Best Weapons in The Witcher 3: A Guide to Dominating the Continent

Witcher 3 Wild Hunt: Dominate the Continent – Weapons, Gear, and Pro Tips

You want to explore the Continent as Geralt? Good choice. But let’s face it, wandering in dangerous swamps with a dull sword and worn clothes won’t help. You need proper gear and real knowledge. This guide will help you. We’ll focus on the best weapons, rare gear, and useful strategies to turn you into a top Witcher. We will keep it straightforward.

I. Arming Yourself to the Teeth: Best Weapons in The Witcher 3

A. Swords: Your Bread and Butter (and Steel and Silver)

First up, swords. Without a sword, a Witcher is useless. Knowing which sword to use is crucial. Keep this in mind:

• Steel for Humans, Silver for Monsters
  • Steel swords work against humans, while silver swords take down monsters. If it bleeds red, use steel. For anything else, go silver. Keep them straight unless you want a quick, brutal death.

Now, let’s look at the best swords.

• Aerondight: The Silver Sword of Legends (and Scaling Damage)
  • Aerondight is unmatched. It scales damage with your level, staying powerful throughout the game. To get it, impress the Lady of the Lake in Toussaint during the “Testament” quest. Complete her tasks and defeat her Hermit in combat, then she’ll give you Aerondight.
  • Aerondight charges up during battles. When fully charged, it deals critical damage. Killing an enemy with it boosts its damage permanently as well. It levels up with you and becomes a killing machine. No other silver sword compares to Aerondight.
• Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword: A Steel Sword Worthy of a Knight (and You)
  • The Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword is top-tier among steel swords. It hits hard and looks good. Finding it takes some treasure hunting and maybe grave robbing. Look for it at: the corpse at Olive Grove treasure marker, on Marcello Clerici’s grave during Equine Phantoms, and in a bandit cart after the battle at Fort Astre Ruins.
  • The Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword is among the best in The Witcher 3. Great damage and style make it highly desirable.
• Feline Swords: Early Game to Late Game Slicing and Dicing
  • Need reliable swords for early to late game? The Feline swords (Steel and Silver) fit the bill perfectly. They balance damage and stats well, ideal for fast-attacking Witchers. Plus, they look stylish.
• Hen Gaidth Steel Sword: Scaling Steel for the Discerning Witcher
  • Like Aerondight, the Hen Gaidth Steel Sword scales with your level. You have to explore underwater to find it though. It lies in the Unseen Elder’s cave. Look left as you dive into the water; the chest is at the far end. Must face the fearsome Unseen Elder for this scaling sword.
• Witcher Gear Swords: Tailored Blades for Specialized Builds
  • If you wish to optimize your builds, Witcher gear swords are key. The swords from sets (Feline, Wolf, Ursine) are good picks if focusing on specific builds. Feline for speed, Ursine for brute strength, Wolf for balance. Crafting these takes time but offers great bonuses.
• Relic Swords: Potentially Good, Often Outclassed
  • Relic swords can be decent but don’t match Aerondight or Toussaint Knight’s Steel Sword. You can find them all over, often in treasure chests or quest rewards. They may serve early on but keep seeking better options.
• Black Unicorn: A Mystical Blade of…Unicorn-ness?
  • The Black Unicorn offers a cool name but not impressive stats. It’s an option for early to mid-game play and easy to obtain from various places. Look for it in a treasure chest guarded by a bilge hag North-northwest from the Inn at the Crossroads or loot it from Kernun’s remains.
• Geralt of Rivia’s Sword: For the Tournament Champion in You
  • You can acquire a sword named after you! Geralt of Rivia’s sword is in the Blood and Wine expansion. To receive it, win the tournament in The Warble of a Smitten Knight under your name. Defeat your opponents to claim this legendary blade.
• Zireael: Ciri’s Sword, for a Specific Ending
  • Zireael connects to the game’s story. You can only get it when you achieve the Witcher ending of the game. It requires specific choices during your playthrough. Zireael symbolizes a narrative path taken, serving as more than just a weapon.

