Do You Really Need 13 Hearts to Wield the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
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Yes, unequivocally, you do need a minimum of 13 full heart containers to claim the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Temporary hearts, granted by food or elixirs, sadly won’t cut it. Think of it as the ultimate test of your commitment to saving Hyrule. The Great Deku Tree isn’t kidding when he says you need the strength. Attempting to pull the sword with fewer than 13 permanent hearts will result in Link taking serious damage, and potentially dying. It is a rite of passage!
The Master Sword: A Hyrulean Right of Passage
The Master Sword, often referred to as the Sword That Seals the Darkness, is a cornerstone of the Legend of Zelda franchise. Breath of the Wild is no different. Obtaining it is a pivotal moment in Link’s journey, a tangible representation of his growing power and readiness to face the looming threat of Calamity Ganon.
The arduous journey to obtain the sword isn’t just about combat prowess. It is about demonstrating resilience and resolve. The game pushes players to explore every corner of Hyrule, solving puzzles, completing shrines, and vanquishing foes. Each shrine completed grants a Spirit Orb. Four Spirit Orbs can be traded at a Goddess Statue for either a heart container or a stamina vessel.
For players aiming to acquire the Master Sword, the path is clear: prioritize acquiring heart containers. This means delving into the numerous shrines scattered across Hyrule. The sheer variety of shrines ensures the experience remains engaging, offering unique challenges that test both your strategic thinking and combat skills.
Finding the Master Sword: The Lost Woods Beckon
Once you’ve fortified yourself with the necessary heart containers, the quest to find the Master Sword begins. Your destination: The Lost Woods. This isn’t a simple stroll through the woods; it’s a labyrinthine trial where getting lost means being returned to the entrance.
To navigate the Lost Woods successfully, you must follow the wind. Specifically, pay close attention to the direction of the embers emanating from torches. These embers will guide you through the fog, leading you deeper into the woods. The correct path can be tricky, so observe your surroundings closely.
At the heart of the Lost Woods, you’ll find the Great Deku Tree, the ancient guardian of the forest and a crucial figure in the legend of the Master Sword. He will provide essential information about the sword and its history, further cementing its significance in Link’s overarching mission.
Master Sword: It’s Power & Limitations
The Master Sword is a valuable asset, but it’s not without its limitations. It has a base attack power of 30, which increases to 60 when you’re in close proximity to enemies corrupted by Calamity Ganon. What sets the Master Sword apart is its regenerative ability. After a certain amount of use, the Master Sword will run out of energy and need to recharge. This cooldown period balances the sword’s power, preventing it from becoming an overpowered crutch.
Upgrading the Master Sword: The Trial of the Sword
For players seeking to maximize the Master Sword’s potential, the Master Trials DLC offers the Trial of the Sword. Completing this series of challenges will permanently increase the base damage of the Master Sword to 60, transforming it into an even more formidable weapon. It’s a demanding trial, but the reward is well worth the effort.
The Hylian Shield: Your Companion
The Master Sword is undoubtedly a powerful weapon, but defense is equally crucial. The Hylian Shield, found within the Hyrule Castle Lockup, provides unparalleled protection. While not unbreakable, its exceptional durability makes it a reliable companion throughout your journey. If it does break, you can repurchase a replacement from Granté in Tarrey Town.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Master Sword:
1. Can I use temporary hearts to get the Master Sword?
No. Only full heart containers count towards the 13-heart requirement. Food and elixirs that grant temporary hearts will not work.
2. What happens if I try to pull the Master Sword with less than 13 hearts?
You will begin to take damage. The Great Deku Tree may stop you the first time. But subsequent attempts without sufficient hearts will drain your life force until either you gain more heart containers or Link collapses.
3. Where is the Master Sword located?
The Master Sword is found in the center of the Lost Woods, resting on a pedestal within the presence of the Great Deku Tree.
4. Is the Master Sword unbreakable?
The Master Sword is not entirely unbreakable. It has a durability rating. After extensive use, it needs to recharge for approximately 10 minutes before you can wield it again.
5. How can I increase the power of the Master Sword?
Complete the Trial of the Sword from The Master Trials DLC to permanently increase the Master Sword‘s base damage to 60.
6. Does the Master Sword always deal 30 damage?
No, the Master Sword has an attack power of 30 which jumps to 60 when Link is fighting Calamity enemies or enemies corrupted with Malice.
7. Do I need stamina to pull out the Master Sword?
In Tears of the Kingdom, you need two full stamina wheels to draw the Master Sword, which steadily drain throughout the midair struggle. You cannot use food or potions to refill stamina so you will need five Stamina Vessels to pull the Master Sword in TOTK.
8. Can I fuse materials with the Master Sword?
Yes. You can use the Fuse ability to add unique properties and boost the Master Sword’s capabilities.
9. Is there an unbreakable shield in Breath of the Wild?
No, there is no unbreakable shield in Breath of the Wild. However, the Hylian Shield is extremely durable and can be repurchased if broken.
10. How many shrines do I need to complete to get 13 hearts?
Since you start with three hearts, you need 10 additional heart containers. This requires completing 40 shrines (4 Spirit Orbs per heart container).
11. What is the easiest way to get heart containers?
Completing the Divine Beasts provides heart containers. However, prioritize shrines if your sole goal is to reach the 13-heart threshold for the Master Sword. You might consider the easiest Divine Beast to be the Rito’s Divine Beast, Vah Medoh.
12. What is the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield is the most durable shield in the game. It is not unbreakable. It is found in the Hyrule Castle Lockup.
13. How do I fix my Hylian shield?
You cannot fix the Hylian Shield. If it breaks, you can purchase a new one from Granté in Tarrey Town for 3,000 Rupees, but only after you have initially acquired it from the Hyrule Castle Lockup.
14. Why does the Master Sword go to 60 damage in certain situations?
The Master Sword’s attack power increases to 60 when you are near a source of Ganon’s corruption or fighting Calamity enemies, such as Guardians and other enemies corrupted with Malice.
15. Where can I learn more about games and learning?
You can find valuable resources and insights on the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization is dedicated to advancing the field of game-based learning. You can find more information on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Obtaining the Master Sword is a defining moment. It symbolizes Link’s growth, strength, and readiness to confront the ultimate evil. Embark on your journey, gather those heart containers, and claim your destiny. Hyrule awaits its hero!