Mastering the Recharge: The Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom
The legendary Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains a pivotal weapon, but its unique mechanics, particularly its recharge time, are crucial to understand. This article breaks down everything you need to know about keeping the Blade of Evil’s Bane ready for action.
How Long Does It Take for the Master Sword to Recharge in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom takes 10 real-world minutes to fully recharge after it has been completely depleted of its energy. During this time, the sword will disappear from Link’s hand and appear faded out in your inventory. Once the 10 minutes have elapsed, the Master Sword will regain its power and be ready for use again.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Mechanics
Unlike other weapons in Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword doesn’t break in the traditional sense. Instead, it operates on an energy system. After a certain amount of use, the Master Sword runs out of energy and needs to recharge. This mechanic prevents you from relying solely on the Master Sword throughout the game. The recharge mechanic encourages players to explore the vast arsenal of weapons and fusion possibilities that Tears of the Kingdom offers.
The “Broken” State
When the Master Sword runs out of energy, it is temporarily unusable. While it might appear “broken,” it’s more accurate to say it’s in a recharging state. You’ll notice the Master Sword disappears from Link’s hand. Its icon in the inventory will be faded out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Master Sword Recharge
1. Does the Master Sword break in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Sword doesn’t break permanently. Instead, it runs out of energy and needs to recharge. After the recharge period, the Master Sword is usable again. This is a key difference from other weapons in the game.
2. Can I speed up the Master Sword recharge time?
There is no legitimate way to directly speed up the Master Sword recharge time. It consistently takes 10 minutes. Some players have attempted glitches or exploits, but these are unreliable and not recommended.
3. What happens when the Master Sword runs out of energy?
When the Master Sword’s energy is depleted, it disappears from Link’s hand and is unavailable for use. The weapon’s icon in your inventory will appear faded. You must wait for the recharge period to complete before using it again.
4. Is the Master Sword worth using, given its recharge time?
Yes, the Master Sword is incredibly valuable, especially when facing enemies corrupted by Malice. Its increased damage output and unbreakable nature (in the traditional sense) make it a worthy weapon despite the recharge mechanic. Combining it with Fuse materials can also significantly boost its effectiveness.
5. How can I tell when the Master Sword is about to run out of energy?
The game provides a visual cue: a message appears on screen when the Master Sword is running low on energy. Pay attention to this warning so you’re not caught off guard in the middle of a fight.
6. Does using the Master Sword’s beam attack consume energy?
Yes, using the Master Sword’s beam attack, which is available when Link has full hearts, consumes energy from the sword. Using it sparingly helps conserve the Master Sword’s power during crucial encounters.
7. Does the Master Sword’s power level change?
The Master Sword’s base power is 30. However, it increases to 60 when near Guardians or Malice. Also, fusing materials can further increase the weapon’s attack power, making it formidable against a wider range of enemies.
8. How do I acquire the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
To get the Master Sword, you need to follow the “Dragon’s Tear” main quest, activated by talking to Impa at the New Serenne Stable. Ultimately, you’ll find the Master Sword on the Light Dragon’s head. You need at least two full stamina wheels to pull it out. Princess Zelda becomes the Light Dragon to ensure the Master Sword’s recovery.
9. Can I fuse materials to the Master Sword?
Yes! The Fuse ability in Tears of the Kingdom allows you to combine materials with the Master Sword, enhancing its attack power and adding elemental effects. A Silver Lynel Saber Horn is a great choice for increased damage.
10. Is the Master Sword the strongest weapon in the game?
While the Master Sword is powerful, it may not always be the absolute strongest, depending on the situation and fusion materials. Weapons like the Gloom Spear, especially when combined with high-attack materials, can offer comparable or even higher damage output.
11. Can the Hylian Shield be repaired?
The Hylian Shield cannot be repaired directly. However, if it breaks, you can purchase a replacement from Grante in Tarrey Town for 3,000 Rupees, after you have obtained the original shield from Hyrule Castle.
12. How many hearts are needed to get the Master Sword?
You need 13 full heart containers to pull the Master Sword from the Light Dragon. Temporary hearts do not count. So make sure you have enough regular heart containers.
13. How does the environment affect the Master Sword’s power?
The Master Sword’s power doubles to 60 when in the presence of Guardians or Malice. This makes it especially effective in areas like Hyrule Castle or against specific enemy types.
14. Does the Master Sword glow in Tears of the Kingdom?
Like in Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword glows when in the presence of Malice-corrupted enemies or Guardians. This visual cue helps players identify when the sword is at its most powerful.
15. Can the Master Sword be upgraded?
While there isn’t a direct “upgrade” system in Tears of the Kingdom like the Trial of the Sword DLC from Breath of the Wild, the Fuse ability allows you to effectively upgrade the Master Sword by adding powerful materials to it. This makes it customizable to your playstyle.
Mastering the Sword: Tips and Tricks
- Conserve energy: Avoid using the Master Sword for weaker enemies. Save it for tougher opponents and situations where its increased power is necessary.
- Use Fuse strategically: Experiment with different materials to find the best combinations for your playstyle and the enemies you’re facing.
- Pay attention to visual cues: Heed the warning message that appears when the Master Sword is low on energy.
- Plan accordingly: Keep alternative weapons in your inventory in case the Master Sword runs out of energy during a critical moment.
- Exploit environmental advantages: Use the Master Sword’s increased power near Malice to your advantage.
The Master Sword: A Symbol of Skill and Strategy
Ultimately, the Master Sword’s recharge mechanic in Tears of the Kingdom encourages strategic gameplay. Players must balance its power with its limitations. By understanding the Master Sword’s mechanics, players can make the most of this iconic weapon and conquer the challenges of Hyrule. For more insights into gaming and learning, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. It’s a resource dedicated to understanding how video games can be powerful tools for education and engagement.
The balance between challenge and reward is one reason why Tears of the Kingdom is a popular game enjoyed by many.