B. Bombs: Because Sometimes Swords Just Aren’t Explosive Enough

Swords excel at close combat. But when facing numerous foes or tough enemies from afar, bombs become essential. One bomb stands out:

• Grapeshot: The Universal Damage Dealer
  • For an all-purpose explosive, Grapeshot cannot be beat. It deals solid damage to nearly everything, making it versatile. Craft many to cover various situations. Use them against monster nests or bandit camps. They are handy tools for tackling threats.

II. Unearthing the Continent’s Secrets: Rarest Items and Encounters

The Witcher 3 holds many secrets and unique items. Some require keen observation, skill, and a touch of luck. Let’s find the rarest items.

• Rarest Weapon: The Stuff of Legends (Literally)
• • “The Witcher 3 has many swords. While players often wield standard Novigrad longswords, specialized weapons await those willing to hunt them down.” The rarest weapons are often linked to certain quests or hidden spots. They can also rely on low drop rates. Think unique Gwent cards and swords in map corners. Keep exploring; a lucky find may occur.
• Rarest Encounters: Blinking and You’ll Miss Them
  • The Witcher 3 contains unique encounters. These quirks enrich the world (sometimes strangely). Here are some of the rarest moments to discover:
    • Finding Letho In A Supposedly Haunted Manor. Letho from Witcher 2 hides in a haunted manor in Witcher 3. Discovering him requires choices and exploration. It’s a fun nod for past game fans.
    • Finding The Body Of Someone Who Drinks And Knows Things. Spot a frozen corpse with ale. This clever Easter egg hints at a famous series. Keep awareness high to catch it.
    • The Ghost Ship In Skellige. Skellige has legends of ghost ships. Spotting this apparition is rare, offering glimpses into the supernatural world.
    • Finding Birna Bran On The Rocks. Birna Bran has an unfortunate fate based on player choices. Finding her remains serves as a grim reminder of war’s consequences. This is a rare find for attentive players.
• Rarest Materials: Crafting the Impossible (or at least, the Slyzard Hide)
  • Crafting is essential in Witcher 3. Some materials are extremely rare. “Crafting in The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine Expansion Infused Slyzard Hide location How to craft Infused Slyzard Hide Rarest materials in Blood and Wine.” Infused Slyzard Hide is hard to find in the Blood and Wine expansion. Hunt specific Slyzards in Toussaint, but the drop rate can be low. Expect to grind if you’re working on gear requiring this material. But that’s the life of a Witcher – nothing good comes easy.

III. Dressing for Success (and Survival): Strongest Gear

A. Armor: Protecting Your Precious Hide

Swords handle offense; armor covers defense. In the Witcher 3, defense is crucial. Let’s look at the strongest armor sets to keep Geralt alive.

• Ursine Armor Set: The Heavyweight Champion of Armor
  • “The Ursine Armor Set is the best heavy gear in the game, as Witcher armor is highly effective.” If a tanky combat style suits you, Ursine armor is vital. It offers great protection against physical damage, making Geralt feel like a fortress. Just roll less; rely on parrying and strong attacks instead.
• Grandmaster Legendary Ursine: Maximum Protection, Maximum Tankiness
  • “The Grandmaster Legendary Ursine set provides ultimate protection in combat.” Want to be nearly unkillable? The Grandmaster Legendary Ursine set is your answer. It evolves from Ursine armor, providing unmatched protection with bonus effects that enhance survivability. With this, shrug off danger easily.
• Legendary Viper Armor: Kaer Morhen Style with Modern Protection
  • “Legendary Viper Armor is great for gamers who want the Kaer Morhen look and better protection.” If the classic Kaer Morhen aesthetic appeals but late-game stats matter, consider Legendary Viper Armor. It merges iconic looks with improved defense, bridging style and function.
• Grandmaster Legendary Wolven Armor: Style and Substance in Perfect Harmony
  • “Grandmaster Legendary Wolven Armor offers a beautiful color scheme and solid protection.” For attractive, effective gear, choose Grandmaster Legendary Wolven armor. It offers balanced protection while looking stunning. Plus, Geralt appears quite dashing in it.
• Nilfgaardian Armor, Tesham Mutna Armor, New Moon Armor, Kaer Morhen Armor, Feline Armor, Witcher armor sets
  • These armor sets feature distinct strengths. “Nilfgaardian,” “Tesham Mutna Armor,” “New Moon,” “Kaer Morhen Armor,” “Feline Armor,” and “Witcher armor sets” catch attention. Nilfgaard armor serves well early on; Kaer Morhen holds sentimental value. Feline suits light armor playstyles; Tesham Mutna offers unique bonuses; New Moon brings fresh aesthetics. All Witcher armor sets fit different play styles effectively, as mentioned earlier. Experiment to find what suits Geralt.

