Unlocking the Legend: How Many Hearts Do You Really Need for the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
The Master Sword. The Blade of Evil’s Bane. A symbol of courage and the chosen hero. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, obtaining this iconic weapon isn’t just about stumbling upon it in the Lost Woods. It’s a trial of strength and resilience, a tangible representation of Link’s readiness to face Calamity Ganon. So, the burning question: How many hearts do you really need to pull the Master Sword? The definitive answer is 13 full, permanent heart containers.
Understanding the Heart Requirement
This number isn’t arbitrary. It’s a calculated barrier, a threshold Link must surpass to prove his worthiness. The Master Sword isn’t just lying around for anyone to grab; it demands a certain level of inherent strength and vitality. Think of it as a magical security system.
But what does “full, permanent” mean in the context of Breath of the Wild? Let’s break it down.
Full Hearts vs. Temporary Hearts
The game distinguishes between permanent heart containers and temporary hearts. Permanent hearts are gained by exchanging Shrine Orbs (obtained by completing Shrines) at statues of the Goddess Hylia or by claiming a Heart Container when defeating Divine Beasts. You need 4 Shrine Orbs to get a Heart Container. Temporary hearts, on the other hand, are those bonus yellow hearts you get from consuming certain food and elixirs.
The Master Sword specifically requires 13 permanent heart containers. Those extra yellow hearts, unfortunately, don’t count. So, while a hearty meal can certainly help you survive a tough battle, it won’t magically allow you to wield the Blade of Evil’s Bane before you’re truly ready.
Stamina vs. Hearts: The Trade-Off
As you progress through Breath of the Wild, you’ll also accumulate Spirit Orbs that can be exchanged for Stamina Vessels. This introduces a critical choice: do you prioritize more health or more stamina? While stamina is crucial for exploration and combat, it doesn’t contribute to your ability to draw the Master Sword.
The good news is, once you’ve obtained the Master Sword, you’re free to respec your stats at Hateno Village. You can trade heart containers for stamina vessels or vice versa, allowing you to customize your build to your playstyle after proving your worth.
Finding the Master Sword: Location, Location, Location
Once you’ve amassed your 13 permanent heart containers, the next challenge is finding the Master Sword. It’s located in the Lost Woods, specifically in the center where the Great Deku Tree resides. Navigating the Lost Woods can be tricky, as getting lost will send you back to the entrance. Follow the direction the embers are blowing to successfully navigate the woods.
The Trial of the Sword DLC
Beyond the base game, the Master Trials DLC adds another layer to the Master Sword experience. The Trial of the Sword presents a series of challenges that, upon completion, permanently empower the Master Sword, reducing its recharge time and increasing its attack power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Master Sword and Hearts
Here are some frequently asked questions that address common confusions and curiosities surrounding the Master Sword and heart requirements:
1. Can I get the Master Sword with 12 hearts?
No. The game is programmed to strictly require 13 full, permanent heart containers before Link can pull the Master Sword from its pedestal. There are no glitches or exploits that bypass this requirement in the base game.
2. Do I need 13 hearts after getting the Master Sword?
No. After claiming the Master Sword, you can freely trade heart containers for stamina vessels at Hateno Village. You only need 13 hearts for the initial claiming.
3. How many shrines are needed for 13 hearts?
You start with 3 hearts, meaning you need 10 additional heart containers. Each heart container requires 4 Shrine Orbs, making the total number of Shrines you need to complete 40.
4. Can I use food or elixirs to temporarily boost my hearts to 13 and get the Master Sword?
No. Temporary hearts gained from food and elixirs do not count towards the Master Sword requirement. It must be 13 permanent heart containers.
5. Does Mipha’s Grace count towards the heart requirement?
No. Mipha’s Grace, like temporary hearts from food and elixirs, does not fulfill the requirement for permanent heart containers.
6. Can I get the Master Sword without beating Phantom Ganon?
Yes, you can avoid fighting Phantom Ganon if you’re skilled at navigating the Lost Woods without relying on the Great Deku Tree’s guidance. However, confronting and defeating Phantom Ganon is a more straightforward approach for many players.
7. What happens when you max out the Master Sword?
Completing the Trial of the Sword makes the Master Sword always powered up to 60 damage, no longer needing to recharge and break.
8. Is the Hylian Shield unbreakable?
No. While the Hylian Shield has incredible durability, it can eventually break. It’s not invincible like the Master Sword. If it does break, you can repurchase it after completing a specific quest.
9. What to do if I lose the Master Sword?
The Master Sword automatically returns to the Light Dragon when it runs out of energy and needs to recharge. You can retrieve it by finding the Light Dragon, which roams the skies of Hyrule.
10. Can the Master Sword break?
The Master Sword cannot break permanently. It has a durability mechanic, meaning it will run out of energy and need to recharge. But it will always return to you.
11. Why is the Master Sword only 30 damage?
The Master Sword’s base damage is 30 because it was weakened during the Great Calamity. Its power increases to 60 when fighting Calamity enemies and after completing the Trial of the Sword.
12. Can you pull the Master Sword with yellow stamina?
The Master Sword requires 2 green stamina wheels, meaning yellow stamina wheels do not count toward the amount of stamina you need to pull out the sword.
13. Is Zelda the Light Dragon?
Yes, Zelda swallowed her Secret Stone and became the Light Dragon to imbue the damaged Master Sword with holy power so it could be recovered and strengthed.
14. Is there a Lynel in the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, there is a Lynel battle in the Trial of the Sword.
15. What is the final reward of the Master Sword trials?
The Trial of the Sword completed, the Master Sword will be ‘awakened’ and it will be forever powered-up to level 60 without a cooldown.
Beyond the Blade: Exploring the Depths of Breath of the Wild
The journey to obtain the Master Sword is a microcosm of the entire Breath of the Wild experience. It’s about exploration, resource management, strategic combat, and overcoming challenges to prove your worth. The heart requirement isn’t just an arbitrary number; it’s a test of your dedication and preparedness. As you delve deeper into the game, you’ll uncover countless secrets, encounter memorable characters, and forge your own legend. Whether you’re mastering combat techniques or exploring the nuances of game-based learning like at the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ), Breath of the Wild offers a rich and rewarding experience for players of all kinds.
Ultimately, obtaining the Master Sword is a significant milestone in Breath of the Wild, but it’s just one step on a much grander adventure. So, gather your hearts, sharpen your skills, and prepare to face the challenges that await you in Hyrule. The legend awaits!