Can the Zelda Master Sword Break? The Definitive Answer
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer? No, the Master Sword cannot truly break in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, it’s not quite that simple. While it doesn’t shatter and disappear from your inventory like other weapons, it does have a unique mechanic where it “runs out of energy” and becomes temporarily unusable. Think of it more like overheating or needing a recharge rather than actual breakage. This period of unavailability is often referred to as the Master Sword “breaking,” but technically it’s more accurate to say it’s temporarily depleted. Let’s delve deeper into this iconic weapon and address some common questions.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Durability
The Master Sword is a recurring legendary blade in the Zelda series, often imbued with the power to repel evil and typically the only weapon capable of defeating the main antagonist, Ganon. Its power stems from its connection to the Goddess Hylia and its imbued anti-evil properties. This inherent connection is what prevents it from suffering the same fate as other weapons in Hyrule.
In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword functions differently than in previous titles. Instead of having unlimited use, it has a durability meter. When this meter is depleted through combat and general use, the sword doesn’t break outright. Instead, it glows intensely, emits a loud sound, and temporarily disappears from Link’s hand. It then enters a “recharge” phase where it’s unavailable for a set period.
The visual effect of the Master Sword “breaking” can be misleading, leading many players to believe it’s gone for good. Rest assured, it’s merely resting. It will reappear in your inventory, faded out, indicating it’s in the process of recharging. Once the timer expires, the Master Sword is ready for battle once again.
The Recharge Mechanic
The crucial detail about the Master Sword is its recharge mechanic. After the sword runs out of energy, it takes 10 minutes of real-world time for it to become usable again in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. You don’t need to do anything special; just wait, and it will be ready. You can even continue playing with other weapons while it recharges.
It’s important to distinguish this recharge mechanic from the typical weapon breakage found throughout the game. Regular weapons have a finite lifespan and permanently break after sustained use. The Master Sword avoids this fate, ensuring you always have access to a powerful and reliable weapon, albeit one that requires occasional downtime.
The Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom
While the core mechanics of the Master Sword remain similar in Tears of the Kingdom, there are some notable differences. The weapon is initially heavily damaged and weakened. Princess Zelda, by transforming into the Light Dragon, imbues the sword with her power to heal it, making it playable.
Fusing Materials
Unlike other weapons, the Master Sword cannot be fused with materials in Tears of the Kingdom. This is because of its special nature. The Fuse ability is core to the game, but not applicable to this blade.
Master Sword FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Master Sword’s durability, power, and other related aspects:
1. Is there an unbreakable sword in Zelda: Breath of the Wild besides the Master Sword?
No. The Master Sword is the only weapon in Breath of the Wild with the unique ability to recharge rather than permanently break. All other weapons have finite durability and will eventually break with use.
2. What would happen if the Master Sword really broke beyond repair?
Lore-wise, if the Master Sword were truly broken beyond repair, the fate of Hyrule would be severely threatened. However, the in-game narrative suggests that even if the Master Sword were lost, another champion would rise with a different means to combat the darkness. In many Zelda timelines, another weapon, or Link’s inherent power, would be more than capable to defeat the darkness.
3. Can the Master Sword break while fighting Ganon/Ganondorf?
No. During the final battles against Ganon in Breath of the Wild and Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword becomes temporarily unbreakable as part of the narrative and gameplay design. This ensures players can rely on it during the most critical moments of the game.
4. Why does my Master Sword only do 30 damage?
In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword typically deals 30 damage. However, its power increases to 60 when Link is in close proximity to enemies corrupted by malice or in areas with a strong evil presence, such as Hyrule Castle or when fighting Guardians.
5. Can the Master Sword be upgraded?
Yes, in Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword can be upgraded through the Trial of the Sword DLC. Completing the Trial of the Sword increases the Master Sword’s base damage to 40, 50, or ultimately 60, depending on the level of the trial completed. In Tears of the Kingdom, the sword is automatically strengthened as part of the game’s narrative, but not through a specific upgrade quest.
6. How do I stop my Master Sword from running out of energy?
You can’t entirely prevent the Master Sword from running out of energy. It’s an inherent mechanic of the weapon. However, you can manage its usage by switching to other weapons for regular combat and reserving the Master Sword for tougher enemies or critical situations.
7. Is Zelda the Light Dragon?
Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, Princess Zelda transforms into the Light Dragon by swallowing her Secret Stone. This act allows her to imbue the Master Sword with holy power, healing it and ensuring it reaches Link at the right moment.
8. How many times has the Master Sword “broken” in the Zelda series?
While the Master Sword is a recurring weapon in the Zelda series, the specific mechanic of running out of energy is relatively new. In past games, it typically had unlimited durability. The concept of the Master Sword temporarily losing power is unique to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
9. What weapon is stronger than the Master Sword?
This depends on how “stronger” is defined. The Master Sword is typically essential for defeating the final boss. It should be noted that in terms of pure raw damage output in Tears of the Kingdom, some fused weapons can potentially exceed the Master Sword’s base damage of 30, but it shines when fighting malice or enemies where the sword increases to 60 damage.
10. What is the strongest weapon in Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
While weapons like the Ancient Proficiency weapons (when used with the Ancient Armor set) can deal significant damage, the Master Sword is uniquely powerful due to its ability to recharge and its effectiveness against corrupted enemies. There are other weapons that can reach high attack numbers due to buffs, but the Master Sword is one of the best choices.
11. Why does my Master Sword do 60 damage in certain situations?
The Master Sword’s damage output doubles to 60 when fighting enemies or in areas affected by malice or corruption. This mechanic highlights its role as a weapon specifically designed to combat evil.
12. How do I get my Master Sword back to 60 damage permanently?
You cannot permanently increase the Master Sword’s base damage to 60 in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom without the Trial of the Sword DLC in Breath of the Wild. It is designed to fluctuate based on the surrounding enemies and environment.
13. Is Zelda an elf or a fairy?
Zelda is a Hylian, a race of elf-like people in the Zelda universe. She is not a fairy, although fairies are also present in the Zelda games as helpful companions.
14. Does Link love Zelda?
The nature of Link and Zelda’s relationship has been a topic of debate among fans for years. While the games don’t explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, there is certainly a strong bond of friendship, loyalty, and care between them. Their relationship is often open to interpretation, allowing players to project their own feelings onto the characters. Some fans argue that their bond is more like destiny.
15. Why is the Master Sword so special?
The Master Sword is special because it’s a sacred blade forged to combat evil. It’s often imbued with the power of the Goddess Hylia and is the only weapon capable of permanently defeating Ganon in many Zelda timelines. Its connection to the Triforce and its chosen wielder, Link, make it an essential artifact in the ongoing battle between good and evil.
Conclusion
The Master Sword, while not entirely unbreakable in the traditional sense, remains an incredibly powerful and essential weapon in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Its ability to recharge after running out of energy sets it apart from other weapons and ensures Link always has a reliable means of defending Hyrule. Its unique properties, lore, and role in the narrative solidify its status as one of the most iconic weapons in gaming history.
For further exploration of the educational aspects of gaming and its potential for learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.