Weapons

Master Witcher 3 weapons: steel & silver swords, crossbows, bombs, potions, and oils. Choose the right gear for every monster hunt.

Weapons: Swords, Crossbows, and More

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt's arsenal is as diverse as the monsters he hunts. Your primary tools of the trade are his two swords: a steel sword for humans and beasts, and a silver sword for monsters. Beyond these, Geralt can use a crossbow for ranged attacks and several alchemical items like bombs and potions that offer tactical advantages. Choosing the right weapon and understanding its strengths is paramount to your success.

Weapons are found throughout the world, purchased from merchants, or crafted. Each sword has unique stats, including damage, critical hit chance, and elemental effects. The crossbow, while less powerful in direct combat, is invaluable for interrupting enemy attacks, triggering environmental hazards, or dealing with flying foes. Equipping the best available gear and understanding how to use each weapon type effectively will significantly improve your combat effectiveness.

Steel Swords

Steel swords are your go-to for fighting humans, non-magical beasts, and most common enemies. They are generally faster and more readily available than silver swords.

• Stats: Damage, critical hit chance, bonus damage types (e.g., bleeding, armor piercing).
• Acquisition: Found as loot, bought from blacksmiths and armorers, or crafted.
• Examples: Steel Sword of the Griffin, Aerondight (Steel version), various Witcher School swords.

Silver Swords

Silver swords are essential for combating monsters, specters, and magical creatures. They deal significantly more damage to these types of enemies.

• Stats: Higher base damage against monsters, critical hit chance, elemental damage (e.g., fire, poison).
• Acquisition: Similar to steel swords, but often found in more dangerous areas or as quest rewards.
• Examples: Silver Sword of the Griffin, Aerondight (Silver version), various Witcher School swords.

Crossbows

The crossbow provides a ranged option, useful for initiating combat, interrupting attacks, or dealing with flying enemies. Different bolts can be crafted to add various effects.

• Ammunition: Standard bolts, Broadhead bolts (bleeding), Exploding bolts, etc.
• Usage: Aiming slows time slightly, allowing for more precise shots.
• Acquisition: Found as loot, purchased from merchants, or crafted.

Alchemy Items (Weapons)

While not traditional weapons, these alchemical concoctions are vital combat tools.

• Bombs: Throwable explosives with various effects, such as Grapeshot (shrapnel damage), Dancing Star (fire damage), and Devil's Puffball (poison).
• Potions: Consumables that grant temporary buffs or effects, like Swallow (health regeneration) and Thunderbolt (attack power). They increase Geralt's Toxicity.
• Oils: Applied to swords to grant bonus damage against specific enemy types (e.g., Specter Oil, Beast Oil).
• Decoctions: Powerful alchemical brews derived from monster mutagens, offering unique, long-lasting buffs.

Upgrading your gear and ensuring you have the appropriate alchemical items prepared before engaging in challenging encounters is a cornerstone of effective Witcher gameplay. Always check your bestiary for monster weaknesses to prepare the right oils and bombs.