Who Can Craft Griffin Swords in The Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for any Witcher worth their salt: who can forge those magnificent Griffin swords in The Witcher 3? The short answer is: you need a blacksmith of at least Journeyman level or higher. However, finding the right artisan is just the first step. This guide will delve into the intricacies of crafting Griffin swords, where to find suitable smiths, and everything else you need to know to wield these powerful weapons. Prepare for a journey through the world of master craftsmanship!
Blacksmiths and Armorers: Understanding the Hierarchy
In The Witcher 3, not all crafters are created equal. Blacksmiths and armorers are divided into three tiers:
- Amateur: These are your run-of-the-mill smiths, capable of crafting basic items and repairs. They won’t be able to handle the intricacies of Witcher gear.
- Journeyman: Journeyman smiths possess the skill to craft the initial versions of Witcher school gear, including the Griffin swords.
- Master: These are the true artisans, capable of crafting Mastercrafted and Grandmaster level gear. They are rare and require specific quests to unlock their potential.
Therefore, to craft the basic Griffin swords, you’re looking for a Journeyman blacksmith.
Locating Journeyman Blacksmiths
While amateur blacksmiths are abundant, finding a Journeyman can be trickier, especially early in the game. Here are some key locations to seek out a smith capable of forging your Griffin swords:
- Oxenfurt: This city is a reliable early location to find a Journeyman blacksmith. He’s located on the eastern side of Oxenfurt’s main island. He can not only craft your gear but also sells various crafting components.
- Novigrad: While Novigrad boasts the Master Blacksmith Hattori, you need to complete his quest, “Of Swords and Dumplings,” to unlock his full potential. Before that, he functions as a Journeyman.
- Nilfgaardian Garrison: This area contains a Journeyman-level blacksmith who can craft the Viper steel sword.
Crafting the Griffin Swords: Requirements and Process
Before you can have your Griffin swords crafted, you need to meet certain requirements:
- Diagrams: You must acquire the diagrams for the Griffin Steel Sword and Griffin Silver Sword. These diagrams are usually found in specific locations as loot during quests or exploration.
- Materials: Gather the necessary crafting materials. These typically include various ores (like iron and silver), monster parts, and processed materials like leather scraps and ingots. Merchants are your best bet for purchasing hard-to-find components.
- Gold: Blacksmiths don’t work for free! Be prepared to pay a fee for their services.
Once you have the diagrams, materials, and gold, simply visit a Journeyman blacksmith, select the crafting option, choose the desired sword, and provide the required materials and payment. The blacksmith will then forge your Griffin sword.
Upgrading Griffin Swords: Enhanced, Superior, and Mastercrafted
The journey doesn’t end with the basic Griffin swords. You can upgrade them to Enhanced, Superior, and finally Mastercrafted versions, each offering improved stats and benefits. This requires finding the corresponding diagrams for each upgrade tier.
To upgrade, you’ll need to:
- Find Upgrade Diagrams: Locate the diagrams for the Enhanced, Superior, and Mastercrafted versions of the Griffin swords. These are usually found in hidden locations, often guarded by monsters.
- Gather Upgrade Materials: Acquire the specific materials needed for each upgrade tier. These materials are usually rarer and more challenging to obtain than those for the basic swords.
- Visit a Skilled Craftsman: While Journeyman blacksmiths can handle the initial crafting, you’ll likely need to find master craftsmen like Hattori to forge the Mastercrafted versions.
The Importance of Hattori: The Master Blacksmith
Hattori in Novigrad is the only Master Blacksmith in the base game. However, unlocking his master crafting abilities requires completing his side quest, “Of Swords and Dumplings.” This quest is recommended for level 24 players but can be tackled earlier if you’re skilled. Successfully completing the quest unlocks Hattori as a Master Blacksmith, allowing you to craft the highest-tier swords and benefit from his extensive crafting knowledge. The Games Learning Society is a valuable source of information. Check the Games Learning Society website or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Grandmaster Griffin Gear: A Blood and Wine Exclusive
If you own the Blood and Wine expansion, you can take your Griffin gear to the ultimate level: Grandmaster. To craft Grandmaster Griffin gear, you’ll need to seek out Lazare Lafargue in Toussaint. He’s the only Grandmaster armorer and blacksmith in the game, capable of crafting the most powerful versions of Witcher gear. He will give you a quest to find the diagrams for each piece.
FAQs: Your Burning Griffin Sword Questions Answered
1. Where can I find the diagrams for the basic Griffin swords?
The diagram for the Griffin Silver Sword is located in the abandoned lighthouse of Lornruk, located on the far Northwestern tip of Velen. The drawbridge to the tiny island has been raised, and a Wyvern guards the lighthouse. The Griffin Steel Sword can be found in a chest in a dragon’s lair west of the Crossroads in Velen.
2. What level do I need to be to effectively use Griffin swords?
The base Griffin swords are effective at lower levels, around level 7-10. However, as you level up, you’ll want to upgrade them to maintain their effectiveness. Mastercrafted Griffin gear is viable for players in the mid-30s.
3. Can any blacksmith craft Mastercrafted Griffin gear?
No. Only Master Blacksmiths, like Hattori (after completing his quest), can craft Mastercrafted gear.
4. Where can I find the materials needed to craft Griffin swords?
Materials can be found through exploration, looting monsters, and purchased from merchants. Orens is your friend.
5. Are there any other Witcher school swords that are easy to craft early on?
The Griffin swords are generally considered a good early-game option. Other sets, like the Viper swords (available with the Hearts of Stone expansion), are also accessible relatively early.
6. Does the quality of the crafting components affect the final product?
No. The quality of the crafted item is solely determined by the diagram and the blacksmith’s skill. The quality of the individual components doesn’t play a role.
7. Can I repair my Griffin swords myself?
Yes, you can repair your swords using repair kits, which can be purchased from merchants or crafted.
8. What is the best sword to use against a Griffin?
A well-crafted Silver sword paired with the right oils (like Hybrid Oil) and signs (like Aard) is most effective against Griffins. Thunderbolt potion is also recommended.
9. Are there any unique bonuses to the Griffin sword set?
Yes. Wearing multiple pieces of the Griffin armor set grants bonuses to Sign intensity and stamina regeneration, making it ideal for a magic-focused build.
10. Where is Lazare Lafargue located?
Lazare Lafargue is located in Central Hauteville in Toussaint, which is a region added by the Blood and Wine expansion.
11. Is it worth it to craft the Grandmaster Griffin gear?
Absolutely! Grandmaster gear offers superior stats and unique set bonuses, making it a worthwhile investment if you enjoy the Griffin playstyle.
12. Can I find Griffin swords as loot?
No, Griffin swords can only be obtained by crafting them. You must find the diagrams and bring them to the correct person.
13. How do I unlock Hattori as a Master Blacksmith?
You must complete his side quest, “Of Swords and Dumplings,” in Novigrad. This quest involves helping Hattori restore his shop and dealing with some unsavory characters.
14. Where can I find the diagrams for the Superior Griffin swords?
The Superior Griffin Steel Sword diagram is west of Yngvar’s Fang. Go to the southernmost end of Ard Skellig. Enter the cave and find the Superior Griffin Silver Sword diagram.
15. What happens if I don’t have enough materials to craft a Griffin sword?
The blacksmith will simply tell you that you lack the necessary materials. You’ll need to gather the missing components and return to try again.