Do All Swords Break in Breath of the Wild? Unveiling Weapon Durability
The short answer to the question, “Do all swords break in Breath of the Wild?” is a resounding yes, with one crucial exception: the legendary Master Sword. This core mechanic of weapon degradation is a defining characteristic of the game, forcing players to constantly adapt, explore, and experiment with different combat strategies. While the vast majority of swords, clubs, spears, and even bows will shatter after sustained use, the Master Sword stands out as the only weapon that cannot be permanently broken. However, it’s not quite indestructible. Instead, it enters a “recharging” state after a certain amount of use, making players resourceful in their approach to combat. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of weapon durability in Breath of the Wild.
The Reality of Weapon Durability
The fact that weapons break easily is a design choice by the developers of the game to encourage exploration and strategic combat. Rather than hoarding the best weapon and using it for every fight, players are required to constantly find, use, and discard weapons, adapting to what the world of Hyrule offers. This means no weapon is truly “safe.” Even the most powerful swords that Link finds, like the Savage Lynel Sword known for high damage output, will inevitably crumble after a number of swings. This system creates a dynamic and ever-changing combat experience, making every encounter unique.
The durability of a weapon is indicated by its use; as it is used, its quality deteriorates until it eventually breaks. You can see a visual cue of this: the weapon’s icon in the inventory will flash red when it’s close to breaking. This warning is your cue to switch weapons to avoid being caught unarmed mid-battle. This mechanic also forces players to use less preferred weapons. This constant cycle of destruction and acquisition is what defines the gameplay loop of Breath of the Wild.
The Master Sword: An Exception, Not an Exemption
While the Master Sword cannot be permanently destroyed, it doesn’t mean it’s immune to all limitations. When used too heavily, the Master Sword will deplete its energy and enter a state of dormancy. During this time, it will not be available, indicated by it glowing blue while it is recharging. Players then must wait a period of time before they can wield the blade again. This is not permanent damage; it is a built-in balancing mechanic that ensures players still engage with the game’s weapon systems.
There is a way to somewhat circumvent this. If you’ve completed the Trial of the Sword DLC, the Master Sword is upgraded and will not need recharging when used in specific areas, or when fighting specific enemies. While not truly unbreakable, this improvement makes the Master Sword a more reliable tool for Link’s adventures.
How to Manage Weapon Durability
Understanding how to deal with weapon durability is key to success in Breath of the Wild. Here are a few practical strategies:
- Use Weapons Wisely: Consider using less powerful weapons for weaker enemies and save your strongest weapons for bosses and tougher foes. The game rewards you for making tactical decisions about your inventory.
- Explore: With weapons constantly breaking, exploring the world becomes crucial. Look for chests, defeat enemies, and scour every corner of Hyrule for weapons. Be open to finding new weapons rather than relying on the same ones.
- Embrace Variety: The game has a wide array of weapon types, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to wield each weapon effectively, from single-handed swords and spears to two-handed heavy weapons and bows.
- Use Environmental Tactics: Don’t rely on melee combat only. Utilize the environment to your advantage. For example, bombs are great for dealing with weaker enemies from a distance and avoiding damage to your weapons.
- Master the Shield Parry and Perfect Dodge: These techniques will reduce wear and tear on your weapons as well as help you to become a more effective fighter, avoiding unnecessary damage and weapon breakage.
Ultimately, while the constant breaking of weapons might initially seem frustrating, it’s a crucial part of the Breath of the Wild experience. It encourages players to be resourceful, tactical, and adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about weapon durability in Breath of the Wild, designed to provide further clarity and information:
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Can you repair weapons in Breath of the Wild? No, generally you cannot repair weapons in Breath of the Wild. Once a weapon breaks, it’s gone for good. The only exception to this rule is the Lightscale Trident, which can be reforged after breaking.
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Is there a way to get unlimited weapons? There isn’t a way to get unlimited weapons, but there are places to farm them. Lynels drop powerful weapons, and guardians have a chance to drop Ancient Weapons.
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What is the strongest sword in Breath of the Wild? The Savage Lynel Sword is generally regarded as one of the most powerful single-handed swords. However, the Master Sword’s power increases when fighting specific enemies or within specific locations and can reach 60 damage.
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Does the Master Sword ever break permanently? The Master Sword does not break permanently. It will run out of energy and enter a state of dormancy, but it will automatically recharge and be available to use again after some time.
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What happens if the Hylian Shield breaks? The Hylian Shield is durable but can break. If it does, you can purchase another from a special vendor, Granté, after completing the “From the Ground Up” quest.
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Are there unbreakable shields in Breath of the Wild? No, there aren’t any shields that are permanently unbreakable. Even the Hylian Shield, one of the most durable, will eventually break if used enough.
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Do elemental weapons break faster? No, elemental weapons break at the same rate as their non-elemental counterparts. The elemental effect does not impact their durability.
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Why do weapons break in the first place? Weapon breaking is a core mechanic of Breath of the Wild. It encourages exploration, experimentation, and resource management. It also avoids situations where the player always relies on the same powerful equipment.
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Is it possible to upgrade weapon durability? While you can’t directly upgrade the durability of all weapons, you can enhance the Master Sword’s durability through the Trial of the Sword DLC.
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How do Octoroks repair weapons? Rock Octoroks found around Death Mountain can inhale broken weapons and then spit them out repaired. This is a useful trick for getting some extra use out of a few weapons but is limited by how many octoroks you can find.
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Are Zora weapons special? Zora weapons are unique in their design. The Lightscale Trident is also unique in that it can be reforged after it breaks, unlike other normal weapons.
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What should you do with a broken weapon? When a weapon breaks, there is nothing more that can be done. Just discard it, as it is useless, or use it as an opportunity to grab a new one.
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Does the durability affect the strength of a weapon? As weapons take damage, they do not lose power. The damage output will remain constant until the moment the weapon breaks.
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Can you store weapons to keep them safe? You can store weapons in your inventory, but they will not be safe from breaking if you use them frequently. If you have completed Tarrey Town, you can also store unique weapons in your house for safekeeping and as a trophy.
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Is there any way to make the Master Sword more powerful? Yes, by completing the Trial of the Sword, you can enhance the base damage of the Master Sword to 40, 50, or 60, making it significantly more powerful and reducing the times you must recharge it, but it still must be recharged.
By understanding the mechanics of weapon durability and exploring these FAQs, you’ll be much better equipped to navigate the challenges and adventures that Hyrule has to offer. Embrace the cycle of breaking and finding weapons, and you’ll soon discover the true beauty of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.