Unlocking the Master Sword: How Many Shrines Do You Really Need?

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So, you’re aiming to wield the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and you’ve heard the rumors – you need 13 hearts! The burning question is: How many shrines do you need to conquer to reach this pivotal milestone? The answer, plain and simple, is 40 Shrines, assuming you haven’t already acquired any Heart Containers from defeating Divine Beasts. Since you start with three hearts, you need an additional ten hearts to reach the magic number of thirteen. Each heart container requires four Spirit Orbs, obtained by completing shrines. Therefore, 10 Heart Containers * 4 Spirit Orbs = 40 Spirit Orbs and you need 40 Shrines completed! But hold on, there’s more to the story than just a simple calculation! Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and answer some burning questions you might have.

Gaining Hearts the Right Way

The journey to obtain the Master Sword is a rite of passage. It’s not about quick fixes or temporary boosts; it’s about proving your worth through skill and dedication.

Shrine Quests and Spirit Orbs

Shrines are scattered across Hyrule, each presenting a unique challenge, puzzle, or combat trial. Completing a shrine rewards you with a Spirit Orb. Collect four Spirit Orbs, and you can exchange them at any Goddess Statue for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel. For our Master Sword quest, we’re obviously focusing on hearts.

Divine Beasts: A Shortcut, Maybe?

Defeating the Divine Beasts not only weakens Calamity Ganon, but it also awards you with a Heart Container. If you defeat all four Divine Beasts, you will receive four heart containers. This reduces the number of shrines you will need to complete to obtain the Master Sword by 16.

The Statue Swap: A One-Time Wonder

Near Hateno Village, you’ll find a suspicious statue that allows you to exchange a Heart Container for a Stamina Vessel, or vice versa. This offers a flexible option for those who may have initially prioritized the wrong stat. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a one-time trade per transaction and can be costly if abused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a breakdown of common questions surrounding heart containers, shrines, and the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild:

1. How many Spirit Orbs do I really need if I’ve already done some Divine Beasts?

   If you’ve conquered Divine Beasts, you’ve already received Heart Containers. Subtract the number of Divine Beasts defeated from 10 (the number of additional Heart Containers needed). Multiply the result by 4. For example, if you’ve defeated two Divine Beasts, you need 8 * 4 = 32 Spirit Orbs. In other words: 40 shrines minus 4 shrines per Divine Beast.

2. Are there enough shrines in the game to max out both hearts and stamina?

   No, not even close! The game doesn’t offer enough shrines and other means to max out both hearts and stamina. You’ll have to choose which stat to prioritize. After obtaining 30 heart containers, you can either complete the last four Shrines and obtain four Spirit Orbs, or skip them. If you do skip them, you can not complete the game with max hearts.

3. Do temporary hearts from food count towards getting the Master Sword?

   Sadly, no. Temporary hearts, often signified by their yellow color, do not count towards the 13 required for the Master Sword. You need 13 permanent Heart Containers.

4. What happens if I try to pull the Master Sword with less than 13 hearts?

   The Great Deku Tree will stop you and your health will be depleted quickly until the game ends. Its a game over situation until you have sufficient hearts.

5. Is there any way to reset my heart/stamina choices later in the game?

   While you can temporarily swap hearts for stamina at the suspicious statue, there isn’t a way to permanently reset your choices and redistribute all of your Spirit Orbs later in the game. So, plan carefully!

6. How many shrines are there in Breath of the Wild, really?

   The base game boasts 120 shrines, and the DLC adds another four shrines that give Spirit Orbs. Additionally, the DLC features 12 other shrines that don’t award Spirit Orbs but offer other valuable rewards. Therefore, there are 124 Spirit-Orb-awarding shrines.

7. What should I do after completing all 120 shrines?

   Once you conquer all 120 shrines in the base game, return to the Forgotten Temple to receive a special reward: the Armor of the Wild. You will have to beat some Guardians though!

8. Should I prioritize upgrading health or stamina first in Breath of the Wild?

   This is a matter of personal preference. More health allows you to withstand more damage, making combat easier. More stamina allows you to climb higher, glide further, and sprint longer, opening up more exploration possibilities. Early on, many players find that a few extra hearts provide a comfortable safety net. However, a healthy stamina wheel can prove invaluable for exploration. Consider your play style and adapt accordingly.

9. Can the Master Sword break?

   The Master Sword cannot break in the traditional sense. However, it does run out of energy and needs to recharge after prolonged use. During this recharge period, it will be faded out in your inventory.

10. Why does the Master Sword sometimes do 30 damage and sometimes 60?

    The Master Sword’s base damage is 30. However, when near Guardians or areas affected by Malice, the Master Sword awakens and glows, dealing 60 damage. The Trial of the Sword DLC also increases the Master Sword’s power.

11. What are the benefits of completing the Trial of the Sword DLC?

    The Trial of the Sword is a challenging series of combat trials that permanently strengthens the Master Sword, ultimately making it always deal 60 damage and reducing its recharge time.

12. How do the DLC shrines differ from the base game shrines?

    The DLC shrines often feature more intricate puzzles and challenges compared to some of the base game shrines. They also tend to be integrated into compelling storylines and offer unique rewards. However, only four of them actually give you spirit orbs!

13. Is Breath of the Wild a difficult game?

    Breath of the Wild has a steep learning curve. The early game can be challenging, but as you acquire more hearts, stamina, and powerful equipment, the game becomes more manageable. The key is to learn enemy patterns, master combat techniques, and strategically utilize the environment.

14. How does Tears of the Kingdom change the heart container system?

    While some mechanics are the same in Tears of the Kingdom, like exchanging Spirit Orbs for Hearts or Stamina, the system is different. You’re able to get the same heart containers using four spirit orbs that you receive for completing a shrine.

15. Where can I learn more about the game design of Breath of the Wild?

    For an in-depth look at the game mechanics, design, and learning principles embedded in games like Breath of the Wild, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org or visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable insights into how games can be used for education and understanding complex systems.

Final Thoughts: The Journey is the Reward

Ultimately, reaching 13 hearts to claim the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild is a rewarding experience. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but also about the journey. Explore Hyrule, solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and enjoy the freedom that the game offers.