Table of Contents

Who Can Craft Weapons in The Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is filled with dangers, and a reliable weapon is crucial for survival. While Geralt of Rivia is a formidable warrior, he relies on skilled craftspeople to forge the swords and other implements necessary for his monster-slaying profession. So, the direct answer to the question “Who can craft weapons in The Witcher 3?” is: Blacksmiths are the primary crafters of weapons, specifically swords, in the game. However, it’s not quite as simple as just walking up to any blacksmith. There are nuances to this system that players need to understand to ensure they have the best possible gear.

Blacksmiths: The Masters of the Forge

Blacksmiths are the specialists in crafting weapons and horse equipment. They come in three distinct levels of proficiency: Amateur, Journeyman, and Master. Each level has its own limitations and capabilities.

Amateur Blacksmiths are common and can handle basic crafting and repair tasks. They can craft simple swords using common crafting materials and basic schematics, which you often find in the world, looted from enemies, or purchased from merchants. These are generally your early game options when your weapon requirements are simple, like the starting Viper Swords.
Journeyman Blacksmiths can work with slightly more complex weapons and require better materials and schematics. They are able to craft mid-tier weapons and can prove extremely helpful in your early to mid-game journeys across Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige.
Master Blacksmiths are the pinnacle of weapon craftsmanship in the game. They can forge the highest tier weapons, known as Mastercrafted gear. This is the tier of equipment associated with Witcher school sets, such as the Griffin, Cat, and Ursine schools, as well as the incredibly powerful Relic swords. Importantly, a Master Blacksmith is required to complete the best gear in the game.

It’s worth noting that not all blacksmiths are created equal, even within the same level. Some have larger inventories and more capital, making them better for selling loot as well. It’s wise to experiment to find your favorite vendors and maintain a mental list of preferred locations.

Where to Find Blacksmiths

Throughout the vast world of The Witcher 3, you will encounter blacksmiths in various locations. Here are a few key places you’ll find these crucial NPCs:

White Orchard: You will find an Amateur Blacksmith at the Nilfgaardian Garrison. He can help with your earliest gear crafting needs, such as making the Serpentine Swords.
Oxenfurt: In this city, you can find both a Journeyman Blacksmith (south of the eastern entrance, available only during daytime hours) and an Armorer (north of the inn/barber, available at all times). Both are essential early to mid game and very handy.
Novigrad: This is a major city with multiple vendors. One standout is Hattori, the Master Blacksmith who sells dumplings, located within the city itself. Completing his side quest is essential to unlock his Master Crafting abilities, making him one of the best Blacksmiths in the game. You can also find Malcolm Stein in the non-human district of the Temple Quarter and another Swordsmith near the market square in the Trade Quarter, who requires a gem as a bribe for his services.
Velen: Yoana in Crow’s Perch is the best armorer, rather than blacksmith, in the game, although it’s worth noting that both armourers and blacksmiths sell weapons. However, completing her side mission is critical to unlock her full crafting abilities. There is also a Blacksmith in Murky Waters.
Skellige: Look out for the Dwarven blacksmith outside the Inn in the Outskirts. There’s also a Blacksmith located at Kaer Trolde, who is also useful for selling items.

Remember, the location of the blacksmith directly influences the materials they require and the items they offer. Different regions may have more unique resources, so exploring different blacksmiths can be beneficial.

The Importance of Schematics and Crafting Materials

Finding a blacksmith is only half the battle. To craft anything, you need both the schematic (or diagram) for the item and the required crafting materials.

Schematics detail the recipe for the item you want to craft, and can be found throughout the game world via looting chests, fallen foes, treasure hunts, and completing quests.
Crafting Materials are found by exploring the game world, dismantling weapons and armor, or purchasing them from merchants. The materials required are dictated by the schematic of the item you want to craft and range from common goods to rare ores and beast parts.

Always check your inventory and any item’s associated crafting materials before making a trip to a blacksmith. You don’t want to discover you’re missing a crucial component when you’re already at the crafting station.

Master Crafters: The Apex of Weapon Forging

The highest tier weapons and armor, Mastercrafted, can only be created by Master Crafters. This is essential for completing the best Witcher gear sets, such as the Feline, Ursine, and Griffin sets.

