The Unbreakable Truth: Does the Master Sword Still Break After the Trial of the Sword?
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The Master Sword, the Blade of Evil’s Bane, is arguably the most iconic weapon in the Legend of Zelda series. In Breath of the Wild, it’s not just a symbol; it’s a powerful tool that can be significantly upgraded. However, a common question among players, especially those venturing into the Trial of the Sword DLC, is whether this legendary weapon remains susceptible to breakage even after completing the arduous challenge.
So, let’s cut to the chase: No, but it has severely enhanced durability. Well, technically the Master Sword has infinite durability, because when it “breaks” it just has to recharge for ten minutes and then it is as good as new. Even after conquering the Trial of the Sword, the Master Sword does not become truly indestructible. It retains a unique mechanic where, after sustaining a certain amount of damage, it “runs out of energy” and becomes unusable for a brief period. Think of it more as a temporary cooldown rather than a permanent breakage. This cooldown period allows the sword to recharge, effectively making it available for use again after a mere ten in-game minutes. In essence, while the Master Sword appears to break, it is more accurate to say that it undergoes a short period of unavailability before returning to its full power.
The Trial of the Sword: A Path to Enhanced Power
The Trial of the Sword is a challenging DLC addition that tests a player’s combat skills and resource management. It’s divided into three levels: Beginning Trials, Middle Trials, and Final Trials. Each level consists of multiple floors filled with enemies, and players must conquer them using only the equipment they find within the trial. Dying means starting over from the beginning of that level.
The reward for completing all three levels is a significant upgrade to the Master Sword. The sword will remain powered up and active — you won’t have to worry about it running out of energy nearly as much as before. Each level of the Trial of the Sword will add 10 damage to the Master Sword, which starts out at 30. You will notice that when fighting Calamity Ganon monsters with the Master Sword, it will start glowing blue and its damage will jump to 60 points (along with a nice bonus to durability).
Understanding the Master Sword’s Durability Post-Trial
While the Master Sword doesn’t truly break in the traditional sense, understanding its durability mechanics is crucial.
- Base Durability: Normally, the Master Sword has a durability of 40.
- Powered-Up Durability: After completing the Trial of the Sword, when powered up, it has an effective durability of 188. This is a substantial increase, allowing for much more sustained combat.
- Recharge Time: When the Master Sword’s durability is depleted, it enters a “recharge” phase for ten in-game minutes. During this time, it is unusable and appears faded in your inventory.
- Infinite Durability (Technically): Because the Master Sword recharges indefinitely, it’s technically has infinite durability, as it never truly breaks permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Master Sword
Here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs to address any lingering questions about the Master Sword and its durability:
1. Can I fuse the Master Sword?
Yes! The Master Sword can be fused with other materials in Tears of the Kingdom. This allows you to customize its abilities and increase its attack power.
2. What is the strongest weapon in Zelda?
This is subjective, depending on the game and context. In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword, especially after completing the Trial of the Sword, is often considered the best weapon due to its consistent damage output and special properties against Calamity-related enemies.
3. Can you save after beating the first 12 trials of the sword?
Yes, you can save after completing each level of the Trial of the Sword. If you die, you will start again from the beginning of that level with none of the equipment you found during the attempted run.
4. What is the final reward of the Trial of the Sword?
The final reward is the fully powered-up Master Sword. It permanently glows and has a significantly higher durability, and sword beams don’t cost any durability.
5. Why is my Master Sword only 30?
The Master Sword has an attack power of 30 by default. This is because it had been broken and worn down a hundred years ago in the battles during the Great Calamity.
6. Why is my Master Sword suddenly 60?
The Master Sword’s attack power jumps to 60 when Link is fighting Calamity-related enemies or is inside dungeons or near malice. The blade glows blue in this state.
7. How much damage does the Master Sword do to Ganon?
The Master Sword does 30 damage normally, but this increases to 60 when fighting Ganon or other Calamity-related enemies.
8. What happens if you fall at the end of Trial of the Sword?
If you fall, you will be returned to firm ground with one heart deducted, similar to other instances of falling into pits or lava.
9. How powerful is the Master Sword after the Trial of the Sword?
The Master Sword’s attack power is upgraded by 10 after each level of the Trial of the Sword for a final attack power of 60 while near malice. Its durability is also significantly enhanced.
10. Is there a lynel in the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, a Lynel appears in the Final Trials. Ancient Arrows can be helpful here to help you defeat it.
11. Which is the hardest Trial of the Sword?
The Final Trials are generally considered the most difficult due to the combination of challenging enemies and limited resources.
12. Can I save during Trial of the Sword?
You can save after you complete each of the three sections. There are rest areas between each of the floors, and you can only save in those locations.
13. Should I do the Trial of the Sword before or after Ganon?
It’s a matter of personal preference. The Trial of the Sword is arguably more difficult than the final fight, so doing it before Ganon can provide a significant advantage.
14. Can you use Wolf Link in Trial of the Sword?
No, amiibo, including Wolf Link, cannot be used in the Trial of the Sword.
15. How do I get my Master Sword back?
The Master Sword is lodged in the Light Dragon’s head, and you can retrieve it by locating the Dragon. Complete 20 shrines and you should have enough to pick up the sword of legend.
Final Thoughts
The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild, especially after conquering the Trial of the Sword, is a powerful and versatile weapon. While it isn’t entirely unbreakable, its recharge mechanic and enhanced durability make it a reliable choice for tackling even the most challenging enemies. Understanding its mechanics and utilizing it strategically can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, explore the resources at Games Learning Society or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.