Can You Max Out Hearts and Stamina in Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer, and perhaps the one you’ve been searching for, is no, you cannot achieve maximum hearts and maximum stamina simultaneously in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). While the game throws you into its cold open with both maxed out, this isn’t the experience you’ll carry through the main game. The game’s design intentionally forces players to make a crucial choice: prioritize health or stamina, or find a balance that suits their playstyle. This article will dive into why, how it works, and explore related FAQs to equip you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your Hyrule journey.
Understanding the Heart and Stamina System in TOTK
In Tears of the Kingdom, Link’s power is measured in two vital resources: Heart Containers, which represent his health, and Stamina Wheels, which govern his physical endurance for activities like climbing, swimming, and gliding. These resources are upgraded using Lights of Blessing, earned by completing the 152 Shrines found throughout Hyrule and the skies. Each Shrine offers one Light of Blessing, and every four Lights of Blessing can be exchanged for either one Heart Container or one Stamina Vessel.
The Crux of the Limitation
The reason you can’t max out both stems from the limited number of Shrines available and a design choice that keeps players on their toes. Even after completing all 152 Shrines and specific side quests that also offer upgrades, you’ll find yourself with a shortfall. You will have to choose between investing your collected Lights of Blessing into maximizing your health or stamina because there aren’t enough to complete both. This restriction encourages players to think strategically about their builds and adapt their playstyles.
Maximum Values and Combinations
Currently, the maximum stats Link can hold at one time is either:
- 40 Hearts and 2 and a half full Stamina Wheels
- 38 Hearts and 3 full Stamina Wheels
These represent the two extremes you can achieve. There is no way to get 40 hearts and 3 full stamina wheels. The game doesn’t give you enough rewards to reach max levels for both. This decision impacts gameplay in significant ways. Choosing 40 hearts makes Link a tank, capable of withstanding a lot of damage. Conversely, prioritizing stamina allows for longer traversal, enabling exploration and combat in more ways.
Temporary Heart Boosts
It’s important to note that temporary boosts to both hearts and stamina exist through food recipes. These enhancements, however, don’t count towards your permanent maximums. You can use them to get by with lower health or stamina in certain situations, but they do not change the fact that both cannot be permanently maxed out simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heart and Stamina in TOTK
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the heart and stamina system, designed to provide further clarity and useful tips for your adventures in Hyrule.
1. Can you get 40 hearts and full stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, as explained above, the maximum possible combination includes either 40 hearts with incomplete stamina, or maxed-out stamina with 38 hearts. The intro sequence gives both maxed, but this can’t be maintained.
2. Can you get 30 hearts and 3 Stamina Wheels?
Yes, you can have 30 hearts and 3 stamina wheels, however not entirely through the Light of Blessing system. The article suggests that you collect 27 hearts and 3 stamina wheels, and then get 3 extra heart containers from sleeping in a soft bed. This is a good balance to achieve a good amount of both health and stamina.
3. Can you get max health and stamina in Zelda?
Generally, across the Zelda franchise, there have been limitations on maxing both at the same time. Tears of the Kingdom continues this trend, particularly with the specific number of Shrines and upgrade limits.
4. Is it possible to have max hearts and max stamina at the same time?
As we’ve repeatedly clarified, the game is specifically designed to prevent maxing both simultaneously. It’s a core gameplay mechanic that adds strategic depth to character progression.
5. Is hearts or stamina better in Tears of the Kingdom?
This choice depends on your playstyle. Stamina is often prioritized early, as two full wheels are required for main quest progression. Hearts are good for players who plan to fight many enemies directly, while stamina is good for those who prefer exploration.
6. Can you get the Master Sword with 12 hearts?
No, to claim the Master Sword, you need a minimum of 13 full heart containers. Temporary heart boosts will not work.
7. How many Stamina Wheels does it take to get Zelda’s horse?
To tame Zelda’s Golden Horse, you’ll likely need at least two stamina wheels. Stamina-boosting food can help if your wheels are not fully upgraded.
8. Should you upgrade hearts or stamina first?
Many players recommend upgrading stamina first to at least two wheels, as it is needed for the main quests. From there, you can grab a minimum of 13 hearts needed for the Master Sword, then upgrade the rest to full stamina.
9. Is there DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
Currently, Nintendo has stated there are no plans for any DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The developers felt they included everything they wanted in the base game. This is subject to change, but no DLC is planned at this time.
10. How many Shrines are in TOTK?
There are a total of 152 Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom: 120 on the surface and 32 in the sky. These are crucial to the upgrade system.
11. How many shrines are needed for 13 hearts?
You’ll need 40 Shrines completed (4 Lights of Blessing per heart) to get the 10 extra hearts required, on top of the 3 you start with, to get 13 in total for the Master Sword.
12. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge in Tears of the Kingdom?
If you push the Master Sword beyond its normal energy levels, it will take about ten minutes to recharge.
13. How much time passes between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
It’s widely believed that five to six years have passed between the events of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This is implied by character development and story nuances.
14. How many hearts does it take to beat Ganon TOTK?
A safe bet is to have at least 20 hearts, especially when paired with Gloom-healing and general healing items. This, combined with well-upgraded armor, will help a player survive the final battle.
15. Is the Hylian Shield unbreakable?
No, the Hylian Shield is not unbreakable, it can break but has very high durability. If broken, it can be repurchased through a specific side quest. The Master Sword cannot be broken.
Final Thoughts
The inability to simultaneously max out hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom is not a flaw, but a deliberate design choice that enhances player experience. It encourages strategic thinking, adaptability, and diverse playstyles. By understanding the limitations and trade-offs, you can make informed decisions about how you develop Link, tailoring your build to suit your preferences and the challenges ahead. Happy adventuring in Hyrule!