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Does the Master Sword Do More Damage to Gloom? A Deep Dive

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The Master Sword, the Blade of Evil’s Bane, is an iconic weapon in The Legend of Zelda series. Its power against darkness is legendary. However, in Tears of the Kingdom, its relationship with gloom is a bit more nuanced. While the Master Sword does double its base damage (60 instead of 30) against Ganon and gloom-corrupted enemies, surprisingly, this bonus does not extend to Gloom Hands. This is an important distinction players need to understand to strategize effectively against these formidable foes. Let’s explore this further and answer some common questions.

Understanding the Master Sword’s Damage Mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom

Base Damage and Fuse Power

The Master Sword inherently possesses a base damage of 30. Unlike some other weapons, this base damage cannot be directly increased through standard means (excluding the now unavailable Trial of the Sword DLC from Breath of the Wild). However, the Master Sword’s damage can be augmented by fusing materials to it. The fuse value of the attached material is directly added to the 30 base damage. This means a material with a fuse power of 25 would bring the Master Sword’s damage output to 55.

The Gloom Enemy Bonus: A Key Exception

The Master Sword’s most significant damage boost comes from its innate ability to deal double damage against specific enemy types. Primarily, this includes:

Ganon (all forms)
Gloom-corrupted enemies (enemies visibly affected by gloom, exhibiting dark, swirling energy)
Blight-controlled monsters

When facing these enemies, the Master Sword’s base damage is effectively doubled to 60 before the fuse material’s value is added. For example, if you fused a material with a fuse power of 20 and fought a gloom-corrupted enemy, the Master Sword would deal 80 damage (60 base + 20 from the material).

The Gloom Hand Anomaly

Here is the exception: Despite being intrinsically linked to gloom, the Master Sword does not receive the doubled damage bonus against Gloom Hands. This seems like an oversight or a deliberate balancing choice by the developers. As such, when facing these terrifying enemies, the Master Sword deals its base damage (30, or 60 in malice-ridden areas, plus the fuse material’s bonus). This is critical information for players preparing to face these enemies. They should ideally use other weapons or strategies to maximize damage output.

Where Does The Master Sword Get It’s Power?

In the events that transpire in the game, Zelda imbibes herself with her own secret stone becoming the Light Dragon. She does this to heal the Master Sword from it’s gloom corruption. This is what allows Link to wield it again and fight back against Ganondorf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Master Sword and Gloom

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about how the Master Sword interacts with gloom and other elements in Tears of the Kingdom:

Does the Master Sword break in Tears of the Kingdom? The Master Sword cannot break due to its unique nature and design. It does, however, have a recharge time. After extensive use, it will temporarily deplete, requiring a cooldown period before it can be used again.
Can I fuse the Master Sword with other materials? Yes, the Master Sword can be fused with other materials to increase its damage output and add unique properties. Experiment with different monster parts and items to find effective combinations.
What is the best material to fuse with the Master Sword? There’s no single “best” material. However, Light Dragon Horns are excellent choices, providing a damage boost and the ability to heal Link upon hitting enemies. Other powerful options include Silver Lynel Saber Horns and elemental monster parts.
Does the Master Sword glow near gloom? The Master Sword glows blue when near enemies affected by gloom, or within malice-infested areas. However, this glow does not inherently increase its damage. It signals the presence of enemies vulnerable to its doubled damage effect.
Why doesn’t the Master Sword have a listed damage number in the inventory? The Master Sword’s damage is dynamic. The number fluctuates depending on the enemies faced and the fused material attached to it. Therefore, the game displays a fixed number of 30, but it’s important to remember its enhanced potential.
Can I upgrade the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom? No, the Trial of the Sword is not present in Tears of the Kingdom. Therefore, the Master Sword’s base damage cannot be upgraded beyond its initial value.
Is there a way to repair the Master Sword if it’s depleted? The Master Sword repairs itself automatically during its cooldown period. You don’t need to take any specific action to restore its energy.
Does wearing specific armor affect the Master Sword’s damage? No, armor sets do not directly influence the Master Sword’s damage output. However, armor with attack-up bonuses indirectly increase Link’s overall attack power, including the Master Sword’s damage.
Is the Master Sword essential for defeating Ganondorf? While not strictly essential, the Master Sword provides a significant advantage against Ganondorf and his minions due to its doubled damage bonus against gloom-corrupted enemies.
Are there weapons stronger than the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, several weapons, especially those fused with powerful monster parts, can surpass the Master Sword’s damage output in regular combat scenarios. However, the Master Sword’s unique ability to deal double damage against specific enemy types makes it valuable.
Does the Master Sword’s durability deplete faster when fighting gloom enemies? No, the type of enemy you’re fighting does not affect the Master Sword’s durability depletion rate. It depletes based on the number of attacks made, regardless of the enemy type.
What happens if I fuse a gloom-related item to the Master Sword? Fusing gloom-related items doesn’t grant special properties against gloom enemies. The fused material simply adds its fuse power to the Master Sword’s overall damage.
Does the Master Sword regain durability over time?

Yes, the master sword will regain durability when not in use. After excessive use, it will need some time to recharge before you can wield it again.
Can the light dragon heal Link in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, the Light Dragon can heal Link in Tears of the Kingdom. To do so, simply stand on the Light Dragon’s head, and as long as you remain, you will continue to heal.
How to obtain the Master Sword?

Once you have at least two stamina wheels, the game will indicate that you head towards the Lost Woods, which is located in the center of Hyrule. Once you’ve passed through, the Great Deku Tree will ask that you enter his body and rid him of the monsters that are inside of him. Upon doing so, the Great Deku Tree will notify you that the Master Sword has reappeared in Hyrule.

Conclusion

The Master Sword remains a powerful and iconic weapon in Tears of the Kingdom, particularly effective against Ganon and gloom-corrupted enemies. However, its specific interaction with Gloom Hands highlights the importance of understanding its damage mechanics and choosing weapons strategically. While the Master Sword provides a significant edge, mastering the game requires a diverse arsenal and a keen understanding of enemy weaknesses. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, explore resources available at the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to research and innovation in game-based learning. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

By understanding these nuances, players can fully leverage the Master Sword’s potential and conquer even the most formidable challenges Tears of the Kingdom throws their way.