Can You Pull the Master Sword with Golden Hearts?
The burning question on every adventurer’s mind venturing into the vast world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is: Can you pull the Master Sword with golden hearts? The answer is a resounding no. While golden hearts (temporary hearts granted by food and elixirs) are incredibly useful for surviving dangerous encounters and taking on formidable foes, they do not count towards the 13 full, permanent heart containers required to claim the Master Sword. The Light Dragon isn’t fooled by your culinary trickery; it seeks true inner strength, not temporary boosts!
Understanding the Master Sword’s Requirements
The Master Sword, the Blade of Evil’s Bane, isn’t just lying around waiting to be picked up. It demands a certain level of dedication and resilience from its wielder. Link must prove his worth by possessing at least 13 full heart containers. These heart containers represent Link’s permanent health and his capacity to endure the trials ahead. The game specifically distinguishes between these permanent hearts and temporary hearts, ensuring that only those who have truly earned their strength can wield the legendary blade.
The Illusion of Extra Health: Golden Hearts Debunked
Golden hearts, also known as temporary hearts or bonus hearts, are a fleeting boon. They’re gained through consuming specific meals and elixirs that provide a temporary boost to your maximum health. While they can be essential for surviving tough battles against enemies like Lynels or Phantom Ganon, they don’t fulfill the Master Sword’s requirements. The game’s mechanics are designed to prevent players from circumventing the challenge of acquiring permanent heart containers through temporary means. Think of it as the Light Dragon having a very discerning eye (or should we say, scale?).
Alternative Strategies for Obtaining the Master Sword
If you find yourself short on the necessary heart containers, don’t despair! Hyrule is a vast land filled with opportunities to increase your strength and vitality. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Shrine Completion: Completing Shrines is the most reliable way to earn Light of Blessing. Four Light of Blessing can be exchanged at a Goddess Statue for either an increase in your maximum health (adding a heart container) or an increase in your maximum stamina.
- Boss Battles: Defeating bosses, such as the dungeon bosses found in the Regional Phenomena quests, rewards you with a heart container.
- Respecing Heart Containers: Once you reach certain points in the game, you can respec your hearts for stamina and vice versa if you need two full green wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Master Sword
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, providing further insights into its mechanics and acquisition.
1. Can you pull Master Sword with yellow stamina?
No, the Master Sword requires two full green stamina wheels to pull from the Light Dragon’s head if you don’t have enough hearts. Yellow stamina doesn’t count.
2. Can I use fake hearts to get Master Sword?
No, temporary hearts from food and elixirs do not count towards the 13 heart container requirement. You need permanent heart containers.
3. Is the unbreakable Master Sword glitch patched?
Yes, the weapon duplication glitch that allowed for an “unbreakable” Master Sword was patched out by Nintendo.
4. Can you get the Master Sword without beating Phantom Ganon?
Yes, you can obtain the Master Sword as soon as you meet the stamina or heart requirements, although defeating Phantom Ganon may make it easier to locate the Light Dragon.
5. Can the Master Sword be corrupted?
Yes, there is a Corrupt Master Sword variant in the game that can be upgraded and eventually purified back to its original form.
6. Why is the Master Sword only 30 damage?
The Master Sword’s base damage is 30 because it was damaged during the Great Calamity. It deals 60 damage when fighting enemies affected by malice.
7. Is Zelda The Light Dragon?
Yes, the Light Dragon is Princess Zelda after she consumed her Secret Stone.
8. What is the best thing to fuse with the Master Sword?
The Silver Lynel Saber Horn is considered one of the best items to fuse with the Master Sword for increased damage.
9. How do I get my Master Sword back to 60 damage?
The Master Sword automatically does 60 damage when fighting enemies affected by Malice or when inside dungeons.
10. Can you use Mipha’s Grace to pull the Master Sword?
No, Mipha’s Grace does not count toward the heart container requirement.
11. How many times can you hit with the Master Sword?
The Master Sword has a durability of around 200 hits before needing to recharge.
12. Is there a weapon better than the Master Sword?
Some weapons, like the Fierce Deity Sword and the Great Fairy Sword, can deal more raw damage than the Master Sword, but the Master Sword’s unique properties make it invaluable.
13. What happens if you throw away the Master Sword?
The Master Sword returns to the forest and reappears when you are able to use it again.
14. Do fused items on Master Sword break?
Yes, fused items on the Master Sword break when the sword runs out of energy. Save the best for bosses.
15. Can you fight Ganon right away in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, you can fight Ganon as soon as you reach Lookout Landing, but it is not recommended as you will be severely underpowered without significant upgrades to your health, stamina, and equipment.
The Enduring Appeal of the Master Sword
The Master Sword is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring battle against evil. Its acquisition represents a significant milestone in Link’s journey, and the challenges involved in obtaining it only add to its legendary status. So, while golden hearts might help you survive a tough fight, remember that true strength comes from within. Hone your skills, explore the world, and earn those heart containers. The Master Sword awaits!
If you’re interested in the learning aspects of video games, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website. You can find it at GamesLearningSociety.org.