How to Upgrade Witcher Gear: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting the Ultimate Armor and Weapons

Upgrading Witcher gear is one of the most rewarding aspects of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Not only does it enhance Geralt’s combat effectiveness, but it also allows players to immerse themselves in the game’s rich crafting and looting systems. Whether you’re a seasoned Witcher or a novice monster slayer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your gear, from basic enhancements to legendary sets.

Why Upgrade Witcher Gear?

Witcher gear is unique because it is specifically designed for Geralt’s combat style. Unlike generic armor and weapons, Witcher gear offers bonuses that synergize with Geralt’s abilities, such as increased sign intensity, critical hit chance, or stamina regeneration. Upgrading these sets not only improves their stats but also unlocks additional perks, making them indispensable for tackling tougher enemies and higher difficulties.

Understanding Witcher Gear Tiers

Witcher gear is divided into four tiers, each requiring progressively rarer materials and higher-level crafting diagrams:

1. Basic Set: The starting point for all Witcher gear. These sets are relatively easy to craft and provide solid stats for early-game challenges.
2. Enhanced Set: Requires the basic set as a base and adds improved stats and additional bonuses.
3. Superior Set: A significant upgrade over the enhanced set, offering even better stats and unique perks.
4. Mastercrafted Set: The pinnacle of Witcher gear, providing the best stats and bonuses in the game. Crafting this set requires rare materials and high-level crafting skills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Witcher Gear

1. Find the Diagrams

• Witcher gear diagrams are scattered across the game world, often hidden in caves, ruins, or guarded by powerful enemies. Use your Witcher Senses to locate them.
• Some diagrams are tied to specific quests, such as the Scavenger Hunt series, which focuses on finding and upgrading Witcher gear.

2. Gather Materials

• Upgrading Witcher gear requires a variety of materials, including leather, metals, and monster parts. Common materials can be purchased from merchants or looted from enemies, while rarer items may require dismantling other gear or completing specific quests.
• Keep an eye out for rare crafting components like Dimeritium Ore and Infused Slyzard Hide, as these are essential for higher-tier upgrades.

3. Visit a Skilled Craftsman

• Not all blacksmiths and armorers can craft Witcher gear. Look for master craftsmen, such as Hattori in Novigrad or the Armorer in Crow’s Perch, who have the expertise to handle advanced upgrades.
• Be prepared to pay a hefty fee for their services, especially for mastercrafted sets.

4. Craft and Equip

• Once you have the diagrams and materials, visit a craftsman to craft or upgrade your gear. Equip the new set immediately to take advantage of its enhanced stats and bonuses.

Tips for Efficient Upgrading

• Plan Ahead: Decide which Witcher school’s gear (e.g., Cat, Bear, Griffin) best suits your playstyle early in the game. This will help you focus your efforts on collecting the right diagrams and materials.
• Loot Everything: Always loot enemies, chests, and containers. You never know when you’ll find a rare crafting material or a valuable item to dismantle.
• Invest in Crafting Skills: The Alchemy and Crafting skill tree offers perks that reduce crafting costs and improve the quality of crafted items. These can save you time and resources in the long run.
• Explore Thoroughly: Many diagrams and rare materials are hidden in hard-to-reach places. Take your time to explore the game world thoroughly.

Popular Witcher Gear Sets

1. Feline (Cat School) Gear: Focuses on light armor and fast attacks, ideal for players who prefer agility and critical hits.
2. Ursine (Bear School) Gear: Heavy armor designed for tanky builds, offering high damage resistance and strong attacks.
3. Griffin School Gear: Balanced armor that enhances sign intensity, perfect for players who rely on magic in combat.
4. Wolven School Gear: A versatile set that combines elements of light and medium armor, suitable for hybrid playstyles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I upgrade Witcher gear without the base set? A: No, you must have the base set to craft the enhanced, superior, and mastercrafted versions. Always start by crafting the basic set.

Q: Where can I find Dimeritium Ore? A: Dimeritium Ore can be purchased from certain merchants, looted from specific locations, or obtained by dismantling items like Dimeritium Shackles.

Q: Is it worth upgrading all Witcher gear sets? A: It depends on your playstyle and resources. Focus on upgrading the set that best complements your combat preferences.

Q: Can I upgrade Witcher gear in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine? A: Yes, the Blood and Wine expansion introduces the Grandmaster tier, which is even more powerful than the mastercrafted sets.

Q: What happens if I sell my Witcher gear? A: You can repurchase it from the same merchant, but it’s generally better to keep your gear to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Upgrading Witcher gear is a journey that requires patience, resourcefulness, and a keen eye for detail. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the ultimate armor and weapons, ensuring Geralt is ready to face any challenge the Continent throws his way. Happy hunting!