Mastering the Master Sword: A Stamina Guide for Zelda Enthusiasts
So, you’re itching to wield the Master Sword, the blade of evil’s bane, in either Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom? Let’s cut right to the chase. The magic number when it comes to Stamina Wheels is zero. That’s right, zero. The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild (BOTW) requires 13 heart containers to obtain it, not stamina vessels. The Tears of the Kingdom Master Sword also requires hearts to obtain. The game prioritizes your life force over your ability to sprint endlessly. Now that we’ve cleared up that crucial point, let’s delve into the nuances of acquiring this legendary weapon and address some frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Requirements
The articles that you mentioned can be a bit confusing, so let’s address the core requirements for both games clearly.
Breath of the Wild (BOTW)
- Hearts, Hearts, Hearts: The primary gatekeeper to the Master Sword is the number of heart containers you possess. You’ll need a minimum of 13 full heart containers. Temporary hearts, granted by food or elixirs, do not count.
- No Stamina Required: As mentioned, stamina wheels are irrelevant for pulling the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild.
- Location is Key: You’ll find the Master Sword nestled deep within the Lost Woods, specifically in the center. Be prepared for a disorienting journey, as getting lost will return you to the entrance!
- Obtaining Hearts: Heart containers are primarily earned by completing Shrines (four spirit orbs can be exchanged for one heart container at a Goddess Statue) and defeating Divine Beasts. You can also trade stamina vessels for heart containers (or vice versa) at a statue in Hateno Village, but remember, you need those 13 hearts.
Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK)
- Heart Requirement (Similar to BOTW): While the exact mechanics are a bit different in Tears of the Kingdom, a certain number of heart containers is still required.
- Finding the Sword: Retrieving the Master Sword in TOTK is closely tied to Zelda’s fate and involves following clues and completing main story objectives.
- Stamina for Main Quest: Stamina is still crucial for completing main quests and other puzzles.
FAQ: Master Sword Mastery
Let’s tackle some common queries to ensure you’re fully equipped to claim the Master Sword as your own.
1. How do I get 13 hearts for the Master Sword?
Focus on completing Shrines scattered across Hyrule. Every four Spirit Orbs you earn can be traded for a heart container or a stamina vessel. Defeating the Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild also grants you permanent heart containers. Remember, temporary hearts from food or elixirs won’t cut it!
2. Can I use temporary hearts to get the Master Sword?
Absolutely not. The game specifically checks for permanent heart containers. Temporary hearts from food, elixirs, or abilities like Mipha’s Grace do not count towards the 13-heart requirement.
3. What happens if I don’t have enough hearts when I try to pull the Master Sword?
Link will attempt to draw the sword, but the sword will hurt him due to a lack of necessary heart containers. The effort will deplete Link’s health, and if you don’t have enough hearts, you’ll die.
4. Does the Master Sword break?
In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword doesn’t technically break. Instead, it runs out of energy after prolonged use and needs to recharge for about 10 minutes before you can use it again. In Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword will break; however, after some time, Zelda will give it back to you.
5. How strong is the Master Sword?
In its base form, the Master Sword has an attack power of 30. However, it doubles to 60 when you’re near enemies corrupted by Malice, such as Guardians or within Hyrule Castle. Completing the Trial of the Sword DLC permanently upgrades its base damage.
6. What is the Trial of the Sword?
The Trial of the Sword is a DLC challenge in Breath of the Wild that involves completing a series of increasingly difficult combat trials. Successfully completing it permanently upgrades the Master Sword’s base damage, making it even more powerful.
7. Where is the Master Sword located?
In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword is located in the center of the Lost Woods, a maze-like forest west of Hyrule Castle. In Tears of the Kingdom, its location is tied to the game’s story progression.
8. Why is my Master Sword only doing 30 damage?
The Master Sword’s base damage is 30. It only increases to 60 when near Malice-infused enemies or locations. If you want to permanently increase its base damage, you’ll need to complete the Trial of the Sword DLC.
9. Can I duplicate the Master Sword?
While glitches and exploits exist in both games that might allow you to duplicate items, including the Master Sword, these are often patched out and can potentially corrupt your save data. It’s generally not recommended.
10. What can I fuse with the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
Tears of the Kingdom‘s Fuse ability allows you to attach various items to your weapons, including the Master Sword. Popular choices include monster horns, dragon parts, and even elemental materials to imbue it with special properties.
11. Is the Master Sword the strongest weapon in the game?
While the Master Sword is undeniably powerful and has unique properties (like its ability to recharge instead of breaking), other weapons in both games can potentially deal higher raw damage. However, its consistency and ability to power up against Malice make it a reliable choice.
12. Why won’t my Master Sword glow?
The Master Sword only glows when near sources of Malice or corrupted enemies. If you’re fighting regular enemies or exploring areas free from Malice, it will remain in its base state.
13. Can you lose the Master Sword permanently?
In Breath of the Wild, you cannot lose the Master Sword permanently. If it runs out of energy, it will simply need to recharge. In Tears of the Kingdom, the story will lead you to the Master Sword, which will then be permanently in Link’s inventory.
14. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?
The Master Sword takes approximately 10 minutes to fully recharge after running out of energy in Breath of the Wild.
15. What’s the significance of the Master Sword in Zelda lore?
The Master Sword, often referred to as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, is a recurring weapon in the Legend of Zelda series. It’s typically the only weapon capable of defeating Ganon and other powerful dark forces, making it a symbol of hope and righteousness. It’s more than just a weapon; it represents the enduring struggle between good and evil.
Final Thoughts: Embark on Your Quest
The Master Sword is a coveted prize in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, symbolizing Link’s courage and the fight against darkness. Remember that mastering the acquisition of the Master Sword isn’t about stamina, but about obtaining Heart Containers, completing story arcs, and becoming a powerful character in the Zelda universe. Happy adventuring, and may the Triforce be with you!
If you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, explore the resources at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org. There, you can find research and insights into how games can be used for learning and development.