Decoding the Sword: Why Can’t You Activate the Trial of the Sword in Breath of the Wild?
So, you’re ready to tackle the Trial of the Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but you’re hitting a wall. The good news is, you’re not alone! This DLC challenge is notoriously picky about its activation requirements. The most common reason you can’t activate the Trial of the Sword is because you haven’t met the necessary prerequisites: owning the Master Sword and having the DLC installed. You must place the Master Sword back in its pedestal within the Korok Forest. The game is very specific about this process. If the Master Sword isn’t at full energy, you won’t be able to initiate the trial. Let’s dive into a more detailed explanation of each of these hurdles.
The Essential Ingredients: DLC Ownership, The Master Sword, and Its Pedestal
Before even considering embarking on the Trial of the Sword, confirm you’ve purchased and installed the “The Master Trials” DLC. Double-check your Nintendo Switch or Wii U eShop transaction history. If you own the DLC and it’s correctly installed, the next crucial step is obtaining the Master Sword. This legendary blade is not just lying around; you must prove your worth by possessing at least 13 hearts (including temporary hearts granted by food or elixirs). The Sword will actually kill you if you have anything less than thirteen hearts and you still try to pull it out.
Once you have the Master Sword, the real challenge to unlock the Trial of the Sword begins. Fast travel or journey to the Korok Forest and locate the Great Deku Tree. The Master Sword’s pedestal is right there.
Is The Master Sword charged?
The Trial of the Sword can only be triggered if the Master Sword’s energy is fully restored. If you’ve been using the Master Sword, wait for the standard 10-minute recharge period after it runs out of energy. If you try to start the trial while the sword is depleted, the game will prevent you from starting the trial.
Technical Glitches and How to Resolve Them
Sometimes, even with all the correct steps taken, technical issues can prevent the Trial from activating. A simple game restart might resolve the issue. To do this, fully close Breath of the Wild and reopen it. Corrupted game data can occasionally cause strange glitches. If the problem persists, try checking for game updates or reinstalling the DLC.
Understanding the Challenge
The Trial of the Sword isn’t just a set of combat encounters; it’s a test of your mastery over Breath of the Wild’s core mechanics. You start each trial without any equipment, forcing you to rely on scavenging and strategic combat. This requires a deep understanding of enemy weaknesses, environmental advantages, and resource management.
Preparing for Success
Before attempting the Trial of the Sword, maximizing Link’s hearts and stamina is advisable. Complete as many Shrines as possible to acquire Spirit Orbs. This makes Link more durable and capable. Cooking powerful meals that grant temporary boosts can provide an extra edge. Look for recipes that increase attack power, defense, or provide temporary hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Trial of the Sword
1. Do I need 13 hearts permanently to start the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, Link requires at least 13 permanent hearts to even obtain the Master Sword, a prerequisite for accessing the Trial of the Sword. Temporary hearts from food or elixirs won’t work for initially drawing the sword from its pedestal. However, temporary hearts can be used during the trial itself, once the Master Sword has been obtained.
2. Can I skip the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, while skipping is not officially supported, some glitches allow players to bypass the intended progression of the Trial of the Sword. However, be aware that these glitches might be patched out in future game updates. Using these skips may also negatively affect the players’ experience with the content of the trial.
3. Is the Trial of the Sword available in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Trial of the Sword is exclusive to Breath of the Wild. Tears of the Kingdom features its own set of unique challenges and progression systems.
4. What happens if I die during the Trial of the Sword?
Dying during the Trial of the Sword will send you back to the beginning of the current trial (Beginning, Middle, or Final). You won’t lose any progress in the main game world.
5. Is the Master Sword breakable after completing the Trial of the Sword?
After completing all three parts of the Trial of the Sword, the Master Sword is permanently powered up and no longer needs to recharge. While it still technically has a durability limit, it’s significantly increased to the point where it’s effectively unbreakable.
6. Can I use amiibo in the Trial of the Sword?
No, amiibo functionality is disabled during the Trial of the Sword. You cannot use amiibo to summon items or companions within the trial.
7. What’s the best strategy for the Trial of the Sword?
Mastering stealth, utilizing environmental hazards, and conserving resources are critical. Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
8. How long does the Trial of the Sword take to complete?
The time required varies widely based on skill and preparation. A first-time playthrough can take several hours, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the enemy encounters. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s recent Master Trials DLC adds a three-part series of combat arenas called the Trial of the Sword. This 51-level obstacle course provides a stiff challenge that took roughly four hours for anyone to conquer upon its launch a week and a half ago.
9. Are there Lynels in the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, Lynels appear in the Final Trials, posing a significant threat. Using Ancient Arrows can instantly defeat them, but remember that they won’t drop any loot if killed this way.
10. What rewards do I get for completing the Trial of the Sword?
Completing each trial (Beginning, Middle, and Final) enhances the Master Sword. The Final Trial upgrades will cause the Master Sword to always be in its powered-up state, increasing its attack power to 60 and granting it significantly improved durability.
11. Can I retry the Trial of the Sword if I fail?
Yes, you can retry the Trial of the Sword as many times as you like. Simply place the Master Sword back in its pedestal to begin again.
12. Do buffs from food and elixirs carry over into the Trial of the Sword?
No, buffs from food and elixirs active before entering the Trial of the Sword will be removed. You start each trial with no equipment or buffs, forcing you to rely on what you can find within the trial itself.
13. What is the hardest part of the Trial of the Sword?
Many players find the Final Trials the most challenging due to the increased enemy difficulty and the limited resources available. Proper planning and execution are essential for success.
14. Is the Trial of the Sword necessary to beat Breath of the Wild?
No, the Trial of the Sword is optional DLC content. You can complete the main story of Breath of the Wild without ever attempting it.
15. Can the Master Sword break?
The Master Sword cannot break due to its unique nature. After a few more hits, the Master Sword will run out of energy. While the weapon technically disappears from Link’s hand it is still in inventory. On the weapons tab, the Master Sword will be faded out.
Successfully activating and completing the Trial of the Sword in Breath of the Wild is a testament to your skill and dedication as a player. By understanding the requirements, preparing strategically, and learning from your mistakes, you can overcome this challenging but rewarding experience.
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