Unveiling the Apex Predator of Weaponry: What is the Strongest Weapon in Breath of the Wild?
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The question of the “strongest weapon” in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is deceptively complex. There isn’t a single definitive answer, as “strength” can be measured in various ways: raw damage output, durability, versatility, and even situational effectiveness. However, if we’re talking about sheer, unadulterated damage potential, the crown likely belongs to a Savage Lynel Sword with a “Critical Hit” modifier. These swords, dropped by the formidable Silver Lynels (or even stronger variants in Master Mode), can reach base attack powers exceeding 100 when fully buffed. While the Master Sword holds a special place in Zelda lore, other weapons offer more damage per swing. Keep in mind that weapon buffs are largely random. This makes finding the absolute best weapon a matter of luck as much as skill.
Deeper Dive: The Contenders for the Throne
While the Savage Lynel Sword with a Critical Hit modifier sits atop the damage charts, several other weapons deserve recognition for their unique strengths:
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Royal Guard’s Claymore: These boast exceptionally high attack power, surpassing even many Lynel weapons. However, their abysmal durability makes them a “glass cannon,” best saved for powerful, singular blows or fused to other weapons.
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Ancient Weapons: Crafted at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, Ancient weapons receive a bonus when used against Guardians and Calamity Ganon’s manifestations. Their durability is also significantly improved compared to standard weapons. The Ancient Proficiency bonus gained from wearing the full Ancient Armor set, and the Attack Up food buff can make these weapons devasting even with moderate base damage.
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Fierce Deity Sword/Great Fairy Sword: These magical great-swords are capable of dealing more raw damage than the Master Sword
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Elemental Weapons: While not necessarily “strongest” in terms of raw damage, elemental weapons (Fire Rod, Ice Rod, Thunderblade) are strategically powerful. They inflict status effects (burning, freezing, paralysis) that can control crowds, exploit enemy weaknesses, and create environmental advantages.
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Master Sword: While not the highest in damage, the Master Sword’s ability to recharge after “breaking” and its increased power against corrupted enemies make it a consistently reliable and powerful weapon. It’s essentially infinitely durable, given its recharge mechanic. This makes it a versatile and dependable option in all situations.
The Importance of Weapon Modifiers
The seemingly random weapon modifiers in Breath of the Wild drastically influence a weapon’s effectiveness. “Attack Up,” “Durability Up,” and “Critical Hit” are the most sought-after modifiers. A weapon with a high base attack and an “Attack Up” modifier can quickly become a powerhouse.
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Attack Up: Increases the weapon’s damage output.
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Durability Up: Extends the weapon’s lifespan.
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Critical Hit: Grants a chance to deal double damage on each strike.
Beyond Raw Power: A Holistic View
It’s crucial to remember that “strongest” isn’t just about damage numbers. Durability, attack speed, weapon type, and personal playstyle all play a role. A weapon that breaks after a few swings, even if it deals massive damage, might not be the best choice in a prolonged battle. Similarly, a slower weapon like a claymore might not suit players who prefer a faster, more agile combat style.
The Endgame Meta: Weapon Fusion in Tears of the Kingdom
The sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, introduces weapon fusion, adding a whole new dimension to weapon strength. This mechanic allows you to combine weapons with materials and monster parts, dramatically altering their stats and abilities. This means that the strongest weapon can vary wildly depending on your ingenuity and the resources you’ve gathered.
What Makes a Weapon ‘Good’ in Tears of the Kingdom?
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Damage Potential: Fusion allows you to create weapons that far exceed the damage output of anything in Breath of the Wild. Fuse powerful monster horns (like Silver Lynel Saber Horns) to your weapons for a massive damage boost.
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Durability Management: While weapons still break, fusion can improve their durability. Some materials are naturally more durable than others.
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Utility and Adaptability: Fusion opens up a range of utility options. Fuse elemental materials to your weapons for elemental damage or use Zonai devices for unique effects.
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The Rock Octorok Grind: Finding a Rock Octorok and allowing it to ‘eat’ your weapon will cause it to repair and grant it a random buff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is the Master Sword the strongest weapon in Breath of the Wild? No, while the Master Sword is iconic and powerful, other weapons like Savage Lynel Swords with modifiers can deal more damage per hit. However, the Master Sword’s unique recharge ability grants it effectively infinite durability and it powers up around areas affected by Ganon’s Malice.
- Can the Master Sword break? No, the Master Sword cannot break in the traditional sense. It runs out of energy and needs to recharge for 10 minutes before it can be used again.
- What is the most durable shield in Breath of the Wild? The Hylian Shield is the most durable shield, but it can still break after withstanding a lot of damage. You can repurchase it in Tarrey Town if it breaks.
- Is there an unbreakable bow in Breath of the Wild? No, all bows in Breath of the Wild can break.
- Where can I find Savage Lynel weapons? Savage Lynel weapons are dropped by Silver Lynels, the strongest type of Lynel. They can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule, especially in the later stages of the game or in Master Mode.
- What are the best weapon modifiers to look for? The best weapon modifiers are Attack Up, Durability Up, and Critical Hit.
- How does weapon fusion affect weapon strength in Tears of the Kingdom? Weapon fusion allows you to significantly increase a weapon’s damage, durability, and utility by combining it with monster parts, materials, and Zonai devices.
- What is the hardest fight in Breath of the Wild? The difficulty of fights is subjective, but many players consider Monk Maz Koshia (from the Champion’s Ballad DLC) and Calamity Ganon to be among the hardest.
- Is there a reward for killing all Lynels? The only Lynel-related reward is for beating the Lynel Floating Coliseum in the Depths, which gives you Majora’s Mask. Other than that they just drop good bows and are the best source of arrows.
- What is the strongest Armour in Zelda? The best armor in Breath of the Wild is the Ancient set
- What weapon do you get from Mipha? The Lightscale Trident.
- Where is the dragon with the Master Sword? The Master Sword is located on the head of the Light Dragon
- How many hits can the Master Sword take? The Master Sword has nearly 200 strikes before needing to recharge.
- How do I fix my Hylian Shield? While you can’t repair the Hylian Shield, you can buy another one in Tarrey Town.
- Which Zelda is most powerful? The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Conclusion: The Quest for Power is Endless
Ultimately, the “strongest weapon” in Breath of the Wild (and even more so in Tears of the Kingdom) is a matter of personal preference and strategic adaptation. While Savage Lynel Swords with Critical Hit modifiers offer incredible burst damage, the Master Sword’s reliability and the versatility afforded by weapon fusion make other weapons viable. Experiment, explore, and discover the weapons that best suit your playstyle, and you’ll become an unstoppable force in Hyrule. Consider joining the Games Learning Society for further insights into game mechanics and strategies. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.