The Master Sword’s Fate in Tears of the Kingdom: A Detailed Analysis
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), the iconic Master Sword suffers a significant blow. It becomes corrupted and takes on a decayed appearance early in the game, directly tied to Ganondorf’s re-emergence and the Upheaval. This corruption weakens the blade, and Link’s arm is also affected, leading to the acquisition of the powerful new prosthetic arm. The quest to restore the Master Sword becomes a central driving force of the narrative, demanding exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat prowess. Finding and reforging the blade is paramount to Link’s ultimate mission.
The Initial State: Corruption and Weakness
The game opens with a cataclysmic event that drastically alters Hyrule. During this event, the Master Sword encounters a wave of Gloom emitted by Ganondorf. This Gloom corrupts the blade, giving it a fractured, almost fossilized look. Its power diminishes considerably, forcing Link to rely on other weapons and his newly acquired abilities. The corruption of the Master Sword is a physical manifestation of the encroaching darkness and a clear indicator of the magnitude of the threat Hyrule faces. This corruption also impacts Link, necessitating the replacement of his arm with one imbued with Zonai technology. This new arm becomes the source of many of Link’s new abilities, such as Recall, Fuse, and Ultrahand.
The Quest for Restoration: The Heart of the Narrative
The primary goal becomes clear: restore the Master Sword to its former glory. The game offers multiple paths towards achieving this goal. Players can follow the Main Questline, which guides them through important story beats, including “Trail of the Master Sword” and “Recovering the Hero’s Sword”. Alternatively, they can embark on a more freeform journey, collecting all of the Dragon’s Tears. These Tears reveal crucial memories that illuminate the events leading up to the present crisis and ultimately lead Link to the Light Dragon, who bears the Master Sword. Both paths offer a unique experience, but the ultimate objective remains the same: reforge the iconic blade.
Obtaining the Master Sword: Stamina and the Light Dragon
Retrieving the Master Sword is no easy feat. As the game progresses, it is revealed that Zelda sacrificed herself to become the Light Dragon, imbuing the Master Sword with the necessary power to heal itself. The Master Sword rests on the Light Dragon’s head as she soars through the skies of Hyrule. To claim the sword, Link must locate the Light Dragon and have the stamina necessary to pull it free. This requires at least two full wheels of Stamina. Players can either increase their maximum Stamina or use elixirs and food that temporarily boost their stamina to achieve this goal. The act of pulling the Master Sword from the Light Dragon is a symbolic moment, representing Link’s unwavering commitment to saving Hyrule and Zelda’s sacrifice.
Master Sword Functionality: Durability and Recharge
Even after restoration, the Master Sword’s functionality has changed from Breath of the Wild. It no longer breaks in the traditional sense, but it can run out of energy. When the Master Sword’s energy is depleted, it becomes unusable and appears greyed out in the inventory screen with 0 attack power. A cooldown period of 10 minutes is required before the blade can be wielded again. This mechanic encourages players to strategically use the Master Sword and to rely on other weapons in their arsenal. However, the Master Sword never breaks permanently against Ganondorf, making it the perfect weapon for the final showdown.
Fusing and Combat Applications
The introduction of the Fuse ability adds a new layer of depth to the Master Sword. While its base damage is 30, it can be significantly increased by fusing monster parts or other materials. This allows players to customize the Master Sword’s capabilities and adapt it to different combat scenarios. The Master Sword deals bonus damage to Gloom-affected enemies. While the game does not show an increased attack number next to Gloom enemies it is well known within the Zelda community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you lose the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot permanently lose the Master Sword. When it runs out of energy, it disappears from Link’s hand but remains in your inventory, albeit greyed out. Once the 10-minute cooldown is complete, it becomes usable again.
2. Why did my Master Sword disappear from my quick swap menu?
The Master Sword disappears from the quick swap menu when it is out of energy. Check your inventory; it will be greyed out with 0 attack power.
3. How do I get the Master Sword back after it “breaks”?
The Master Sword doesn’t truly break; it runs out of energy. To get it back, wait 10 minutes for it to recharge. You can also speed up the process by progressing the story.
4. Was the Master Sword destroyed in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Sword wasn’t destroyed but it was corrupted by Gloom. It loses its power and takes on a decayed appearance, necessitating its restoration.
5. How powerful is the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword has a base damage of 30. This can be increased by fusing materials. It also deals bonus damage to enemies affected by Gloom.
6. Can the Master Sword break during the Ganondorf fight in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Sword cannot break during the final battle with Ganondorf. It may lose power in the lead-up to the fight, so having backup weapons is advised, but it’s unbreakable when facing Ganondorf himself.
7. Which dragon has the Master Sword?
The Light Dragon carries the Master Sword on its head. It is white and yellow in color and emits a blue aura.
8. Is Zelda the Light Dragon?
Yes, Princess Zelda transformed herself into the Light Dragon to imbue the Master Sword with the necessary power to heal itself and to ensure it would reach Link in the future.
9. Can Ganondorf be killed without the Master Sword?
Yes, it is possible to defeat Ganondorf without the Master Sword, though it is significantly more challenging. The Master Sword deals bonus damage, but skillful use of other weapons and abilities can lead to victory. Speedrunners often defeat Ganon with weapons found in the Castle.
10. Can I fuse materials to the Master Sword?
Yes, you can fuse materials to the Master Sword to increase its attack power and add elemental effects. Experiment with different combinations to find the most effective fusions.
11. What happened to the Divine Beasts in Tears of the Kingdom?
The article doesn’t explicitly state what happened to the Divine Beasts, it does say that the Divine Beasts fell dormant until Ganon began to stir once more, implying they were no longer actively controlled or functional after the events of Breath of the Wild.
12. What weapon is stronger than the Master Sword?
Several weapons can deal more raw damage than the Master Sword, especially when fused with powerful materials. Examples include the Fierce Deity Sword and the Great Fairy Sword.
13. Does the Goddess Sword become the Master Sword?
Yes, the Goddess Sword from Skyward Sword is the precursor to the Master Sword. Over the course of that game, it is transformed into the blade that can repel evil.
14. Will the Fierce Deity Sword break in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Fierce Deity Sword can break, like most weapons in the game. It’s important to manage its durability and repair or replace it as needed.
15. Does Zelda turn back from a dragon?
Yes, Zelda does turn back into her human form after Link defeats Ganondorf. The combined power of Rauru and Sonia’s spirits help to reverse her draconification.
The journey to reclaim and restore the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom is a compelling and engaging experience. It tests the player’s skills, encourages exploration, and adds depth to the lore of the Zelda universe. With careful planning and strategic gameplay, players can once again wield the blade of evil’s bane and save Hyrule from the encroaching darkness. The educational potential of games like Tears of the Kingdom, particularly in areas of problem-solving and strategic thinking, are topics often discussed within the Games Learning Society. Consider exploring more about the intersection of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.