Do You Need Mastercrafted Gear for Grandmaster in Witcher 3? Let’s Break it Down.
You’ve battled monsters and navigated politics in The Witcher 3. Now, you want Grandmaster Witcher gear. Let’s address the key question: Do you need Mastercrafted gear for Grandmaster armor? The answer is a firm yes.
This guide is your go-to resource. It’s not just another dusty tome. Think of it like a seasoned Witcher sharing wisdom over drinks at a tavern. We will explore Grandmaster gear, why Mastercrafted is essential, and the best armor sets for Geralt’s toughest challenges. Get ready to hunt monsters; crafting Grandmaster gear is no easy feat.
Grandmaster Armor in The Witcher 3: The Pinnacle of Protection
Grandmaster armor sounds impressive, doesn’t it? In the Blood and Wine expansion, Grandmaster gear stands as the peak of Witcher armor crafting. These are not your basic outfits. Each set is meticulously crafted to enhance specific combat styles while providing top-notch protection.
Decoding Grandmaster Armor Sets
Think of Grandmaster sets as specialized tools for a Witcher. Each school—Bear, Cat, Griffin, Wolf, and Manticore—offers its own Grandmaster set with distinct bonuses. Manticore gear may not bear a “school” name, but it holds supreme quality.
Grandmaster Feline Armor: Unleash the Inner Cat
Do you see yourself as a nimble fighter? The Grandmaster Feline armor fits the bill. This light armor prioritizes speed and offense. You won’t tank hits but will strike fast, dealing damage quicker than a Noonwraith at noon.
A fashion dilemma for Witchers: Can you remove the hood on the Grandmaster Feline armor? Unfortunately, no. You’re stuck with it. No alternatives are available. Perhaps Geralt enjoys the mysterious look.
The bonuses elevate the Feline set’s appeal:
- 3-Piece Set Bonus: After a Strong Attack, your Fast Attack damage spikes by 10% per set piece for the next 5 seconds. That equates to serious damage boosts after heavy hits.
- 6-Piece Set Bonus: Attack from behind foes, which is easier with Feline speed, to deal 50% more damage and stun them for just 1 Adrenaline Point. A great deal!
Grandmaster Ursine Set: The Unstoppable Bear
If you dive into combat, shrug off hits, and deliver powerful attacks, the Grandmaster Ursine set is ideal. This heavy armor focuses on survivability and might. Consider it Geralt’s transformation into a monster-slaying tank.
For ultimate protection, the Grandmaster Legendary Ursine set stands out. It’s about withstanding hits, absorbing damage, and retaliating with greater force.
Crafting Your Grandmaster Arsenal: The Path of the Craftsman
You’re set on Grandmaster gear. A solid choice. However, acquiring it isn’t merely about picking up weapons from bandits. Crafting demands dedication and resources, plus a trip to Toussaint.
The Mastercrafted Hurdle: Why You Need to Grind (a Little)
Revisiting our main question: Do you need Mastercrafted gear for Grandmaster? The answer is clear: YES, Mastercrafted armor is essential for crafting Grandmaster variants. It’s non-negotiable.
To create the Grandmaster Feline armor, you need rare monster parts and the Mastercrafted Feline armor. This rule applies to the Grandmaster Ursine steel sword as well; the Mastercrafted Ursine steel sword is necessary to begin crafting.
Think of it as leveling up. You can’t jump straight to level 100 without progressing through lower levels first. Mastercrafted gear is a level 90 in your Witcher armor journey, required to reach the ultimate Grandmaster level 100.
Lazare Lafargue: Your Grandmaster Craftsman
Who can forge these exceptional pieces? Meet Lazare Lafargue, the game’s exclusive blacksmith for Grandmaster level gear. He is no ordinary village blacksmith; he is truly exceptional.
You’ll find Lazare in Beauclair, Toussaint’s vibrant capital. His workshop lies between The Gran Place and Metinna Gate. Look for his sign; you can’t miss it. His workshop opens the door to your Grandmaster aspirations. He’s near another Master Armorer, ensuring Beauclair is the place for top-quality gear.