IV. Powerhouses of the Witcher World: Characters and Monsters

A. Mages: Wielders of Arcane Might

Mages hold significant power in the Witcher universe. They manipulate reality and unleash devastating magic. Who stands at the top? Let’s explore the mage hierarchy:

• Francesca Findabair: The Elven Queen of Magic
  • “Francesca Findabair is supreme among mages.” Francesca is a queen alongside her magical talents. Considered the top mage in the Witcher universe, her capabilities spark envy among others. It’s best not to cross Francesca.
• Phillipa Eilhart: Master Manipulator and Second in Command
  • “Phillipa ranks next among mages.” Cunning and ruthless, she wields incredible power. Second only to Francesca, she excels in political strategies and shapeshifting abilities. Avoid being on her bad side; she always thinks ahead.
• Yennefer of Vengerberg: Geralt’s Sorceress and Third in Line
  • “Yennefer was ordinary before wars decimated mages, but she’s now third strongest.” Geralt’s love interest wields impressive magic skills. Compared to Francesca and Phillipa, she’s weaker yet still formidable. Especially when she’s angry—which is often.

B. Monsters: Nightmares Made Flesh

Monsters fill the world with terror. Some act on instinct, while others are ancient and wise. Let’s examine the top-tier Witcher monsters:

• Gaunter O’Dimm: The Man of Glass, The Devil Incarnate
  • “Gaunter O’Dimm, known as the Man of Glass, embodies great mystery.” Arguably the strongest being in The Witcher universe, Gaunter’s origins remain unclear. His abilities seem vast while intentions stay ambiguous. He represents a force of nature and a tricky negotiator; approach with caution.
• Higher Vampires: Ancient Predators, Apex Species
  • “Higher vampires rank as the mightiest creatures in The Witcher universe.” Forget standard bloodsuckers; higher vampires possess intelligence and power, nearly immortal too. They dominate the food chain within this realm, showcasing exceptional strength, speed, and regeneration abilities. Facing one is a true test of a Witcher’s skill, while survival is another challenge entirely.
• • testament to their prowess.
• Dettlaff Van Der Eretein: The Beast of Beauclair, A Vampire of Fury
  • “Dettlaff Van Der Eretein.” Dettlaff is a high vampire. He is the main antagonist in Blood and Wine. He is considered the hardest boss in the game. His speed and power make him tough. Prepare to die many times.

C. Bosses: The Toughest Tests of Your Skills

Boss fights are crucial moments in The Witcher 3. They test your skills and gear. Some bosses are harder than others. Here are the real challenges:

• Olgierd von Everec: The Immortal Bandit, The Human Wall
  • “Olgierd von Everec is in Hearts of Stone.” He is the toughest human for Geralt to face. Olgierd is an immortal bandit leader. His sword skills are exceptional. Defeating him shows mastery of combat.
• The Toad Prince: Deceptively Deadly, Surprisingly Slimy
  • “The Toad Prince is a tough boss.” The name misleads. He is agile and does significant damage. The fight is chaotic, requiring dodges and attacks. Understanding his patterns is vital for victory.
• Eredin Bréacc Glas: The Wild Hunt King, The Final Obstacle
  • “Eredin Bréacc Glas is the main antagonist of the games.” He leads the Wild Hunt in the main story. He may not be the hardest boss, yet he marks Geralt’s journey’s peak. Defeating him is essential for completing the questline.

