Crafting Perfection: Who Can Forge Your Enhanced Griffin Swords in The Witcher 3?
The short answer is simple: to craft your Enhanced Griffin Swords in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you’ll need to find a Blacksmith of at least Journeyman level or higher. Amateur blacksmiths, plentiful as they may be, simply don’t possess the skill and expertise required to work with the complex diagrams and materials involved in creating these powerful weapons.
Understanding Blacksmith Tiers and Expertise
In the world of The Witcher 3, not all blacksmiths are created equal. Their skill is categorized into tiers, reflecting their ability to craft increasingly complex and powerful items. These tiers are:
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Amateur: These are common blacksmiths found in villages and smaller towns. They can handle basic repairs and craft simple items, but are incapable of working with Witcher gear diagrams, including the Enhanced Griffin set.
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Journeyman: Journeyman blacksmiths possess a higher level of skill. They can craft more complex items and, crucially, can work with basic Witcher gear. This is the minimum level required to craft the Griffin swords themselves.
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Master: These are the most skilled blacksmiths in the game. They can craft the very best weapons, including the Mastercrafted and Grandmaster Witcher gear. They also often offer unique services and insights.
Locating Journeyman Blacksmiths for Your Enhanced Griffin Swords
Finding a Journeyman blacksmith is the crucial first step. Luckily, the game offers a relatively early option.
- Oxenfurt: The earliest reliable Journeyman blacksmith is located in Oxenfurt, specifically on the east side of its main island. He’s easily accessible and will be able to craft your Enhanced Griffin swords once you have the diagrams and necessary materials.
The Importance of Diagrams and Materials
Remember that having a skilled blacksmith is only half the battle. You’ll also need:
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The Diagrams: These are the crafting recipes for each sword. You can acquire these by exploring the world, completing quests, and looting specific locations. The diagrams for the Enhanced Griffin Swords are found in specific locations (detailed in the FAQ section below).
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The Materials: Each sword requires specific ingredients, ranging from common metals to rarer components. Make sure you have all the required materials before seeking out a blacksmith. You can buy these materials, loot them from monsters, or dismantle other items to obtain them.
Why the Griffin Set is Worth the Effort
The Griffin School gear, particularly the swords, is a fantastic choice for players who favor a Signs-focused build. The armor significantly boosts Sign intensity, making your spells more powerful. While the swords themselves don’t directly enhance Sign intensity, they offer solid damage output and complement the overall playstyle of a Griffin School Witcher. The Enhanced versions offer even greater damage and stat bonuses, making them a valuable upgrade.
The Griffin set, including the swords, is also a medium armor set. This offers a balance between protection and mobility, making it a versatile choice for a variety of combat situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Enhanced Griffin Swords
1. Where can I find the diagrams for the Enhanced Griffin Swords?
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Enhanced Griffin Steel Sword: Head west of Midcopse, to the small peninsula, to pick up the Enhanced Griffin Steel Sword Diagram.
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Enhanced Griffin Silver Sword: Enter the cave southeast of The Orphans of Crookback Bog signpost. The Enhanced Griffin Silver Sword Diagram is inside.
2. What level do I need to be to use Enhanced Griffin gear?
The required level to use Enhanced Griffin gear is level 18.
3. Can any blacksmith craft the Griffin swords once I have the diagrams?
No. You need a Journeyman level blacksmith or higher. Amateur blacksmiths lack the necessary skill.
4. What are the tiers of Griffin gear available in the game?
The Griffin gear has four tiers: Normal, Enhanced, Superior, and Mastercrafted. In the Blood and Wine expansion, a Grandmaster tier is also available.
5. Where can I find the diagrams for the other tiers of Griffin swords (Superior and Mastercrafted)?
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Superior Griffin Steel Sword: The diagram is west of Yngvar’s Fang, on the southernmost end of Ard Skellig.
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Superior Griffin Silver Sword: Enter the cave west of Yngvar’s Fang on Ard Skellig where the steel sword is located to find the diagram.
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Mastercrafted Griffin Steel Sword: Go to the abandoned village of Boxholm. Climb the small ledge near the ruins and walk towards the marked location. The chest with the diagram is right there.
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Mastercrafted Griffin Silver Sword: At the base of the ruined tower where the steel sword is in Boxholm, you will find the Mastercrafted Griffin Silver Sword diagram.
6. Who can craft the Mastercrafted Griffin swords?
The Mastercrafted tier requires a Master Blacksmith. In the base game, a good option is Hattori in Novigrad.
7. What level do I need to be to use Mastercrafted Griffin gear?
To wear the Mastercrafted Griffin witcher set, you need to be level 34 or higher.
8. Where is the diagram for the Enhanced Griffin Armor?
The Enhanced Griffin armor diagram is found at White Eagle Fort, right next to Trollololo’s shack.
9. Who can craft the Grandmaster Griffin gear?
In the Blood & Wine expansion, you’ll need to speak with Lazare Lafargue, the Grandmaster smith in Toussaint. He’s the only one who can craft Grandmaster gear.
10. Can I dye the Griffin armor?
Yes, but only in the Blood and Wine expansion. Dyes allow you to customize the color of any piece of Witcher gear.
11. Is the Griffin set the best gear in the game?
The “best” gear depends on your playstyle. The Griffin set is excellent for Sign-focused builds. Other sets, like the Feline or Ursine, are better suited for different combat styles.
12. Are there Legendary Griffin Swords?
Yes, in New Game+, you can find Legendary Griffin Swords which are enhanced versions of the original Griffin swords, scaled for higher levels.
13. Where can I find the diagram for the Enhanced Legendary Griffin Silver Sword?
The diagram is found in a cave east of Crossroads (the same one you can explore during Contract: Patrol Gone Missing).
14. I’m having trouble finding the materials needed to craft the Enhanced Griffin Swords. Any tips?
- Check Merchants: Many merchants sell common crafting materials.
- Dismantle Unwanted Items: Dismantling weapons and armor can yield valuable materials.
- Loot Monsters: Defeating monsters often rewards you with crafting components.
- Explore the World: Many materials are found in chests and containers scattered throughout the world.
15. What makes the Griffin School gear so special?
Beyond the Sign intensity bonus, the Griffin School gear often provides boosts to experience gained from monsters, which can be very helpful for leveling up. Moreover, the set is easily attainable earlier in the game compared to others, making it a strong early-to-mid game choice for those who enjoy utilizing Signs in combat. It is also an example of how games can enhance learning and development, similar to the mission of the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and education. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.