You've finally found it. That beautiful, high-tier schematic for the Ursine or Feline chest piece is sitting in your inventory, glowing with potential. You rush to the nearest blacksmith in Velen or Novigrad, your pockets heavy with crowns, only to be hit with that soul-crushing red text: "Craftsman level too low." It's a rite of passage for every Witcher 3 player. Honestly, it’s frustrating. You’re the legendary Geralt of Rivia, a slayer of higher vampires and kingslayers, yet you’re being told by a guy in a dirty apron that your jacket is too complicated for him to sew.
Finding the master armorers in Witcher 3 isn't just a side quest; it is the literal gatekeeper to the endgame. Without them, those Grandmaster sets from Blood and Wine are a pipe dream, and even the basic Mastercrafted gear is off-limits. Most players think they just need to find a specific shop icon on the map. It’s way more complicated than that.
The Crow's Perch Lie
When you first roll into Crow’s Perch, you’ll see Fergus Graem. He looks the part. He’s got the forge, he’s got the gruff attitude, and he’s located right in the heart of the Bloody Baron’s seat of power. If you ask around about a master armorer, people point you to him. But here’s the thing: Fergus is a hack. Well, maybe not a total hack, but he’s certainly not the master you’re looking for.
The real talent is Yoana. She’s the assistant who everyone ignores because, in the world of The Witcher, a woman at the anvil is apparently a radical concept. To unlock her services, you have to complete the quest "Master Armorers."
Don't expect an easy walk in the park. This quest sends you to the absolute worst places in Skellige. You have to retrieve high-quality smithing tools from Undvik, an island that’s basically a playground for ice giants and sirens. If you go there under-leveled, you’re going to have a bad time. I’m talking about "getting one-shot by a level 26 monster while you’re level 15" kind of bad time.
Once you bring the tools back, the quest takes a turn. You have to help Yoana prove she’s the better smith by crafting armor that can withstand a crossbow bolt. It’s a classic underdog story hidden inside a fantasy RPG. Once the dust settles and the General is impressed, Yoana becomes your go-to. She is the only person in the base game who can craft Mastercrafted armor. Period.
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Why You Can't Just Skip to Grandmaster
I see people asking this all the time: "Can I just wait until I get to Toussaint and find the Grandmaster smith?"
Technically, yes. Lazare Lafargue in the Blood and Wine DLC is a Grandmaster. He’s the peak. But there’s a massive catch that most guides gloss over. To craft Grandmaster Witcher gear, you usually need the Mastercrafted version of that gear as a base component. You can't just skip the middle steps. If you want that sweet Manticore or Wolven set at its highest potential, you have to go through the progression.
The master armorers in Witcher 3 are the bridge. You need Yoana to build the foundation so Lafargue can finish the masterpiece. Plus, Toussaint is a level 34+ area. If you’re still rocking "Superior" gear in the late stages of the main quest because you didn't feel like sailing to Undvik for tools, the Wild Hunt is going to chew you up.
The High Cost of Mastercrafting
Let’s talk money. Or rather, let's talk about why you're suddenly broke.
Crafting at the master level is a localized economic disaster for Geralt. It’s not just the crafting fee—which is steep—it’s the materials. Dimeritium plates and infused monster silk don't grow on trees. If you’re buying these raw materials from Yoana, you’re overpaying. A lot.
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Smart players dismantle. You know all those heavy maces and rusted Nilfgaardian swords you pick up? Don't just sell them for 10 crowns. Check what they dismantle into. Sometimes, a "junk" item contains the glowing ore or the rare leather strip you need to save 500 crowns on your next chest piece. Honestly, managing your inventory is half the battle when dealing with master armorers in Witcher 3.
Also, keep an eye on your monster parts. To get the best armor, you often need things like Chitinous Shells or Monster Hearts. If you sell your alchemy ingredients early in the game to buy a fancy horse saddle, you’re going to regret it when you’re standing in Crow’s Perch needing a Draconid Leather piece that you can’t afford.
Misconceptions About the Elven Smith
Wait, what about Hattori?
This is where people get confused. Hattori is in Novigrad, and he’s a master. But he is a master swordsmith, not an armorer. You have to do his "Of Swords and Dumplings" quest to get him to stop selling mediocre food and start making blades again.
While Hattori is essential for your steel and silver swords, he won't touch your boots or gauntlets. You have to maintain two separate relationships. Think of it as having a specialist for your car's engine and a different one for the bodywork. Yoana handles the "bodywork" (your armor), and Hattori handles the "engine" (your killing tools).
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The Grind for Undvik Tools
Let’s go back to that Undvik trip for a second because it’s the biggest hurdle.
You’ll find the tools in a cave guarded by a troll. It’s not just any troll; it’s a high-level encounter. Most people make the mistake of trying to clear the whole island. My advice? Don't. Grab the tools, deal with the immediate threats, and get out. The "Master Armorers" quest is long enough as it is without you trying to play hero on every inch of Skellige.
When you return to Yoana with the tools, you also need the acid gland from a Griffin. There’s a specific contract near Crow’s Perch that helps with this, but if you’ve already cleared it, you might have to go hunting in the wild. It’s these multi-layered requirements that make the master armorers in Witcher 3 feel like a real achievement once you finally unlock them.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Witcher
If you want to get your gear sorted without losing your mind, follow this specific order. Don't deviate, or you'll find yourself backtracking across three continents.
- Loot everything in Skellige. The smugglers' caches in the water are boring to get, but they provide the raw gold you need to pay Yoana's crafting fees.
- Trigger the quest early. Talk to Fergus at Crow's Perch as soon as you arrive in Velen. You won't be able to finish it yet, but having it in your log allows you to keep an eye out for the required items.
- Prioritize the Tools of Undvik. As soon as you hit level 20-22, head to Skellige. Don't wait until the end of the game. You want that Mastercrafted gear for the final battles, not after them.
- Dismantle, don't buy. Before buying a Dimeritium Plate for 2000+ crowns, check if you can craft it from Dimeritium Ore and Glowing Ore. It is almost always cheaper.
- Save the Griffin Gland. If you kill a Griffin during a contract, check your "Alchemy/Materials" tab. Do not sell "Griffin Acid" or "Monster Glands" to random merchants.
Getting your armor right is the difference between Geralt looking like a legendary warrior and Geralt looking like he fell through a thrift store for medieval peasants. Yoana is the key. Treat her well, bring her the tools, and she’ll make sure you actually survive the transition into the late-game content.