The Witcher Games: Revolutionizing Sword Lore in Epic Fashion

Highlights

In order to combat monsters, Witchers are equipped with a pair of swords—one crafted from steel and the other from silver. The silver sword, known for its rarity, possesses a lethal effectiveness against these creatures. On the other hand, the steel sword is wielded to confront regular adversaries.

The lore regarding Geralt's sword usage in The Witcher books and games is inconsistent.

To enhance gameplay and emphasize the significance of swords, future Witcher games can introduce new elements. Introducing a new protagonist from a different witcher School could bring about changes and elevate the importance of legendary swords.

Witchers value their swords above all else. There are two types of swords in The Witcher: steel and silver. These swords are iconic symbols of a witcher's profession, and just by spotting the swords on their back, one can identify them as a witcher. The lore and stories surrounding these swords are as important as the swords themselves, but it is time for the lore behind the swords to be refreshed.

Witchers have two swords for practical reasons. As hunters and killers of monsters, their weapons must be specifically designed to fight and slay the dangerous creatures that inhabit the Continent. These monsters can only be harmed by silver, hence the necessity for witchers to carry a silver sword. Silver swords are not as common or affordable as regular steel swords and do not have any special effects against ordinary enemies like humans or animals. In fact, silver swords can be a disadvantage when used against non-monsters as they tend to chip or break easily against tough armor. However, when confronted with monsters, silver swords are deadly, which is why every witcher carries one, setting them apart from others.

Sword Lore is Inconsistent Between The Witcher Games and Books

In The Witcher books and games, Geralt's use of swords differs. In the books, his primary weapon is a steel sword which he carries on his back. It proves effective in battling and killing many monsters, even those with thick hides that could easily damage a silver sword. Geralt reserves his silver sword for creatures weak against silver, but who wouldn't harm the delicate and costly material. Rather than carrying it on his back, he keeps the silver sword in Roach's saddlebags.

The games feature various collections of steel and silver swords, including those from different witcher Schools and elf-made blades. Additionally, Geralt has encountered legendary swords throughout his journeys, like Aerondight, a sword present in all three Witcher games, inspired by Arthurian legends and reminiscent of Excalibur, with its link to the Lady in the Lake. Obtaining these types of swords requires significant effort, and they leave lasting impressions on players due to the characters tied to them and the lore-filled stories surrounding them.

The Future of The Witcher Games is The Time For Changes in Lore

In future games, it is likely that the player character will not be Geralt, but instead a new protagonist from the new witcher School of the Lynx. Each witcher School has its own unique sword techniques and practices, making it the ideal opportunity to introduce new gameplay elements that are more aligned with the lore of swords in the books. For example, players may need to exercise caution when deciding to wield their silver sword in the field.

Furthermore, legendary swords like Aerondight could have a more prominent role in the games, rather than being mere collectibles. Swords hold great significance in a witcher's profession and life, and this aspect should be emphasized in future games. The practicality of Geralt's sword usage in The Witcher books, combined with the intriguing stories behind these legendary weapons, would be an excellent way to revitalize the sword lore in upcoming installments of The Witcher.