Like Grandmaster armor, Manticore Gear embodies Grandmaster quality, crafted exclusively by Lazare Lafargue himself. Whether you seek feline swiftness or ursine strength, your journey leads to Lazare’s workshop.
Level Up to Grandmaster: Are You Ready?
Before embarking on your quest for Grandmaster gear, you may ask: What level should you be to acquire Grandmaster gear? There isn’t a strict level requirement, but being well into Blood and Wine is advisable for higher-level players. Aim for around level 40 or higher for successful quest tackling.
Beyond the Standard Sets: Unique Armor Acquisitions
While school sets are excellent, the Witcher universe contains unique armor sets from quests and exploration. Let’s explore notable examples.
Viper Witcher Armor: Venomous Style
If you want villainous flair, the Viper Witcher armor is essential. Acquired during specific missions in Hearts of Stone expansion, pieces can only be gained by high-level players during these quests.
Hen Gaidth Armor: Unseen Power
If you seek something unique and mysterious, the Hen Gaidth armor set awaits. In Blood and Wine, you must make a critical decision during “Night of the Long Fangs.” Choose the Unseen Elder path to find armor pieces hidden in chests during subsequent quests. A risk worth taking!
Forgotten Wolven Armor: A Nod to Netflix (and Lore)
If you’re a fan of the Netflix series or want a mysterious set, pursue the Forgotten Wolven Armor. Obtain this during the side quest “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow.” This unique set enriches your Witcher experience significantly.
Velen. The quest grants you diagrams. Yet, crafting doesn’t end here. Find notes in Kaer Morhen to complete the set. This quest needs both an armorer and a blacksmith to create the Forgotten Wolven Armor.
Armor Comparisons: Finding Your Perfect Fit
With numerous armor options, choosing can be difficult. Let’s examine key sets to help you find which armor suits your Witcher style.
Feline vs. Ursine vs. Manticore: A Clash of Styles
We discussed core strengths. Now, let’s solidify armor styles:
- Feline: Fast mobility, high damage, lower defense. Great for builds emphasizing agility and speed.
- Ursine: Strong protection, high survivability, heavy armor. Ideal for builds focusing on tanking damage and delivering hard hits.
- Manticore: Alchemy focus, boosts toxicity, enhances bomb effects. Best for builds relying on potions and bombs.
In short: Cat is for speed, Griffin is for signs, and Bear excels in heavy attacks. Pick your style, then your set.
Beyond Witcher Sets: Other Armor Options
The Witcher universe isn’t alone in offering amazing armor. Let’s quickly compare armor sets from different games for broader context.
- Wolf Armor (Valheim) vs. Iron Armor (Valheim): In Valheim, Wolf Armor greatly sures Iron Armor. It provides better protection and cold resistance, key for survival in harsh environments. Consider it the Viking equivalent to Ursine.
- Legendary Viper Armor (The Witcher 3): Visually, players see the Legendary Viper Armor set as stunning in The Witcher 3. Style matters for every Witcher.
- Forgotten Wolven Armor (The Witcher 3) vs. Classic Wolven Gear (The Witcher 3): The classic Wolven set remains a strong medium armor choice. Yet, the Forgotten Wolven set offers a mid-game alternative, especially for series fans.
- Toussaint Knight’s Tourney Set (The Witcher 3): Sheer survivability comes from the Toussaint Knight’s Tourney set. Provides over a 500 HP boost and resistance to multiple damage types, enhancing Geralt’s resilience.
- Zonaite Armor (Tears of the Kingdom): In Zelda, the Zonaite Armor offers damage reduction and boosts Zonai devices’ efficiency, maximizing energy cell duration. A blend of utility and defense.
- Evil Spirit Armor (Tears of the Kingdom): For explorers, the Evil Spirit Armor, located in the Lomei Depths Labyrinth, requires solving puzzles for a unique set. Designed for true adventurers.
