Can You Get the Master Sword Again? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you can get the Master Sword again in both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, the process and circumstances surrounding its return differ slightly between the two games. In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword recharges after a period of time once its energy is depleted. In Tears of the Kingdom, you might need to go on a quest to retrieve it, but the Master Sword is not permanently lost. Let’s delve into the specifics of obtaining and regaining the Master Sword in these iconic games.
The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild
Acquiring the Sword
To initially acquire the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild, you need a minimum of two full Stamina Wheels. This typically requires completing at least 20 shrines to earn enough spirit orbs to upgrade your stamina. Once you meet this requirement, you can pull the sword from its pedestal in the Korok Forest. Attempting to pull it without sufficient stamina will result in Link being severely damaged.
The Recharge Mechanic
The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild doesn’t break in the traditional sense. Instead, it has limited durability. After a certain number of hits, it will “run out of energy.” When this happens, the sword disappears from Link’s hand and becomes unusable. However, it remains in your inventory, but appears faded out. After 10 minutes of real-time gameplay, the Master Sword recharges and becomes usable again. You’ll receive a notification when it’s ready.
Enhanced Power
The Master Sword has a base attack power of 30. This increases to 60 when you’re fighting enemies corrupted by Calamity Ganon, such as those found in Hyrule Castle or near Guardians. This makes the Master Sword exceptionally effective against the game’s primary antagonist. The Trial of the Sword DLC further enhances the Master Sword’s power and durability.
Losing the Sword
If you attempt to throw the Master Sword away, it won’t disappear. Instead, a message will appear indicating that “The Master Sword has returned to the forest.” This action doesn’t permanently remove the sword from your inventory; it merely prevents you from using it until it recharges.
The Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom
Retrieving the Blade
In Tears of the Kingdom, obtaining the Master Sword is a more involved process compared to Breath of the Wild. The narrative surrounding the sword is deeply intertwined with the overarching story. Early in the game, the Master Sword is damaged. Princess Zelda then embues the damaged Master Sword with holy power so it could recover and be strengthened. To gain the master sword, you must get onto the head of the Light Dragon and extract it.
Power and Abilities
The Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom possesses similar attributes to its Breath of the Wild counterpart. Its base attack power is around 30, potentially increasing under specific circumstances. However, its functionality is adjusted to accommodate new game mechanics. The Master Sword, once obtained, is a reliable weapon for battling enemies and progressing through the game. As with Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword has a recharge mechanic that allows it to recover after being depleted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Master Sword
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom:
1. Does the Master Sword break permanently?
No, the Master Sword does not break permanently. It runs out of energy and requires a recharge period, but it always returns.
2. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?
The recharge time is 10 minutes of real-time gameplay.
3. How much stamina do I need to initially obtain the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
You need two full Stamina Wheels, which is achieved by earning five Stamina Vessels (completing 20 shrines) in addition to your default wheel.
4. What is the attack power of the Master Sword?
The Master Sword has a base attack power of 30, which increases to 60 when fighting enemies corrupted by Calamity Ganon.
5. Can I fight Ganon without the Master Sword?
Yes, you can defeat Ganon without the Master Sword. However, the Master Sword deals double damage to Ganon and does not need to recharge when fighting him.
6. What happens if I throw the Master Sword away?
The Master Sword returns to the forest, but remains in your inventory to recharge.
7. Why is my Master Sword suddenly at 60 attack power?
The Master Sword’s attack power increases to 60 when you are fighting enemies in areas corrupted by Calamity Ganon, such as Hyrule Castle or near Guardians.
8. Is there an unbreakable shield in Breath of the Wild?
No, there is no unbreakable shield in Breath of the Wild. The Hylian Shield is highly durable, and replicas can be purchased from Granté.
9. Is Zelda the Light Dragon in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Princess Zelda transformed into the Light Dragon.
10. Can you defeat Ganondorf without the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, it is possible to defeat Ganondorf without the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom.
11. How many times can you hit with the Master Sword before it runs out of energy?
The maximum value available was 80 and I have used 200 for its durability as tests have shown that on the fully powered up version the Master Sword has nearly 200 strikes before needing to recharge.
12. Is the unbreakable Master Sword glitch patched in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword duplication glitch was patched in version 1.1.2 of the game.
13. Can the Master Sword be corrupted?
Yes, there is a Corrupted Master Sword variant that can be purified back into the standard Master Sword.
14. What is the strongest weapon in Breath of the Wild?
While many powerful weapons exist, the Master Sword remains one of the best due to its unique properties and increased power against Calamity Ganon.
15. Why is the Master Sword only 30 attack damage for regular enemies?
The Master Sword deals only 30 damage against regular enemies because it was weakened during the Great Calamity.
Conclusion
The Master Sword is a vital component of the Zelda experience. It may not be indestructible, but its ability to recharge and its enhanced power against evil make it an invaluable asset. Whether you’re exploring Hyrule in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, understanding how to acquire and maintain the Master Sword is crucial for your adventure. The nuances of this mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, enhancing the overall enjoyment of these modern classics.
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