How Many Hearts Should I Have in Breath of the Wild?
The simple answer? It depends on your play style and goals. However, a good target to aim for is at least 13 hearts – this is the minimum required to pull the Master Sword, a crucial weapon for taking on tougher enemies and eventually, Calamity Ganon. Beyond that, it’s a balancing act between hearts and stamina. Both are incredibly valuable in Breath of the Wild, but their importance shifts as you progress. Ultimately, you can get a maximum of 30 hearts with trading stamina and the heart containers you get after beating each Divine Beast.
Hearts vs. Stamina: The Great Debate
The age-old question: stamina or hearts? In the early game, prioritizing stamina is generally the better choice. A second full stamina wheel significantly increases your ability to explore, climb, glide, and swim. These actions are fundamental to navigating Hyrule, accessing new areas, and uncovering secrets. Plus, you can always cook meals to grant you temporary bonus hearts when needed.
Once you have a solid base of stamina, shift your focus towards getting those 13 hearts for the Master Sword. After that, it’s a personal preference. More hearts provide a buffer against enemy attacks, while more stamina allows for longer and more demanding exploration. Many players find a good balance is reaching the minimum hearts for the Master Sword, then maximizing stamina, before finally putting any remaining Spirit Orbs into hearts.
Why 13 Hearts for the Master Sword?
The Master Sword is no ordinary weapon. It’s steeped in lore and possesses unique properties, most notably its ability to regenerate. However, it comes at a price. The Master Sword is crucial for the final fight, and getting the Master Sword is impossible without the 13 hearts. Attempting to pull it with fewer than 13 heart containers will result in a painful, repeated electrocution sequence that will eventually lead to a game over. The game makes it very clear that it needs at least 13 hearts to acquire the sword.
Divine Beasts: A Hearty Reward
Completing each of the four Divine Beasts not only weakens Calamity Ganon but also rewards you with a heart container. These containers are essential for boosting your health and contribute to your overall progress towards the Master Sword and beyond.
Ganon and Beyond: Heart Considerations
While you can technically fight Ganon with any number of hearts, having a substantial health pool makes the battle significantly easier. It’s recommended to have at least 20 hearts, alongside armor upgrades and healing items, for a more comfortable experience. However, skilled players have beaten Ganon with as few as three hearts by utilizing perfect dodges, parries, and strategic item usage. Games Learning Society researches the design, application, and effects of learning games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you get 30 hearts and 3 stamina wheels in Breath of the Wild?
No, you can’t have both maximum hearts and maximum stamina in Breath of the Wild. There’s a finite number of upgrades available. You can choose either 30 hearts and 2 & 2/5 stamina wheels or 27 hearts and 3 full stamina wheels. Keep in mind that the game rewards 4 extra hearts, and the upgrades from shrines and the Divine Beasts are finite.
2. How many hearts should I have for each Divine Beast?
You can attempt the Divine Beasts with any number of hearts, but having 13 hearts and the Master Sword is a good starting point. The amount of hearts you need for the Divine Beasts depends on the armor, weapons, and strategy you will use.
3. Is stamina or hearts more important in Tears of the Kingdom?
In Tears of the Kingdom, stamina is arguably more important, especially early on. The game requires two full stamina wheels at a certain point in the main story.
4. Is there a max hearts and stamina glitch in Breath of the Wild?
While glitches may exist, they’re not recommended for a genuine playthrough. Experiencing the game as intended provides a more rewarding experience. The maximum amount of hearts and stamina is what is available via the in-game mechanics.
5. Should I max out stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, you should eventually max out stamina in Tears of the Kingdom. Progressing through the story will eventually require that you upgrade your Stamina.
6. Can you get 40 hearts in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the maximum in Tears of the Kingdom is 40 hearts and 2 and a half full stamina wheels or 38 hearts and 3 full stamina wheels.
7. How many hearts do I need to beat Ganon?
An average player would need at least 20 hearts, healing food, and upgraded armor to beat Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom. For Breath of the Wild, you can beat Ganon with only 3 hearts, but the more hearts you have, the more mistakes you can afford.
8. Can you get the Master Sword with 12 hearts?
No. You need a minimum of 13 full heart containers to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild.
9. How many shrines does it take to get full hearts?
It takes four shrines to get one heart container or stamina vessel. You would need to complete all 152 shrines to interact with Goddess Statues to exchange your Lights of Blessing to get full hearts.
10. How many Stamina Wheels do you need to tame the Lord of the Mountain?
You’ll likely need at least two full stamina wheels to tame the Lord of the Mountain. Prepare with stamina-boosting food or the Sheikah Set.
11. What does it take to 100% Breath of the Wild?
Completing all four Divine Beasts, 120 Ancient Shrines, 900 Korok Seeds, and visiting every named location constitutes 100% completion. While you can technically hit 100% in the game, there is no reward for doing so.
12. Can the Master Sword break?
The Master Sword cannot permanently break. However, it can run out of energy and need to recharge for 10 minutes. It’s still always present in your inventory.
13. Why is the Master Sword only 30?
The Master Sword deals only 30 damage due to its weakened state after being broken and worn down in past battles. The Master Sword is now only capable of performing at a fraction of its peak strength.
14. What happens if you don’t have enough hearts for the Master Sword?
If you attempt to pull the Master Sword without 13 hearts, you will take continuous damage until you die or give up.
15. Can you fight Ganon without the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, you can fight and beat Ganon without the Master Sword. It’s not a mandatory weapon for the final battle.
Ultimately, the number of hearts you should have in Breath of the Wild depends on your comfort level, skill, and play style. Aim for the Master Sword, find a comfortable balance between hearts and stamina, and explore the vast world of Hyrule to your heart’s content. If you are looking for more insights into the design and effect of learning games, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.