How to Reclaim the Blade of Evil’s Bane: A Comprehensive Guide to Retrieving the Master Sword

So, you’ve found yourself in a predicament, hero? The Master Sword, the legendary blade capable of vanquishing the darkest evils, is no longer in your possession. Fear not, for retrieving this iconic weapon is often possible, though the methods vary depending on which game in The Legend of Zelda series you’re playing. This guide will serve as your comprehensive resource for understanding how to reclaim the Master Sword, outlining the processes in different scenarios and answering frequently asked questions to ensure you’re well-equipped for your quest.

Recovering the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom

In Tears of the Kingdom, the primary method for acquiring the Master Sword involves finding the Light Dragon. The Master Sword is lodged in the Light Dragon’s head. This majestic creature follows a specific path across Hyrule’s skies, repeating every few hours. Tracking the Light Dragon is key to reclaiming the blade.

Locating the Light Dragon

• The Dragon Tears Questline: One reliable method involves completing the Dragon Tears questline. Discovering all twelve geoglyphs will eventually trigger a cutscene that reveals the Light Dragon’s precise location. This is the recommended approach as it provides crucial story context as well.
• Observation and Patience: Alternatively, you can search the skies. The Light Dragon flies high, so use towers or high vantage points to spot it. Patience is key, as its path is extensive, and it may take some time to locate.
• Utilizing the Purah Pad: Once you spot it, use your Purah Pad’s scope to mark its location, making it easier to track.

Reaching the Light Dragon

• Launch from Towers: The most efficient way to reach the Light Dragon is by launching yourself from a Skyview Tower. Aim for the dragon’s path and use your paraglider to approach it.
• Use Zonai Devices: Alternatively, craft a flying machine using Zonai devices. A combination of wings, fans, and stabilizers can create a reliable airship for reaching the dragon.
• Strategic Stamina Management: Be prepared for a long glide. Cook stamina-restoring meals and elixirs to ensure you don’t run out of stamina mid-flight.

Claiming the Master Sword

Once you reach the Light Dragon, land on its head. Approach the Master Sword and interact with it. A cutscene will ensue, and you’ll need a certain number of stamina wheels to pull the sword from the dragon. If you don’t have enough, focus on upgrading your stamina before attempting to retrieve it. After the cutscene, the Master Sword is yours once again!

What Happens When it Runs Out of Energy?

Over time, the Master Sword will make a message appear on-screen that lets players know that the weapon is running low on energy. If the sword keeps being used after the message shows up, the Master Sword will “break,” but it’ll come back to Link after recharging for about ten minutes.

What if I throw away the Master Sword?

If Link chooses to throw the Master Sword away, it won’t reproduce, nor will it disappear. Instead, it heads into the air and a message appears: “The Master Sword has returned to the forest.” The weapon duplication only lasts until the player saves the game or uses weapon B in battle.

Recovering the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild

In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword resides in the Korok Forest, deep within the Lost Woods. Recovering it requires navigating this treacherous area and proving your worthiness.

Navigating the Lost Woods

• Follow the Wind: The Lost Woods is a labyrinthine forest where getting lost leads to being returned to the entrance. To navigate it successfully, pay attention to the direction of the wind. Observe the embers floating in the air and follow their path.
• Use Torches: If you have a torch, light it and observe the direction the flame blows. This provides a visual cue for the wind’s direction.
• Mark Your Path: Drop markers along the way to avoid accidentally retracing your steps and getting lost.

Reaching the Korok Forest

• Once you navigate the Lost Woods, you’ll arrive at the Korok Forest. At the heart of the forest is the Great Deku Tree, who guards the Master Sword.
• Beware of Phantom Ganon: There are three ways to get the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom. The first is to go through the lost woods to the Korok Forest and defeat Phantom Ganon to reveal the sword’s location on the map.
• Sufficient Heart Containers: To pull the Master Sword, you need 13 heart containers. Temporary hearts gained from food or elixirs do not count. If you lack the required hearts, the sword will drain your life force until you perish. The number of hearts you have to permanently have is 13.

Claiming the Master Sword

• Once you have enough hearts, approach the pedestal and interact with the Master Sword. Link will begin the arduous process of pulling the sword, during which he will be tested.
• If you are worthy, you will successfully pull the Master Sword, claiming it as your own.

