Why Can’t I Get the Master Sword in Link to the Past? A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re venturing through Hyrule in A Link to the Past, ready to claim the legendary Master Sword, but something’s amiss. You’ve probably wandered into the Lost Woods, found the pedestal, and… nothing. The answer is simple: you’re missing a crucial requirement. To claim the Master Sword in A Link to the Past, you must first collect the three Pendants of Virtue: the Pendant of Courage, the Pendant of Wisdom, and the Pendant of Power. These pendants aren’t just trinkets; they are essential keys that unlock the Master Sword’s power and allow Link to wield it. Without them, the sword remains stubbornly fixed to its pedestal, taunting you with its legendary status.
Let’s break down why this happens and how to rectify it, along with some additional tips and tricks for your A Link to the Past adventure.
The Pendants: Your Gateway to the Master Sword
The three Pendants of Virtue are your primary objective before grabbing the Master Sword. Think of them as trials, proving Link’s worthiness to wield such a powerful weapon. These pendants are found in the following locations:
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Pendant of Courage: Located in the Eastern Palace. You’ll need to defeat the Armos Knights guarding it.
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Pendant of Wisdom: Located in the Desert Palace. Prepare for a maze-like dungeon and face off against the Lanmolas.
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Pendant of Power: Located in the Tower of Hera on Death Mountain. You’ll need the Hookshot to navigate this dungeon and ultimately defeat Moldorm.
Once you have all three pendants, a cutscene will trigger when you approach the Master Sword pedestal in the Lost Woods, signifying that you’re worthy to wield the blade. Only then can you pull the sword and embark on your quest to save Hyrule.
What Else Could Be the Problem?
Beyond the pendants, there aren’t any other requirements to initially acquire the Master Sword. Heart containers do not matter at this point in the game. It’s purely about the pendants. If you’re still having trouble:
- Double-check your inventory: Ensure you definitely have all three pendants. They will be clearly visible in your inventory screen.
- Ensure you are in the correct Lost Woods location: The sword isn’t in the Lost Woods of other Zelda games. The placement is specific to this game.
- Make sure you are going to the pedestal: The pedestal looks like an elevated stone platform. You need to walk to the very top of it.
- Is your game bugged?: In a modern playthrough, this is extremely unlikely. Try another ROM file if playing an emulator. If you’re playing a physical cartridge, try another. It may just be corrupted.
Mastering the Master Sword and Beyond
Once you have the Master Sword, your journey is far from over. The Master Sword is essential for progressing through the game. You’ll need it to defeat many enemies and bosses, and it will also be crucial for reaching new areas.
Remember, the Master Sword is a powerful weapon, but it can be upgraded. There are ways to enhance its power throughout the game, eventually leading to the Golden Sword, the ultimate form of the blade.
A Link to the Past is a game of exploration, discovery, and perseverance. The Games Learning Society understands the importance of learning and growing through games. The problem-solving skills you hone while navigating Hyrule will serve you well beyond the screen. Find out more at the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Don’t give up, explore every nook and cranny, and you’ll eventually become the hero Hyrule needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Master Sword in A Link to the Past
Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring and using the Master Sword in A Link to the Past:
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How early can you get the Master Sword in A Link to the Past?
You can get the Master Sword as soon as you’ve collected the three Pendants of Virtue. The order in which you acquire these pendants is generally East Palace, Desert Palace, and then Mountain Palace but there are some players who beat the game in a different order. Once you have them all, head to the Lost Woods.
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Do you need all 3 pendants to get the Master Sword?
Yes! You absolutely need all three pendants to get the Master Sword. They are a non-negotiable requirement.
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How do you get the Master Sword in Link to the Past Level 3?
There is no Level 3 Master Sword that you obtain in this way! You can get the Golden Sword, which is the ultimate form of the Master Sword, by throwing the Tempered Sword (the second upgrade of the Master Sword) into the Mysterious Pond of the Dark World within the Pyramid of Power after you beat the Ice Palace and the Misery Mire.
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Where do I go after getting the Master Sword?
After obtaining the Master Sword, your next objective is to rescue the seven Maidens, who are descendants of the Seven Sages. These Maidens are trapped in crystals within various dungeons in the Dark World.
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How do I claim my Master Sword? (Referring to Breath of the Wild)
This question refers to Breath of the Wild, not A Link to the Past. In Breath of the Wild, you need 13 full heart containers (10 bonus hearts in addition to your starting three).
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How do you get the Golden Sword in Link to the Past?
After you beat the Ice Palace and the Misery Mire, the Bomb Shop (Link’s house in the Dark World) will sell the mysterious Super Bomb. Drag it to the crack on the Pyramid of Power to blow it open. Then, enter into the secret cave and offer the fat fairy your Tempered Sword to get the ultra-powerful Golden Sword back.
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How do you upgrade your sword in Link to the Past?
You can upgrade the Master Sword twice. First, you need to save the Cursed Dwarven Swordsmith east of Kakariko Village. Then, bring your sword there, and they will temper it for you. Then follow the instructions in question 6 to obtain the Golden Sword.
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How many hearts do you need to get the Master Sword Link to the Past?
Unlike some other Zelda games, in A Link to the Past, the number of hearts you have doesn’t matter for obtaining the Master Sword. The only requirement is the three Pendants of Virtue.
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What is the blue mail in Link to the Past?
The Blue Mail is the second Mail Link can wear. It’s found in a Big Chest in the Ice Palace of the Dark World. It reduces the damage taken from enemies by half.
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What does the fairy upgrade in Link to the Past do?
In the Dark World, one pond contains a Cursed Fairy who will give you the Silver Arrows, essential for defeating Ganon. She will also upgrade your Master Sword or Tempered Sword to the Golden Sword.
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How many swords are there in Link to the Past?
Technically, there are two base swords. However there are also upgrades! There are the Fighter’s Sword and the Master Sword. The Master Sword can be upgraded twice, first to the Tempered Sword, then to the Golden Sword.
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Can Link lose the Master Sword in A Link to the Past?
No, Link cannot permanently lose the Master Sword in A Link to the Past. However, in certain sequences during an upgrade, you need to temporarily give up the sword.
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Will the Master Sword break in A Link to the Past?
No, the Master Sword does not break in A Link to the Past. It’s a permanent and reliable weapon once you acquire it.
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Is The Master Sword Blue or Purple?
In A Link to the Past, the hilt is purple. This is a recurring motif throughout the Zelda series.
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What if I’m still struggling?
Don’t be afraid to consult a detailed walkthrough or online guides. Many resources are available online to help you through specific sections of the game. Experiment with different strategies and items. Every Zelda game encourages creative problem-solving. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey! The world of Hyrule is full of secrets and wonders waiting to be discovered.
Hopefully, this has cleared up why you couldn’t get the Master Sword initially and provided you with valuable insights into A Link to the Past. Now, go forth and save Hyrule!