D. Other Characters: Ciri, The Wild Card with Elder Blood

• Ciri: Time-Traveling Teleporter, The Powerhouse Prodigy
  • “Ciri has Elder Blood.” She can manipulate time and space. She can teleport and unleash great power. Ciri is Geralt’s adopted daughter. Her abilities surpass many characters in the games. She is unpredictable and wildly powerful.

V. Mastering the Witcher Ways: Game Mechanics and Tips

A. Making Money: Orens, Florens, and Crowns – Oh My!

Being a Witcher costs money. Swords break, potions need brewing, and Roach needs horseshoes. Here’s how to earn coin:

• Loot Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Might) and Sell Smart
  • “To get rich in The Witcher 3, sell valuable loot and complete contracts.” Loot everything you see. All chests and enemies yield treasures. Even junk finds buyers. “Sell to Novigrad merchants first: They pay best prices.”
• Embrace Your Inner Monster Hunter: Complete Witcher Contracts
  • “Check notice boards for witcher contracts.” These yield good rewards. Completing contracts gives income and experience. This profits you while fighting monsters.
• Become a Crafting Connoisseur: Craft and Sell
  • “Craft weapons and armor for profit.” If you have materials, make items to sell. Focus on crafting high-value products for maximum cash.
• Explore the Unknown: Undiscovered Markers are Your Friends
  • “Explore question marks on your map.” They lead to treasure and loot. Discovering these locations often reveals chests and monster nests. Venture off paths to seek hidden treasures.
• Bandit Farming: Respawning Riches
  • “Some bandit camps respawn.” This allows farming for loot over time. Clear them out for yields and return later for more slaying and gathering opportunities.
• Gwent and Mini-Games: Gambling Your Way to Wealth (and Maybe Addiction)
  • “Play Gwent and games for income.” Gwent is entertaining and profitable. Bet on matches, win tournaments, and earn coin. Just don’t get addicted.

B. Alchemy: Potions, Bombs, and Oils – Your Chemical Arsenal

Alchemy is crucial for any Witcher. Potions, bombs, and oils are vital tools against monsters.

• Meditation Magic: Refilling Your Alchemical Supplies
  • “Meditate with alcohol to refill potions.” Running low? You can replenish supplies easily. Have alcohol? Meditate to restore full stock.
• Oils: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (Damage Bonuses)
  • “Oils can be reused infinitely.” Apply oil to your blade for lasting benefits. No need to keep crafting new oils; use ones suited to your foes.

C. Leveling Up: Becoming a Witcher Legend

• Level Cap: Aiming for Witcher Godhood (Level 100)
  • “Witcher 3’s max level is 100.” Expansions included, reach level 100 to grow stronger.
• Questing for Glory (and XP): The Fastest Path to Power
  • “Complete quests to level up quickly.” Focusing on quests yields the best experience points.
• • Main quests, side quests, Witcher contracts – these provide experience points. Slaying monsters helps. Exploration adds value. However, quests are the best way to level up. They unlock new skills efficiently.

D. Pro Witcher Tips: Odds and Ends of Witcher Wisdom

• Enemy Upscaling: Turning Up the Heat (and the XP)
  • “The Best Time To Use Enemy Upscaling may seem odd. If you struggle, turn it on. It can shorten grinding. Upscaling gives bonus XP. With it off, you lose potential gains. Struggling to level up? Try enemy upscaling. It makes enemies harder but grants bonus XP. Don’t regret it if a level 50 rat defeats you.”
• Troll Sword Delivery Service: A Surprisingly Reliable Option
  • “In the ‘Final Trial’ quest of The Witcher 3, leave your swords with trolls. They will return them later. Don’t fear; they won’t steal your swords. The trolls are reliable custodians. Just leave your swords, and they will give them back. You can trust them.”
• Junk Management: Sell or Dismantle? The Eternal Question
  • “Junk weighs you down. It is better to sell or dismantle when possible. Sell to merchants for quick cash or dismantle for crafting materials. Decide based on your needs. Choose wisely.”
• Carry Weight: Becoming a Pack Mule (or Not)
  • “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt allows unlimited storage for items.”