- Lunda’s Lost Armor (God of War Ragnarok): In God of War Ragnarok, Lunda’s Lost Armor is earned through completing a Favor. Its stat boosts and Poison ability weaken foes effectively.
- Hidden Ones’ Armor (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla): Stealth enthusiasts will enjoy Hidden Ones’ Armor. It boosts assassinations and headshot damage, great for silent approaches.
- Raging Wolf Armor (Elden Ring): Balancing both defense and agility, the Raging Wolf Armor Set provides excellent benefits for Dexterity builds. A versatile option for agile fighters.
- Black Knife Armor (Elden Ring): Also from Elden Ring, the Black Knife Armor set is part of a collection that enhances aesthetic and defense within the Lands Between.
Kaer Morhen: A Place of Witcher History
Kaer Morhen is the renowned Witcher stronghold. Many players want to visit this place early in the game. However, you cannot access Kaer Morhen early in The Witcher 3. It unlocks as you progress in the main story.
Specifically, Kaer Morhen opens after completing “In Ciri’s Footsteps” and starting the “Ugly Baby” quest. There’s no way to skip story progression to reach Kaer Morhen prematurely. Be patient, Witcher. Kaer Morhen will wait for you when the story permits.
Crafting Masters and Locations Revisited
Now let’s revisit crafting masters and their locations.
Lazare Lafargue: Grandmaster of Beauclair
This bears repeating: Lazare Lafargue can create the top-tier armor. You’ll find him in Beauclair near The Gran Place and Metinna Gate. He is your Grandmaster craftsman.
Beauclair: The Crafting Hub
, Manticore Gear and all Grandmaster quality gear require a Grandmaster craftsman in Beauclair. Toussaint is the ultimate crafting hub for any Witcher after superior gear.
Gameplay Mechanics Tied to Gear
Armor involves more than just defense stats. It’s closely related to gameplay mechanics. Let’s highlight key aspects.
Toxicity and Alchemy: The Manticore Advantage
The Manticore Armor isn’t merely about appearance (though it succeeds in that). It connects deeply with alchemy. This set increases your maximum toxicity, allowing more potions and decoctions without toxic risks. Additionally, wearing the full set boosts alchemy charges and critical hits for bombs. If you focus on alchemy, Manticore is your ideal armor.
Armor Types: Heavy, Medium, Light
The weight of armor is critical. Heavy armor, like Ursine gear, lets Geralt endure significant damage. Yet it sacrifices mobility and stamina. Light armor like Feline enhances agility while medium armor strikes a balance. Choose gear that fits your combat style.
Swords of Renown: Pairing with Your Armor
No Witcher is fully armed without their blades. Let’s spotlight notable swords that harmonize with your armor choices.
Aerondight: The Legendary Silver Sword
The Aerondight is often deemed the best sword in The Witcher 3. This silver sword scales with your level and gets stronger as you grow. Complete a quest in Blood and Wine to obtain it; any serious monster slayer needs it.
Ursine Steel Sword: Raw Power
The Ursine Steel Sword delivers unrivaled damage output. Often viewed as the top Witcher School steel sword regarding DPS. If you favor raw strength in combat, Ursine steel is your sword.
Toussaint Steel Sword: Relic Power
The Toussaint Steel Sword, specifically the Relic variant, is another strong blade. Find the blueprint during “Last Exploits of Selina’s Gang” quest in Blood and Wine to grasp this powerful sword.
Selling Swords: Novigrad Blacksmith Convenience
If you need to sell or dismantle arms, turn to the Novigrad Blacksmith. Located in Novigrad, this city is convenient for weapon businesses. It’s one of the best NPCs for dismantling weapons and buying new ones when necessary. Convenience matters in a Witcher’s life.
This covers Grandmaster gear, Mastercrafted prerequisites, crafting masters, and armor options now clearly outlined for you. Venture forth, find Lazare Lafargue, gather your materials, and forge Grandmaster armor worthy of legend. The Continent’s monsters won’t know what hit them.
