However, one thing that I unquestionably love is a single change to the Steel Sword Winter's Blade. Originally this sword, while having some impressive stats, was sadly outclassed by many Steel Swords you could get in the main game. And this was annoying for me because I LOVE the lore behind this sword. This is a sword that has been in the An Craite family for generations, forged in Mahakam and tempered in dragon fire and has my favorite design of any sword in the game.
But more important then that is why you get this sword. See at this point in the game you're off to get your daughter and fight the Wild Hunt and your old friend Crach gives you this family heirloom to help in the fight against the Wild Hunt. This sword likely means a lot to him and he gives it to you as a means of thanks for helping him and his children in their time of need. You can try and refuse it but Crach will not hear of it.
I always hated how we would outclass it because there was more lore, emotional and character weight behind this blade then even Aerondight (which is my favorite Silver Sword in the game) and yet it would have to be discarded if you wanted to keep up with the higher level enemies. I would never sell it but it would just remain in storage, gathering dust like it meant nothing.
But the next gen fixed this by changing one thing. Winter's Blade now levels with you.
This means that even if there are some good Steel Swords that are higher damage then Winter's Blade they will eventually get left behind because the sword you have will outclass them sooner or later. The only exception is Blade from the Bits which you get from the Of Swords and Dumplings side quest which also levels with you and does have a higher damage count. However, it's not THAT big of a difference and the bounces you get from Winter's Blade is, IMO, better then Blade from the Bits.
So, yeah, Winter's Blade is now my favorite Steel Sword in the game from both a story AND Gameplay standpoint.
