Patch 5.0 adds one of the cleanest quality-of-life features in modern Witcher 3: Reforge. If you love the bonuses on your Grandmaster set but prefer the look of something else, you no longer have to choose between fashion and function.
Unlock master craftsmen Yoana and Hattori, then use Reforge to apply an unlocked armor or sword appearance onto your equipped item. The look changes, the stats stay the same, and Blood and Wine dyes carry over.
CD PROJEKT RED’s remastered patch notes explicitly confirm appearance-only reforging and dye carryover.Armor reforge & dye preview
Preview the idea behind Patch 5.0 Reforge: change the look, keep the stats. Dyes from Blood and Wine carry over.
Choose an appearance set
Choose a dye
The simulator is illustrative, but the core rule is official: Reforge changes appearance only. Your level requirement, resistances, and bonuses stay attached to the equipped item.
Equipped item stats
Appearance being applied
Reforge is Witcher 3’s appearance-only transmog system
CD PROJEKT RED’s Remastered patch confirms that you can now Reforge your equipment to change its appearance without affecting its stats. It also confirms that Blood and Wine dyes carry over to the reforged item.
Exact quest path to Yoana and Hattori
| Craftsman | Location | Quest to unlock master service | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoana Armorer | Crow’s Perch, Velen | Master Armorers | Talk to Fergus and Yoana. The quest sends you toward better tools so Yoana can become a true master armorer. |
| Hattori Blacksmith | Novigrad | Of Swords and Dumplings | Help Hattori reopen his craft so he can work as a master blacksmith and later offer Reforge for swords. |
Simple reforge workflow
Equip the item whose stats you want to keep
Reforge does not boost stats. Start from the armor or sword you already want to wear for its bonuses.
Unlock appearances naturally
The patch notes say appearances unlock by adding new equipment pieces and crafting diagrams to your inventory. That means your visual library grows as you collect gear and diagrams.
Choose the look, not the stats
At the Reforge menu, select the appearance you want to apply. Your item keeps its original stat package, but now looks like the chosen gear set.
Keep your dye style
If you dyed the armor through Blood and Wine, those dyes carry over when the item is reforged — handy for keeping a coherent build theme.
What Reforge changes
The external look: armor model, sword model, and your visible build style.
What Reforge does not change
Required level, resistances, mutagen synergy, set bonuses, and every other underlying stat on the equipped item.
Fast recommendation
Keep your best-performing Grandmaster piece equipped, then use Reforge to apply the appearance you actually want to see. That is the most efficient way to enjoy fashion without ruining your build.
Frequently asked questions
Does Reforge change stats?
No. Reforge changes the appearance of the item only. The stats on the equipped item remain the same.
Who can Reforge armor and swords?
Only master craftsmen offer the service. Yoana handles the armor side and Hattori handles the sword side once their master-level quest chains are complete.
Do Blood and Wine armor dyes stay after Reforge?
Yes. CD PROJEKT RED says dyes applied through Blood and Wine carry over to the reforged item.
How do I unlock more appearance options?
The patch notes say new appearances unlock by adding equipment items and crafting diagrams to your inventory.
Is Reforge the same as crafting a better item?
No. Crafting changes what item you own. Reforge keeps the item you already wear, but lets it borrow a different visual appearance.
Official support resources
Independent fan guide by WalkerBex. Always double-check in-game UI labels because menus may change with future updates.