Hattori in Novigrad is the best Master Blacksmith and is critical to obtaining the top-tier swords in the game. You need to complete his side quest to unlock his full potential. He is able to make all of the Mastercrafted Swords.
Yoana in Crow’s Perch, while an Armorer who focuses on armor, is also a Master Crafter necessary to complete the best Mastercrafted Armor in the game. Remember that Armorsmiths are also capable of selling weapons, even if they are not the correct person to craft them.

Crafting Versus Looting

While crafting is vital for the best weapons, it’s worth noting that good weapons can also be looted and found throughout the game. Sometimes, even some higher-level weapons can be found as loot and are very useful. However, to get a specific piece of Mastercrafted Witcher gear, and the best overall weapons in the game, you will need to craft. In addition, having the right Blacksmith and Armorsmith ready to complete Mastercrafted gear is essential to obtaining them.

Conclusion

In the rich world of The Witcher 3, blacksmiths are essential allies in Geralt’s journey. They are capable of creating the weapons necessary to overcome the dangerous monsters and foes he encounters. Whether it’s a basic steel sword or a powerful mastercrafted silver sword, understanding the system of crafting, schematics, and blacksmith levels is crucial for your success in the game. By knowing where to find these crafters and what each is capable of, you can equip Geralt with the tools he needs to complete his quest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I craft Witcher swords in White Orchard?

Yes, you can craft the Serpentine swords in White Orchard, which is the first set of Witcher gear you’ll find. You will need to discover the diagrams and then find the Amateur Blacksmith at the Nilfgaardian Garrison.

2. What blacksmith can make Witcher swords?

Any blacksmith can make a Witcher sword, provided you have the schematic for it. However, the very best, Mastercrafted Witcher swords can only be made by a Master Blacksmith like Hattori in Novigrad, after you complete his side quest.

3. Who is the best blacksmith in The Witcher 3?

Hattori in Novigrad, who also sells dumplings, is considered the best blacksmith in the game. Once you complete his side quest, he can craft the Mastercrafted swords.

4. How do I repair my sword in Witcher 3?

You can repair your sword using Repair Kits purchased from any Blacksmith or Armorer. You can also have your gear repaired by paying a Blacksmith or Armorer.

5. Where can I craft Witcher weapons?

You can craft weapons at any Blacksmith location, which you can find in almost all towns and cities, from White Orchard to Toussaint. The level of craftable items will depend on their proficiency level and can range from Amateur, to Journeyman, to Master.

6. What is the most OP weapon in The Witcher 3?

The Aerondight silver sword is often considered the most powerful in the game but is only obtainable through the Blood and Wine DLC.

7. Where do I find the Griffin Silver Sword diagram?

The diagram for the Superior Griffin Silver Sword is located in a chest in a cave near the Elverum Lighthouse in Skellige.

8. Can Geralt craft his own weapons?

No, Geralt cannot craft weapons himself. He must take the schematics and required materials to a Blacksmith or Armorer.

9. Do blacksmiths pay more for weapons in The Witcher 3?

Blacksmiths pay the highest prices for weapons in the base game, but their inventory won’t clear, which can lead to lag if you sell too many items to them.

10. Who pays the best for weapons in Witcher 3?

Merchants in Oxenfurt and Novigrad generally pay the best for weapons, armors, and junk. Hattori and the Armorer in Hierarch Square in Novigrad also have large reserves of money that replenish quickly.

11. What is the best thing to craft in The Witcher 3?

The best craftable silver swords are definitely worth the effort. The Harpy Relic sword is a particular standout, with its diagram being found in Velen.

12. Is it worth crafting gear in Witcher 3?

Yes, crafting is very much worth it in The Witcher 3. It allows you to create some of the best weapons and armor in the game.

13. Where can I get the Viper School swords?

The diagrams for the Viper School swords are found in White Orchard. This is the first Witcher gear set you can obtain in the game and they provide a strong early-game boost. You’ll also need to visit a Blacksmith to craft them once found.

14. Can an armorer make swords?

No, Armorers do not craft swords. They mainly focus on armor. You need a Blacksmith to craft swords. However, they can sell weapons, even if they cannot craft them themselves.

15. What is the best sword in White Orchard?

The Viper swords (both steel and silver) are the best swords you can get in White Orchard, and are very powerful early in the game. They are craftable and very simple to obtain.