Where Did My Master Sword Go? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re playing Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild, and your trusty Master Sword has vanished. Panic sets in. Did you lose it? Did it glitch? Fear not, adventurer! The Master Sword, while seemingly elusive at times, is almost always accounted for.
The most common reason your Master Sword is missing is its unique durability mechanic. Unlike other weapons in the game, the Master Sword doesn’t break in the traditional sense. Instead, it runs out of energy. When this happens, the sword temporarily disappears from your inventory, entering a recharging state. It will reappear in your inventory after a set amount of real-time play.
Let’s dive deeper into why this happens, and address some common misconceptions surrounding the Blade of Evil’s Bane.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Disappearance
The Master Sword is arguably Link’s most iconic weapon. It’s powerful, imbued with sacred energy, and particularly effective against enemies corrupted by Malice. However, its power comes with a caveat.
When you use the Master Sword, you’ll notice that its durability isn’t infinite. After a certain number of hits, a message will appear on screen, warning you that the sword is low on energy. If you continue to use it past this point, the sword will “break.”
What actually happens is that the Master Sword’s energy is depleted, and it needs time to recover. Think of it like a rechargeable battery. During this recharge period, the sword will disappear from Link’s hands and will be greyed out in your inventory. Don’t worry; you haven’t lost it permanently.
The recharge time is roughly ten minutes of actual gameplay. Pausing the game or being in menus doesn’t count towards this time. Some factors can shorten this recharge time, such as being in Hyrule Castle or using Champions’ Abilities.
It Can “Break” Temporarily
You automatically lose it at the end of the tutorial area in Tears of the Kingdom, and then once you’ve re-obtained it later on, it’s impossible to lose it again. It can “break” temporarily but then it recharges after a little while. You may have fused something to it–once it is in your inventory you cannot get rid of it.
Master Sword’s Strengths
When you are within range of Guardians or Malice, the blade of the sword will glow with a light blue aura, the Master Sword will deal 60 damage and will only change back to 30 (with exception of the Trial of the Sword DLC) if moved away from malice.
Master Sword’s Weaknesses
The Corrupt Master Sword is the corrupted version of the Master Sword. It can be upgraded to the Deep Corrupt Master Sword. If desired, either variant can be purified back into the standard Master Sword.
FAQ: Master Sword Edition – All Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the intricacies of the Master Sword:
1. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?
The Master Sword typically recharges after ten minutes of real-time gameplay. Paused time and menus don’t count toward the recharge period.
2. Can I speed up the Master Sword’s recharge time?
Yes, the Master Sword recharges faster within Hyrule Castle. The presence of powerful, ancient magic seems to accelerate the process. Some Champion Abilities can also reduce the cooldown time.
3. Will the Master Sword break permanently?
No, the Master Sword will never break permanently. It always returns after its recharge period.
4. Can I drop or sell the Master Sword?
No, you cannot drop, sell, or otherwise get rid of the Master Sword once you’ve obtained it. It’s an integral part of Link’s inventory and cannot be discarded.
5. What is the Master Sword’s base attack power?
The Master Sword’s base attack power is 30. However, it increases to 60 when fighting enemies corrupted by Malice or when in the presence of Guardians.
6. What causes the Master Sword to glow?
The Master Sword glows when it’s near enemies influenced by Ganon’s Malice or in areas with strong magical presence. This glow signifies its increased power and effectiveness against those threats.
7. Can the Master Sword be corrupted?
Yes, there is a Corrupted version of the Master Sword that can be upgraded.
8. Can I beat the game without the Master Sword?
Yes, it is possible to complete both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom without the Master Sword. While it provides a significant advantage, especially during the final boss fight, skilled players can overcome challenges using other weapons and strategies.
9. How many hearts or stamina are needed to obtain the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?
To pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild, you need either 13 full heart containers or enough stamina to endure the stamina drain. Stamina may be increased using food and potions.
10. Why is my Master Sword sometimes doing 30 damage and sometimes 60?
The Master Sword’s damage output varies depending on the situation. It deals 30 damage under normal circumstances but increases to 60 when fighting enemies affected by Malice or near Guardians.
11. Can I fuse items to the Master Sword?
Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, you can fuse items to the Master Sword using the Fuse ability. This allows you to customize its attack power and add elemental effects.
12. What happens if someone else tries to use the Master Sword?
Legend states that only the chosen hero can wield the Master Sword. In the lore, if anyone else tries to wield it, they will be injured or unable to properly use it.
13. Can you recharge the Master Sword at a Goddess Statue?
No, you cannot recharge the Master Sword at a Goddess Statue. The sword recharges automatically over time when not in use.
14. Does the Decayed Master Sword recharge?
No, the Decayed Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom does not recharge. The sword also deals minimum damage due to its power being absorbed.
15. What are some tips for conserving the Master Sword’s energy?
To conserve the Master Sword’s energy, use it strategically against enemies weak to it. Use other weapons for weaker enemies or for tasks like mining. Also, consider fusing items to increase its durability and damage.
A Note on Durability and Game Design
The durability system in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom has been a subject of debate among players. Some find it frustrating to have weapons break frequently, while others appreciate the strategic element it adds to combat. It encourages players to experiment with different weapons and adapt to various situations. The Master Sword’s recharging mechanic strikes a balance: it provides a powerful, reliable weapon, but prevents it from being overused, forcing players to diversify their arsenal.
Understanding these mechanics enhances your gameplay experience. The intention isn’t to frustrate you, but to challenge you to think creatively and strategically about how you approach combat and exploration. It encourages experimentation with various weapons and fusion abilities, adding depth to the game’s overall design.
Delving into the Lore
The disappearance and reappearance of the Master Sword aren’t just gameplay mechanics; they’re deeply rooted in the lore of the Legend of Zelda series. The sword’s ability to replenish itself echoes its connection to the Triforce and the goddess Hylia. It’s a symbol of hope and resilience, always returning to Link when he needs it most.
The Master Sword stands as one of the best weapons in the game, especially when powered up. It’s an invaluable asset, but only when Link possesses the requisite number of Hearts necessary to wield it.
Exploring the Master Sword, as well as other games can be a fun way to learn. Did you know that you can also learn from studying video games? To learn more, consider visiting the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.