Unlocking the Mastercrafted: A Witcher’s Guide to Diagram Locations in The Witcher 3
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So, you’ve braved the wilds, slain monsters galore, and now you’re ready to step up your gear game in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Excellent! You’ve set your sights on Mastercrafted Witcher gear, a worthy ambition indeed. But where do you even begin to find these coveted diagrams?
The short answer is that Mastercrafted diagrams are scattered across the map, often hidden within ruins, caves, and other locations, and become accessible around level 34. They are not sold. Each school – Griffin, Feline, Ursine, and Wolven – has its own set of locations. To craft them you’ll need a master armorer or blacksmith.
Let’s break down the hunt for Mastercrafted diagrams and answer some common questions that plague aspiring Witcher gear collectors.
Diving Deep: Finding Specific Mastercrafted Diagrams
Each Witcher School’s Mastercrafted set requires a dedicated search. Here’s where to start:
- Mastercrafted Griffin Gear: The diagrams are scattered across Skellige, often in locations that require some exploration and monster slaying. Expect to find them in ruins and caves.
- Mastercrafted Feline Gear: The diagrams are similarly spread across the game world. Expect to find the diagrams within the ruins of Kaer Gelen in Skellige, specifically within the Wraith Den, as well as a cave on the southeast island of Skellige.
- Mastercrafted Ursine Gear: Like the others, the Ursine Mastercrafted diagrams require exploration. Look for them in Skellige, often in hidden or guarded locations.
- Mastercrafted Wolven Gear: The Wolven set is a bit more involved, often requiring you to complete a questline or explore multiple locations. Some are found in Skellige, such as in the Dorve Ruins for the boots diagram.
Remember, you’ll need the Superior versions of each piece of gear to craft the Mastercrafted versions. This means finding the diagrams for the standard, Enhanced, and Superior versions first.
Enlisting the Experts: Master Armorers and Blacksmiths
Once you have the diagrams, you’ll need a craftsman capable of working with such advanced schematics. Enter the Master Armorer and Master Blacksmith.
- Master Armorer: Fergus Graem in Crow’s Perch, Velen, is your go-to guy for crafting Mastercrafted armor. Completing his “Master Armorers” quest (level 24) unlocks his full potential.
- Master Blacksmith: The Master Blacksmith can craft Mastercrafted swords. The master blacksmith to whom this refers is Hattori, who can be found in Novigrad. Completing his quest will unlock him as a master blacksmith.
You’ll need the right materials, of course, so be prepared to dismantle gear, hunt monsters, and scour the world for crafting components.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about finding Mastercrafted diagrams, designed to illuminate your path:
1. Where do I buy maps for Witcher gear diagrams?
While you don’t buy the Mastercrafted diagrams themselves, you can purchase maps that point you towards the initial Witcher gear sets (e.g., the basic Griffin School Gear). Vendors selling these maps include:
- Armorer in Midcopse
- Armorer at Hierarch Square, Novigrad
- Armorer in Oxenfurt
- Armorer in Kaer Trolde, Skellige
- Hattori in Novigrad
- Merchant & Blacksmith in Blackbough
- Merchant in Crow’s Perch, Velen
- Blacksmith in Lindenvale
2. What level do I need to be to use Mastercrafted gear?
Mastercrafted gear is typically designed for players around level 34. While you can acquire the diagrams earlier, you won’t be able to equip the gear until you reach the required level.
3. Do Witcher diagrams carry over into New Game Plus?
Sadly, no. Crafting diagrams, including those for Witcher gear, do not carry over into New Game Plus. You’ll need to rediscover them in each playthrough. This encourages exploration and keeps the hunt for gear fresh.
4. Is it worth buying maps for Witcher gear in general?
Yes, absolutely. Witcher gear is generally superior to random loot, and investing in the maps will set you on the path to crafting powerful armor and weapons. Even if you outlevel the initial sets quickly, they provide a solid foundation for your build and are essential for upgrading to Mastercrafted versions.
5. What’s the difference between Mastercrafted and Grandmaster gear?
Grandmaster gear is the highest tier of Witcher gear, introduced in the Blood and Wine expansion. It’s designed for players around level 40 and offers even better stats and bonuses than Mastercrafted gear. Grandmaster gear also requires the Mastercrafted versions as crafting components.
6. Can any blacksmith craft Mastercrafted gear?
No. Only a Master Armorer (like Fergus Graem) or a Master Blacksmith (like Hattori) can craft Mastercrafted gear. These individuals possess the skills and knowledge required to work with the advanced schematics and materials.
7. Where can I find the diagram for the Mastercrafted Wolven boots?
The Mastercrafted Wolven Boots diagram is located in the Dorve Ruins in Skellige. Head to the southeast corner of the ruins, and you’ll find a chest lying nearly on its end. The diagram is inside.
8. Where is the Grandmaster Wolven armor located?
The map leading to the Grandmaster Wolven gear is found in the Termes Palace Ruins. Go directly east until you find some tents. The map is hidden under a bench.
9. Are Mastercrafted Witcher sets the best gear in the game?
In the base game, Mastercrafted sets are the best. However, with the Blood and Wine expansion, Grandmaster sets become available and surpass the Mastercrafted versions in terms of stats and bonuses. Additionally, certain unique swords like Aerondight can be incredibly powerful if leveled correctly.
10. What materials do I need to craft Mastercrafted gear?
The crafting materials vary depending on the specific piece of gear, but common components include:
- Dimeritium Ore and Ingots: Essential for crafting Witcher gear.
- Monster Parts: Obtained from slaying various monsters.
- Leather Scraps and Hardened Leather: Used in armor crafting.
- Silver Ingots and Steel Ingots: For crafting swords.
- Gems and Runestones: Provide stat bonuses to your gear.
Remember to dismantle unwanted gear to obtain valuable crafting components.
11. Is it okay to sell junk in The Witcher 3?
Yes, absolutely. Sell your junk. Junk items have weight, and it’s better to convert them into crowns. Certain quest items, once no longer needed, will be moved to the junk tab and can safely be sold.
12. What’s the maximum level in The Witcher 3?
The maximum level in the base game and with the Hearts of Stone expansion is 70. With the Blood and Wine expansion, the level cap is increased to 100. However, most players will finish the game around level 50-60.
13. Does Aerondight carry over into New Game Plus?
Yes, Aerondight does carry over into New Game Plus. It’s a unique silver sword that gains damage based on the player’s level, making it incredibly powerful throughout multiple playthroughs. Remember to keep leveling it to maximize its damage potential.
14. Where can I find the Grandmaster Feline steel sword diagram?
The Grandmaster Feline steel sword diagram is located south of the Glory Gate, near Drahim Castle in Novigrad. Find a ladder to access the lower floors and locate a chest containing the diagram.
15. Are there multiple endings in The Witcher 3?
Yes, The Witcher 3 has 36 different ending variations. These variations depend on the choices you make throughout the game, particularly regarding Ciri’s fate and your relationships with key characters.
Beyond the Diagrams: The Witcher’s Path
Finding the Mastercrafted diagrams is just one step on your Witcher journey. You’ll need to hone your combat skills, master alchemy, and make difficult choices that shape the world around you. But with persistence and a keen eye for detail, you’ll be wielding the finest gear the Continent has to offer.
And remember, the world of gaming offers incredible opportunities for learning and development. If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of games and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They are dedicated to researching and promoting the use of games for learning.
Now, get out there and hunt those diagrams, Witcher! The monsters aren’t going to slay themselves.