Understanding the Master Sword’s Mechanics

Durability and Recharge

• In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword has enhanced durability but isn’t indestructible. When used excessively, it will run out of energy and enter a recharge state.
• Once depleted, the Master Sword requires ten minutes of real-time to recharge. During this time, it cannot be used.
• A notification will appear on screen when the Master Sword is ready for use again.

Enhanced Power

• The Master Sword’s power increases when facing enemies corrupted by malice or when near Calamity Ganon. In these situations, its attack power doubles, making it an even more formidable weapon.
• In Breath of the Wild, completing the Trial of the Sword DLC permanently powers up the Master Sword, increasing its base damage and eliminating the recharge period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I lose the Master Sword permanently?

No, in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, you cannot lose the Master Sword permanently. If you throw it away, it’ll return to the forest. The sword is designed to be an integral part of the game, and the developers ensure that it remains accessible to the player.

2. What happens if I don’t have enough hearts to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?

If you attempt to pull the Master Sword without the required 13 heart containers, the sword will drain your life force until you run out of health and die. It is essential to have the necessary hearts before attempting to claim the blade.

3. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?

The Master Sword takes ten minutes of real-time to recharge once it has run out of energy.

4. Can I get multiple Master Swords in Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild?

No, there can only be one Master Sword in the world. Although some glitches did exist in Tears of the Kingdom that allowed for duplication, these have been patched out.

5. Does the Master Sword break permanently?

No, the Master Sword doesn’t permanently break. It runs out of energy and requires a recharge period, but it will always return to full functionality after the recharge is complete.

6. Why does the Master Sword only deal 30 damage?

The Master Sword’s base damage is 30, but it increases to 60 when near enemies corrupted by malice or when facing Calamity Ganon. Completing the Trial of the Sword DLC in Breath of the Wild will also permanently increase its power. The reason the Master Sword deals only 30 damage and wears out so quickly when attacking “regular enemies” is because it had been broken and worn down a hundred years ago in the battles during the Great Calamity. It has lost its strength and is no longer able to perform at peak capacity.

7. Can the Master Sword be upgraded?

In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword can be upgraded by completing the Trial of the Sword DLC. This permanently increases its base damage and eliminates the need for it to recharge.

8. What does it mean when the Master Sword glows?

The Master Sword glows when near enemies corrupted by malice or when facing Calamity Ganon. This indicates that its power is amplified, dealing more damage to these specific enemies. The master sword powers up and glows when you are near a source of Ganon’s corruption on the world, like Malice or a corrupted guardian.

9. Can I get the Master Sword early in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, you can get the Master Sword relatively early in Tears of the Kingdom if you know where to look for the Light Dragon and have sufficient stamina. Completing the Dragon Tears questline makes this process easier.

10. How do I increase my stamina quickly in Tears of the Kingdom?

To increase your stamina quickly, focus on completing shrines and exchanging Lights of Blessing for stamina vessels at Goddess Statues. Prioritize stamina upgrades over heart containers if your goal is to obtain the Master Sword early.

11. What is the Trial of the Sword?

The Trial of the Sword is a DLC challenge in Breath of the Wild that, when completed, permanently powers up the Master Sword, increasing its base damage and eliminating the recharge period.

12. What happens if someone else tries to use the Master Sword?

If anyone but Link tries to pick up the Master Sword, the sword weighs down on the person, rendering it useless to them.

13. How many times can I hit with the Master Sword before it runs out of energy?

In Breath of the Wild, if there’s no DLC it has about 40 durability(hits) before running out of power for 10 minutes. once you have finished the trial of the sword and its always powered up, it has upwards of 200 durability.

14. Is there a way to bypass the 13 heart container requirement in Breath of the Wild?

No, there is no legitimate way to bypass the 13 heart container requirement. While some glitches may have existed in the past, these have been patched out.

15. Can the Master Sword be corrupted?

The Corrupt Master Sword is the corrupted version of the Master Sword. It can be upgraded to the Deep Corrupt Master Sword. If desired, either variant can be purified back into the standard Master Sword.

Conclusion

Retrieving the Master Sword is a crucial step in both Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, enabling you to confront the ultimate evil and save Hyrule. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and understanding the Master Sword’s mechanics, you’ll be well-prepared to reclaim this legendary blade and fulfill your destiny. Remember that the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent resource for understanding the educational and cultural impact of games like The Legend of Zelda. Now go forth, hero, and may the Master Sword guide your path!