The Master Sword’s Fate in Tears of the Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide
The Master Sword, an iconic weapon in the Zelda franchise, undergoes a dramatic transformation in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. At the game’s outset, the Master Sword is corrupted and broken, its power significantly diminished. This corruption stems from Ganondorf’s influence, leading to the sword’s decayed appearance and directly impacting Link, requiring him to rely on a new prosthetic arm infused with powerful abilities. While seemingly destroyed, the Master Sword can be restored and wielded again, playing a crucial role in the overarching narrative.
Unveiling the Master Sword’s Journey
The game revolves heavily around restoring the Master Sword to its former glory. The initial corruption serves as a catalyst for Link’s journey, pushing him to explore Hyrule, uncover the source of the corruption, and ultimately find a way to repair the legendary blade. Throughout the game, players are given multiple paths to follow, each offering opportunities to advance the Master Sword’s restoration.
- Main Quests: Following the “Trail of the Master Sword” and “Recovering the Hero’s Sword” main quests will naturally guide players towards the sword’s recovery. These quests involve investigating mysterious occurrences, following clues, and ultimately confronting the source of the corruption.
- Dragon’s Tears: A more direct approach involves collecting all the Dragon’s Tears. These tears unlock memories that reveal crucial information about the Master Sword’s fate and how to retrieve it. This path offers an alternative to the main quest line, allowing players to obtain the sword earlier in the game.
- The Light Dragon: The key to retrieving the Master Sword lies with the Light Dragon. This majestic creature carries the sword on its head, flying in a continuous circle around Hyrule. Players must find a way to reach the dragon and pull the Master Sword, a feat that requires significant stamina. Zelda transformed into the Light Dragon in order to heal and strengthen the Master Sword.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Mechanics
Even after being recovered, the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom has unique mechanics that players need to understand:
- Cooldown: The Master Sword doesn’t break in the traditional sense. Instead, it has a cooldown period. After extended use, the sword’s energy depletes, rendering it unusable for 10 minutes. During this time, the sword appears faded in the inventory, indicating its recharge status.
- Fusion: One of the most significant changes in Tears of the Kingdom is the introduction of the Fuse ability. Players can fuse materials with the Master Sword to increase its attack power and add elemental effects. This customization adds a new layer of strategy to combat, allowing players to tailor the Master Sword to their specific needs.
- Power: The base damage output of the Master Sword is 30. However, this number can be significantly increased by fusing it with powerful monster parts or other materials. Interestingly, the sword’s damage doesn’t inherently increase when near gloom, but the added fusion materials can still make a difference.
The Lore Behind the Corruption
The corruption of the Master Sword is deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative and the history of Hyrule. Ganondorf’s resurrection and his immense power directly affect the sword, weakening its connection to the Sacred Realm. Princess Zelda’s transformation into the Light Dragon is a direct response to this corruption, a desperate attempt to imbue the sword with enough power to combat Ganondorf’s evil. The journey to restore the Master Sword becomes not just a quest for a weapon, but a symbolic act of restoring balance to Hyrule and reclaiming its history. Exploring the themes and narratives of games such as this one can be beneficial to learning. Games Learning Society can offer more resources on the topics, at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens to the Master Sword at the beginning of Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword breaks and becomes corrupted due to Ganondorf’s influence, leaving Link injured and forcing him to rely on his new prosthetic arm.
Can you lose the Master Sword permanently in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot lose the Master Sword permanently. When it runs out of energy, it enters a cooldown period and reappears in your inventory after 10 minutes.
How do you get the Master Sword back after it breaks?
You can retrieve the Master Sword from the Light Dragon by landing on its head and pulling the sword. This requires at least two full wheels of stamina. Alternatively, you can follow the “Trail of the Master Sword” and “Recovering the Hero’s Sword” main quests.
How powerful is the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Master Sword has a base damage of 30, which can be increased by fusing it with various materials.
Why does the Master Sword disappear from my inventory?
If the Master Sword disappears from your quick swap menu, it’s likely out of energy and in its cooldown period. Check your inventory; it should be greyed out with a timer.
Can the Master Sword break during the Ganondorf fight?
The Master Sword won’t break during the final fight with Ganondorf, but it can lose power in the preceding battles. It’s wise to have backup weapons ready.
Which dragon carries the Master Sword?
The Master Sword is located on the head of the Light Dragon.
Is Zelda the Light Dragon?
Yes, Princess Zelda transforms into the Light Dragon by swallowing her Secret Stone, granting her immortality and the power to heal the Master Sword.
Can I fuse the Master Sword with other items?
Yes, you can fuse the Master Sword with various materials to increase its attack power and add elemental effects.
What happens to the divine beasts in Tears of the Kingdom?
The divine beasts appear to be dormant in Tears of the Kingdom. Their role from Breath of the Wild does not have a direct counterpart, as the focus shifts to the new abilities and challenges presented in this game.
How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom, considering his age in Breath of the Wild and the time that has passed.
Will the Fierce Deity Sword break in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Fierce Deity Sword can break like any other weapon in the game, but it can also be fused with other items.
Is the Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Triforce is not explicitly shown, but its presence is implied. Zelda’s use of her Secret Stone might explain why the Triforce doesn’t visually manifest.
What weapons are stronger than the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Fierce Deity Sword and the Great Fairy Sword are generally considered to be stronger than the Master Sword in terms of raw damage output.
What is the significance of the Master Sword’s corruption in the game’s story?
The Master Sword’s corruption signifies Ganondorf’s growing power and serves as a catalyst for Link’s journey. Restoring the sword is a key part of restoring balance to Hyrule and overcoming the ancient evil.