Blacksmiths are very important if you are to successfully journey through the Witcher 3 game. There are several reasons for this not the least of which is the fact that they can craft weapons for you. The catch to this, however, is that you will have to provide them with the crafting materials and schematics they need for such.
Blacksmith Levels
There are three main levels of blacksmiths in The Witcher 3 and they are Amateurs, Journeyman, and Master.
- The amateur-level blacksmiths are the lowest ranked blacksmiths and they create the least valuable weapons.
- The journeyman-level blacksmiths fashion weapons that are just a level above that of amateur blacksmiths.
- The master blacksmiths are the rarest of all blacksmiths; they have a high weapon-crafting prowess and this enables them to craft rare, top-notch weapons.
One thing you should know is that blacksmiths cannot craft armor. To do this, you will need to locate an armorer. However, you can sell weapons to them – blacksmiths. In fact, they are the better option if you want to sell weapons as they will pay more than armorers would. If you were looking to sell armor, on the other hand, armorers should be your go-to seller as they will pay more than blacksmiths would.
One more thing: you will find blacksmiths selling runestones when you progress to a particular point in the story. However, to get to a place where you can purchase runestones, you will have made considerable progress in the game. If you want to know your progress on this front, regularly check your blacksmith inventories as you make progress.
In this article, we will provide you with the information you need to locate blacksmiths within the game. This includes, and is not limited to the rare master blacksmiths.
Where to Find blacksmiths
Locating blacksmiths in the towns and cities of The Witcher 3 is fairly easy. This is because they are represented by an icon on the World Map/Mini-map in the shape of a small sword. Seeing as this class of characters have the power to craft weapons and runestones that will enhance your offense, you don’t have much choice but to locate them and seek their help.
To do this, pay attention to the following:
White Orchard
The White Orchard is the first place you’ll encounter a blacksmith in the Witcher 3. This blacksmith is the Quartermaster and you’ll find him in the prologue at the Nilfgaardian Garrison.
When you arrive at this location, proceed to the downstairs area. This is where you will find him. This blacksmith is of the amateur level; however, this won’t matter so early in the game. The reason for this is that you aren’t in possession of high-level schematics yet.
When you complete this prologue, the Quartermaster will start to sell runestones.
Velen
Velen is one of the initial big regions where you’d search for Ciri. It has four blacksmiths within it, although most of them are of the amateur class.
You’ll find your first amateur-level blacksmith of this region in Blackbough. This blacksmith plays Gwent and you will be given a choice to play with him. He also sells Adalbert Kermith’s second map, which is an item you would usually only get from a quest.
You should know that most blacksmiths you’ll come across play Gwent. You should also know that playing with them has its benefits, especially if you can compete. The reason for this is that by playing, you will be getting a chance to win some good cards.
A tip: the region where a blacksmith is located determines the deck he uses. As such, the deck blacksmiths in Velen play with will differ from the deck those in Skellige play with. So, be prepared for that.
Further, you’ll find another amateur-level blacksmith in Lindenvale, Oreton, who also plays Gwent. In addition to this, this blacksmith sells scavenger hunt maps for both School of Cat and School of Wolf Gear.
The third blacksmith in the Velen region will be found in the area closest to Bald Mountain. He is also an amateur-level blacksmith. To locate this blacksmith, you first have to complete the Bald Mountain quest. If you don’t, he won’t appear.
Finally, you will find the fourth blacksmith around Oxenfurt Harbor. He is the only one who is not on the amateur level. He is a level above, which makes him a journeyman blacksmith. If you have any intention of challenging notable Gwent players in the game, then you will definitely want to face him.
Novigrad
You’ll find three blacksmiths in Novigrad; each of them is evenly distributed into the three blacksmith levels.
The Novigrad Fish Market close to Heirarch Square is home to one of the major blacksmiths of this region. He is of the journeyman rank and plays Gwent.
The second blacksmith in this region is an amateur; he is located in the Silverton district. He also plays Gwent.
The final blacksmith is a rare elven master blacksmith. To find him, proceed to Glory Lane, where you’ll find Éibhear Hattori. If you want to take advantage of this elf’s crafting skills, you will need to complete the “Of Swords and Dumplings” side quest.
Skellige
One of the biggest regions in The Witcher 3, Skellige is home to the highest number of blacksmiths around, most of whom are amateurs. Interestingly, all of them play Gwent. See a pattern yet?
The first blacksmith you’ll meet in Skellige is Sigurd. He is an amateur-level blacksmith, and you will find him in Arinbjorn on Ard Skellig.
The second blacksmith, also an amateur is located in Fayrlund. However, he has been captured by a bandit. So, you will first have to free him from captivity before you can employ his skills.
You’ll also find an amateur-level blacksmith in Svorlag, Hariken, Larvik, Urialla Harbor, and Fyresdal.
As to the journeyman blacksmiths, you will find them in Skellige after you get to Kaer Muire and Kaer Trolde. The Kaer Trolde blacksmith also trades the Skellige Armor set.
Kaer Morhen
Fairly early in the game, you’ll meet Zoltan Chivay, an old friend of Geralt. He’ll later become an ally to the Witcher, and he’d open up a blacksmith shop at Kaer Morhen. Zoltan Chivay is an amateur-level blacksmith.
Toussaint
Toussaint is an entirely new region in the game, and it only becomes available when you purchase the Blood and Wine DLC. You’ll find six blacksmiths in this region – two of whom belong to amateur-level, one journeyman-level, and the remaining three being master-levels.
The first master blacksmith you’ll encounter in Toussaint is in Belgaard Vineyard. Unfortunately, he has been held captive by some bandits and can only render you his services after you rescue him.
You’ll find a second blacksmith, an amateur this time, at the Arthach Palace Ruins, and he doesn’t play Gwent. Although he is an interesting fellow with specific intriguing conversation starters that will help you to increase your knowledge of lores.
The second and final amateur blacksmith in Toussaint is at the Ardaiso Quarry, and he sells mining-related crafting items.
The journeyman-level blacksmith in this region can be found at the Tourney Grounds, and he plays Gwent.
The second master blacksmith you’d meet is Trentin, and he is associated with the quest, “Till Death Do You Part.” When you complete this quest and decide to help Charles Lanzano, you’ll have the chance to obtain a rare sword from Trentin. Note that you have to walk through a cemetery to identify the monster that lurks there.
Finally, the last blacksmith is the Grandmaster himself, Lazare Lafargue, and he is both a Grandmaster Armorer and blacksmith. You can find Lazare in Hauteville. There are multiple quests that are associated with Lazare, such as the “Master Master Master Master!” sidequest. If you can complete all of these quests, you’ll receive several rewards of amazing weapons and armor.
Finding these blacksmiths will enable you to craft high-quality weapons that will render it easier for you to defeat your enemies. Thereby providing you with a smooth experience of the game.
