword with a high critical hit chance becomes more valuable.
15. Can you repair a sword to its maximum durability, and how does durability affect damage output?
Yes, swords can be repaired to their maximum durability using repair kits or by visiting blacksmiths. Low durability reduces the effectiveness of the sword. If a sword has very low durability, its damage output is noticeably reduced. Keep your sword in good condition to maintain its effectiveness.