Do You Need 13 Hearts for the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
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Yes, absolutely. To wield the legendary Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW), Link must possess a minimum of 13 full heart containers. This is a crucial requirement and a significant hurdle that players must overcome during their journey across Hyrule. Attempting to pull the Master Sword with fewer than 13 hearts will not only fail but will also severely damage Link, potentially leading to a game over. Let’s dive deeper into why this requirement exists and explore other related aspects of obtaining this iconic weapon.
Why 13 Hearts? The Significance of the Requirement
The 13-heart requirement isn’t arbitrary; it’s integral to the game’s narrative and difficulty progression. The Master Sword, often referred to as the Sword that Seals the Darkness, is no ordinary weapon. It is a symbol of the hero, imbued with immense power and capable of vanquishing the ultimate evil. The game designers intended that Link demonstrate his worthiness to wield such a powerful artifact. The 13 hearts stand as a measure of Link’s resilience, determination, and preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead.
The game does offer temporary hearts through food and elixirs, but these do not count towards the required total. Link needs 13 permanent heart containers, earned through completing shrines and trading in Spirit Orbs, to prove himself worthy of wielding the Master Sword. This challenge encourages exploration, combat mastery, and strategic decision-making.
The Deadly Consequences of Failure
Trying to draw the Master Sword without the necessary 13 heart containers will result in Link being significantly harmed. The sword will begin to drain his life force, and if you don’t have the required hearts, attempting to pull it out can literally kill him, forcing a game over. This reinforces the idea that the Master Sword is not easily obtained and that preparation is essential.
Beyond Hearts: Stamina and the Master Sword
While the 13 hearts are the primary requirement, stamina also plays a vital role. Although it’s possible to have the Master Sword sitting in your inventory with only four hearts (the starting amount), you will need a minimum of two full wheels of stamina to legitimately pull it from its pedestal. This adds another layer of challenge and encourages players to not only focus on health but also on their physical capabilities. This means Link must obtain at least five stamina vessels to add to the single wheel he starts with.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master Sword
1. What happens if you try to pull the Master Sword without enough hearts?
If you attempt to pull the Master Sword without 13 full heart containers, it will drain your life force. If you don’t have the necessary health, this process can lead to game over.
2. Can you use temporary hearts from food or elixirs for the Master Sword?
No, temporary hearts gained from food or elixirs do not count towards the 13 heart container requirement. You need permanent heart containers obtained from trading in spirit orbs at Goddess Statues.
3. How do I get more heart containers?
You earn heart containers by collecting Spirit Orbs from completing Shrines and then trading them at a Goddess Statue. Four Spirit Orbs are required for one additional heart container.
4. Do I need only hearts or is stamina important too?
While 13 heart containers are essential, you also need at least two full wheels of stamina to pull the Master Sword. This means that players must also explore the game for Stamina Vessels.
5. Can you obtain the Master Sword with 10 hearts?
No, you cannot obtain the Master Sword with only 10 hearts. The minimum requirement is 13 full heart containers.
6. Does Mipha’s Grace count towards heart containers for the Master Sword?
No, Mipha’s Grace and similar abilities that grant extra temporary hearts do not count. Only natural heart containers gained through Spirit Orbs are valid.
7. How many shrines do I need to complete to get 13 heart containers?
Since you start with three heart containers, you need ten more. You get one heart container for every four spirit orbs, which means you need to complete 40 Shrines.
8. Where can you find the Master Sword?
The Master Sword is found in the center of the Lost Woods, sitting on a pedestal. Players must navigate the foggy maze to find its location.
9. Can the Master Sword break?
The Master Sword is unique in that it cannot break like other weapons. However, it does run out of energy and needs to recharge after a period of use, after which it will be available for use again.
10. What is the base damage of the Master Sword?
The Master Sword has a base damage of 30. This damage increases to 60 when facing enemies corrupted by Ganon’s malice.
11. Can the Master Sword be upgraded?
Yes, the Master Sword can be upgraded by completing the “Trial of the Sword” DLC, which increases its damage to 60 and makes it unbreakable (though it will still need to recharge).
12. Is the Hylian Shield indestructible?
No, the Hylian Shield, though very durable, is not indestructible. It can break, and players will need to purchase a replacement if this occurs.
13. Why does the Master Sword deal only 30 damage initially?
The Master Sword’s reduced damage output is due to its weakened state after being broken during the Great Calamity 100 years prior.
14. Can you use the Master Sword against Calamity Ganon?
Yes, the Master Sword is very effective against Calamity Ganon. It also has a special ability during that fight that causes the sword not to run out of energy.
15. Is it necessary to have the Master Sword to beat Ganon?
While it’s not essential to have the Master Sword to defeat Calamity Ganon, it makes the fight much easier and more fulfilling, due to it’s unique effect when facing Ganon.
Conclusion
In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, obtaining the Master Sword is a significant milestone that demands dedication and effort. The 13 heart container requirement and the need for two full stamina wheels are not just arbitrary hurdles but carefully designed mechanisms that encourage exploration and strategic gameplay. While the journey to earn the right to wield this legendary weapon may be challenging, it is an integral part of the overall experience, making it all the more rewarding when you finally draw it from its resting place.