Unveiling the Master Sword’s Damage: A Comprehensive Guide
The Master Sword, the legendary blade of the Hero of Time, is a staple in The Legend of Zelda series. Its power and significance are undeniable, but pinning down its exact damage output can be a bit more nuanced than simply reading a stat sheet. So, what is the Master Sword damage total? The Master Sword typically deals 30 damage in Tears of the Kingdom. However, this number is far from static and can fluctuate depending on various factors within the game. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the Master Sword’s damage potential.
Understanding the Base Damage
The baseline damage of the Master Sword, as mentioned, is 30. This is its standard damage output when used against most enemies in the overworld. It’s important to remember that this is just the starting point. The Master Sword, unlike many other weapons in Hyrule, possesses unique properties that allow its damage to be amplified under certain circumstances.
The Role of Gloom and Malice
One of the most significant factors influencing the Master Sword’s damage is its proximity to Gloom or Malice. When Link is near sources of these corrupting energies, such as in dungeons, around Guardians, or near areas heavily influenced by the Calamity, the Master Sword will begin to glow with a characteristic blue aura. In this state, its damage output doubles, reaching a formidable 60 damage.
This doubling effect is a crucial aspect of the Master Sword’s design. It emphasizes its role as the ultimate weapon against evil, becoming significantly more effective when directly confronting the forces of darkness. It is important to note, however, that this effect is conditional and tied to the specific environment. Moving away from the source of Gloom or Malice will revert the sword’s damage back to its base value of 30.
Fusion and the Master Sword
Tears of the Kingdom introduces the innovative Fuse mechanic, allowing players to attach various materials to their weapons, altering their properties and boosting their attack power. The Master Sword is no exception. While the Master Sword itself doesn’t need to be fused to function (since it is unbreakable), fusing monster parts or other materials to it can substantially increase its damage output beyond its base values.
Maximizing Damage Through Fusion
Experimentation is key to finding the most effective fusion materials. High-tier monster parts, such as those from Lynels or Gleeoks, provide significant attack power boosts. Fusing these parts to the Master Sword effectively combines its inherent ability to vanquish evil with the raw power of Hyrule’s most formidable creatures. This opens up a wide array of strategic possibilities, allowing players to tailor the Master Sword’s damage to suit specific combat scenarios.
For example, fusing a Silver Lynel Saber Horn to the Master Sword grants a substantial damage increase. Players should experiment with different materials to discover the optimal fusion combinations for maximum damage output and additional effects.
Durability and Recharge
While the Master Sword cannot truly break, it does have a durability system that requires it to recharge periodically. After a certain number of hits (approximately 40 unbuffed, or up to 200 buffed as some players have tested), the sword will “run out of energy” and disappear from Link’s hand, becoming unusable for a set duration.
This recharge mechanic doesn’t mean the sword is broken; it simply needs time to replenish its energy. The recharge time varies, but typically takes around 10 minutes of real-world time. During this time, the Master Sword will appear faded out in the inventory, indicating its unavailability.
Understanding Durability and “Badly Damaged” Warnings
The Master Sword does not operate on the same durability system as typical weapons. It does not give “badly damaged” warnings as a typical weapon does. Instead, after depleting its energy, it fades from use and needs to recharge, unlike other weapons, which fully break. However, it’s important to note that some players believe that buffing the Master Sword through armor or effects may increase its total strikes before requiring a recharge.
The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild vs. Tears of the Kingdom
While the Master Sword appears in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, there are key differences in its functionality. In Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword’s damage could also temporarily increase to 60 in specific situations, but the overall mechanics were slightly different.
Obtaining the Master Sword
In Breath of the Wild, players needed at least 13 full heart containers to pull the Master Sword from its pedestal in the Lost Woods. Temporary hearts (yellow hearts) did not count towards this requirement. In Tears of the Kingdom, the method for obtaining the Master Sword is tied to the narrative and involves a questline centered around the Light Dragon, which is revealed to be Princess Zelda herself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Master Sword’s damage and related mechanics:
1. How much damage does the Master Sword do normally?
The Master Sword’s base damage is 30.
2. How much damage does the Master Sword do when glowing?
When the Master Sword glows near Gloom or Malice, its damage doubles to 60.
3. Can I fuse materials to the Master Sword to increase its damage?
Yes, the Fuse mechanic in Tears of the Kingdom allows you to attach materials to the Master Sword, significantly increasing its damage output.
4. Does the Master Sword break?
No, the Master Sword is technically unbreakable. It has a durability system that requires it to recharge periodically.
5. How many hits can the Master Sword take before needing to recharge?
The Master Sword can take approximately 40 hits unbuffed, though reports suggest it can reach nearly 200 strikes when buffed.
6. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?
The recharge time for the Master Sword is approximately 10 minutes of real-world time.
7. Can I upgrade the Master Sword in *Tears of the Kingdom*?
The Master Sword cannot be upgraded via Trials like in Breath of the Wild, but fusing materials will enhance its damage.
8. Does the location affect the Master Sword’s power?
Yes, being near Gloom or Malice will cause the Master Sword to glow and double its damage.
9. How does the Master Sword’s damage compare to other weapons?
While the base damage of 30 might seem modest compared to some endgame weapons, the Master Sword’s unique properties and potential for fusion make it a highly versatile and powerful weapon.
10. Why does the Master Sword only do 30 damage?
The in-game explanation is that the Master Sword was damaged during the Great Calamity and has lost some of its former strength.
11. Can I throw the Master Sword?
No, the Master Sword cannot be thrown like other weapons.
12. Do temporary hearts count towards obtaining the Master Sword in *Breath of the Wild*?
No, only full heart containers count towards the 13 hearts needed to obtain the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild.
13. Is the Hylian Shield unbreakable?
No, the Hylian Shield is not unbreakable, but it is significantly more durable than other shields.
14. Is there a sword stronger than the Master Sword?
Some other swords have higher raw damage potential, like the Fierce Deity Sword, but none possess the unique abilities and historical significance of the Master Sword.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics?
Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are valuable resources for anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of games and game design principles.
Conclusion
The Master Sword is more than just a weapon; it’s an integral part of the Zelda mythos. Understanding its damage mechanics, its relationship with Gloom and Malice, and the potential for fusion allows players to fully harness its power and face the challenges of Hyrule with confidence. While its base damage of 30 might seem unassuming, its versatility and special properties make it a reliable and powerful ally in the fight against evil.