How to Obtain the Master Sword and Its Durability in Tears of the Kingdom
The burning question on every adventurer’s mind: How do you get the unbreakable Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom? Let’s cut right to the chase. The reality is, the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom isn’t truly unbreakable in the traditional sense of never breaking down. It has durability, and when that durability reaches zero, it needs to recharge for a period of 10 minutes before you can use it again. However, because it ALWAYS comes back, it’s often referred to as unbreakable because it’s permanently available to the player. There’s no permadeath for this legendary blade.
To obtain the Master Sword, you’ll need to locate the Light Dragon, which flies in a vast circuit around Hyrule. This is no simple task; the dragon’s path is extensive, and spotting her can take time. Furthermore, to actually pull the Master Sword, you’ll need two full wheels of permanent stamina. Temporary stamina boosts won’t work, so you’ll need to strategically acquire stamina vessels through shrines and trade them at the Goddess Statues.
Locating the Light Dragon
Finding the Light Dragon is the first and most crucial step. Here’s a breakdown of how to increase your chances of success:
- Skyview Towers: Use the Skyview Towers to launch yourself into the sky. From this vantage point, you can survey large areas of Hyrule and potentially spot the Light Dragon. Look for its distinctive white and yellow coloring and the telltale blue aura emanating from the Master Sword embedded in its head.
- Following Trails: Keep an eye on the sky as you explore Hyrule. The Light Dragon’s path is consistent, though vast. Sometimes, you might catch glimpses of it in the distance. Note its trajectory and try to predict where it will appear next.
- High Altitude Areas: The Light Dragon often flies at a considerable altitude. Climbing to the peaks of Hyrule’s tallest mountains, like those in the Hebra region, will significantly increase your chances of spotting it.
- Purah Pad Tracking (Hypothesis): While not explicitly confirmed, some players suggest that completing certain main story quests involving Purah and the Purah Pad might indirectly help in tracking the Light Dragon’s general vicinity.
Meeting the Requirements: Stamina Vessels
Once you’ve located the Light Dragon and managed to glide to it, you’ll need sufficient stamina to pull the Master Sword. As mentioned earlier, you need two full wheels of permanent stamina.
- Shrines: Completing Shrines is the primary way to earn Light of Blessing. For every four Light of Blessing, you can visit a Goddess Statue and exchange them for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel.
- Strategic Choices: While the allure of Heart Containers is strong, prioritize Stamina Vessels initially if your goal is to acquire the Master Sword early. You can always earn more hearts later.
- Demon Statue: The Demon Statue in Lookout Landing can transfer hearts to stamina, or stamina to hearts, if you’re willing to pay a small fee. This can be useful for re-arranging your stats, but is not required to obtain the Master Sword if you’re willing to spend the time gathering vessels through shrine completion.
Obtaining the Master Sword
Once you have met the stamina requirement and are physically on the Light Dragon, interact with the Master Sword to initiate the retrieval sequence. If you have sufficient stamina, Link will successfully pull the sword.
Fusing and the Master Sword
The Master Sword is one of the best weapons in the game, even before fusing anything to it! When you do fuse something, you’ll increase it’s damage output and it’s durability. When it comes to dishing out absurd amounts of damage, though, the Silver Lynel Saber Horn is the best item to fuse with the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom.
A Note on Glitches
Early in the game’s release, certain glitches allowed players to bypass the stamina requirements or even duplicate the Master Sword. However, these glitches have been patched in subsequent updates. Relying on legitimate methods is now the only reliable way to obtain and wield the Master Sword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Master Sword truly break in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Sword cannot permanently break. When its durability runs out, it enters a recharge state for 10 minutes before becoming usable again. This recharge mechanic effectively makes it “unbreakable” in the long run.
2. How many hearts are needed for the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unlike in Breath of the Wild, hearts are not required to acquire the Master Sword. However, you do need two full, permanent wheels of stamina.
3. Where do I find the Light Dragon?
The Light Dragon flies a large, looping path around Hyrule. Use Skyview Towers and high vantage points to search the skies. Look for its white and yellow color scheme and the blue aura surrounding the Master Sword.
4. What happens when the Master Sword’s durability runs out?
The Master Sword will “break” and disappear from Link’s hand. It will then enter a 10-minute recharge period, after which it will be available for use again.
5. Can I use temporary stamina boosts to pull the Master Sword?
No, you need two full wheels of permanent stamina to pull the Master Sword. Temporary stamina boosts from food or elixirs will not work.
6. Is there a way to repair the Master Sword?
The Master Sword repairs itself during its 10-minute recharge period. There is no need to manually repair it at a blacksmith or through any other means.
7. What is the base attack power of the Master Sword?
The Master Sword has a base attack power of 30. This increases to 60 when fighting enemies corrupted by Malice.
8. Can I fuse items to the Master Sword?
Yes, you can fuse items to the Master Sword, enhancing its attack power and potentially adding new properties.
9. What is the best item to fuse with the Master Sword?
The Silver Lynel Saber Horn is widely considered one of the best items to fuse with the Master Sword for maximizing damage output.
10. Is there a fake Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to Breath of the Wild, there are decoy swords in the Lost Woods that resemble the Master Sword. These are simply Fighter’s Swords stuck in pedestals.
11. How do I increase my maximum stamina?
Complete Shrines to earn Light of Blessing, then exchange four Light of Blessing at a Goddess Statue for a Stamina Vessel.
12. What does the Master Sword do when Link has full hearts?
When Link has full hearts, he can unleash a beam attack by throwing the Master Sword.
13. Why isn’t my Master Sword glowing?
The Master Sword glows primarily in the presence of enemies corrupted by Malice. It may not glow in other situations.
14. What is the White Sword of the Sky?
The White Sword of the Sky is a separate weapon obtained by completing the side quest “The Mother Goddess Statue.” It is not related to the Master Sword.
15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and design?
Consider exploring resources offered by organizations such as the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), which focuses on the intersection of games and education. Learning more about the underlying systems of games can deepen your appreciation for the creative decisions made by developers.
Obtaining the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom is a rewarding experience. It requires exploration, dedication to shrine completion, and a keen eye for spotting the elusive Light Dragon. While the Master Sword has durability, its unique recharge mechanic makes it a reliable and indispensable weapon throughout your adventure. Go forth, champion, and claim your destiny!