Witcher 3 How to Upgrade Witcher Gear: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting and Enhancing Your Arsenal
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game that thrives on its intricate systems, and one of the most rewarding aspects of the game is the ability to upgrade your Witcher gear. Whether you’re a seasoned monster slayer or a novice just starting your journey, understanding how to upgrade your gear is crucial for surviving the harsh world of the Continent. In this article, we’ll delve into the various aspects of upgrading Witcher gear, from finding the necessary diagrams to gathering the required materials.
Understanding Witcher Gear Tiers
Witcher gear in The Witcher 3 is divided into several tiers, each representing a significant upgrade in terms of stats and appearance. The tiers are as follows:
- Basic Gear: This is the initial set of Witcher gear you can craft. It provides a solid foundation for your adventures but will quickly become outdated as you progress.
- Enhanced Gear: The first upgrade tier, Enhanced gear offers improved stats and a slightly altered appearance. This tier requires you to find new diagrams and gather additional materials.
- Superior Gear: The second upgrade tier, Superior gear, provides even better stats and a more refined look. Crafting this tier requires even rarer materials and more advanced diagrams.
- Mastercrafted Gear: The final upgrade tier, Mastercrafted gear, is the pinnacle of Witcher craftsmanship. It offers the best stats and the most visually impressive appearance. Crafting this tier is a true test of your resourcefulness and dedication.
Finding Diagrams
To upgrade your Witcher gear, you’ll first need to find the appropriate diagrams. These diagrams are scattered throughout the game world, often hidden in hard-to-reach places or guarded by powerful enemies. Here are some tips for finding them:
- Explore Thoroughly: Many diagrams are hidden in caves, ruins, and other secluded locations. Make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the game world.
- Follow Questlines: Some diagrams are tied to specific quests. Completing these quests will often reward you with the necessary diagrams.
- Purchase from Merchants: Some merchants, particularly those in major cities like Novigrad and Oxenfurt, sell diagrams for Witcher gear. Keep an eye out for these vendors.
Gathering Materials
Once you have the diagrams, the next step is to gather the required materials. These materials can be found in various ways:
- Looting: Many materials can be obtained by looting chests, crates, and other containers. Make sure to loot everything you come across.
- Crafting: Some materials can be crafted using alchemy or blacksmithing. Check your crafting menu to see if you can create the necessary components.
- Dismantling: If you have items you no longer need, consider dismantling them at a blacksmith or armorer. This can yield valuable materials.
- Purchasing: Some materials can be purchased from merchants. This is often the easiest way to obtain rare components, but it can be expensive.
Crafting and Upgrading
With the diagrams and materials in hand, you’re ready to craft or upgrade your Witcher gear. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit a Blacksmith or Armorer: Only skilled blacksmiths and armorers can craft and upgrade Witcher gear. Make sure to visit a master-level craftsman for the best results.
- Select the Gear: In the crafting menu, select the gear you want to craft or upgrade. The game will show you the required materials and the stats of the new gear.
- Craft or Upgrade: If you have all the necessary materials, you can proceed with the crafting or upgrading process. Once completed, your new gear will be added to your inventory.
Enhancing Your Gear
In addition to upgrading your gear, you can also enhance it with runes and glyphs. These enhancements provide additional bonuses and can be slotted into your gear at a runewright or through the use of glyphword stones. Here are some tips for enhancing your gear:
- Choose the Right Enhancements: Different runes and glyphs provide different bonuses. Choose enhancements that complement your playstyle and the type of gear you’re using.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of runes and glyphs. You might discover a setup that works particularly well for your build.
- Upgrade Enhancements: Some runes and glyphs can be upgraded to provide even greater bonuses. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I upgrade any Witcher gear, or are there specific sets that can be upgraded? A: Only specific Witcher gear sets can be upgraded. These include the Griffin, Cat, Bear, and Wolf school gear sets. Each set has its own unique diagrams and upgrade paths.
Q: How do I know if I have all the necessary materials to upgrade my gear? A: When you select the gear you want to upgrade in the crafting menu, the game will show you the required materials. If you’re missing any, they will be highlighted in red.
Q: Can I upgrade my gear multiple times, or is there a limit? A: Each piece of Witcher gear can be upgraded through the tiers mentioned earlier (Basic, Enhanced, Superior, Mastercrafted). Once you reach the Mastercrafted tier, you cannot upgrade it further.
Q: Are there any benefits to upgrading my gear beyond the stat improvements? A: Yes, upgrading your gear also changes its appearance. Each tier has a unique look, and the Mastercrafted tier is particularly impressive. Additionally, upgraded gear often has additional bonuses, such as increased resistance to certain types of damage.
Q: Can I upgrade my gear at any blacksmith or armorer, or do I need a specific one? A: Only master-level blacksmiths and armorers can craft and upgrade Witcher gear. These skilled craftsmen can be found in major cities like Novigrad and Oxenfurt.
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to upgrading your Witcher gear and becoming a more formidable monster slayer. Remember, the key to success in The Witcher 3 is preparation, so take the time to gather the necessary materials and craft the best gear possible. Happy hunting!