Why is the Master Sword Flashing Red? The Definitive Guide
The Master Sword, the iconic blade of evil’s bane in the Legend of Zelda series, is a powerful weapon with unique properties. When it starts flashing red, it indicates that the sword is running low on energy and is about to temporarily “break.” This essentially means you’ve overused it, and it needs to recharge before you can wield its power again. This recharge period typically lasts around ten minutes. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for effectively managing the Master Sword and maximizing its utility in your adventures across Hyrule.
Understanding the Master Sword’s Energy Mechanic
The Master Sword in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t have unlimited durability. Instead, it operates on an energy system. When you use it to attack enemies, especially standard foes, the sword’s energy depletes. The red flashing is a warning signal indicating that the energy is almost completely gone.
Think of it like a battery: the more you use it, the faster it drains. Ignoring the warning and continuing to swing the sword will cause it to “break,” disappearing from your inventory until it recharges. This mechanic encourages players to diversify their weaponry and strategize their combat encounters. It might seem frustrating at first, but it adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, forcing you to think tactically about when and how to use the Master Sword’s immense power.
Conserving the Master Sword’s Energy
The best way to prevent the Master Sword from flashing red is to use it judiciously. Consider these tips:
- Use other weapons against weaker enemies: Save the Master Sword for stronger foes, guardians, or when facing the forces of Calamity/Ganon.
- Exploit elemental weaknesses: Use elemental weapons to take down enemies with specific vulnerabilities, preserving the Master Sword for other situations.
- Cook attack-boosting meals: Increasing your attack power through meals can reduce the number of hits needed to defeat enemies, thereby conserving the Master Sword’s energy.
- Take advantage of sneakstrikes and headshots: Critical hits deal massive damage and can help you defeat enemies faster, minimizing the drain on the Master Sword.
The Importance of Weapon Variety
The Master Sword’s energy mechanic encourages you to explore the vast array of weapons available in the game. Experiment with different swords, spears, clubs, and bows to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and specific combat situations. This variety not only prevents the Master Sword from breaking but also makes the combat more engaging and rewarding. Furthermore, if you are interested in the intersection of game design and pedagogy, visit Games Learning Society to explore the research on learning through games.
FAQs: Master Sword Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the Master Sword:
1. Why is my Master Sword glowing blue?
The Master Sword glows blue when you’re near a source of Ganon’s corruption, such as Malice, Guardians, or inside dungeons. In this state, its attack power doubles to 60, making it incredibly effective against these threats.
2. Why is my Master Sword only doing 30 damage?
Normally the Master Sword’s attack power is 30. It only reaches 60 when glowing blue near sources of Ganon’s corruption. The base damage is lower because, as the game explains, the sword was weakened during the Great Calamity.
3. How do I get the Master Sword?
In Breath of the Wild, you need at least 13 full heart containers (temporary hearts don’t count). In Tears of the Kingdom, you’ll find it on the head of the Light Dragon, but you’ll need at least two full stamina wheels to pull it out.
4. How long does the Master Sword take to recharge?
The Master Sword takes approximately ten minutes to recharge after it “breaks.”
5. Can I permanently increase the Master Sword’s power?
Yes, completing the Trial of the Sword DLC will permanently upgrade the Master Sword, preventing it from needing to recharge and boosting its base attack power.
6. Does the Master Sword break after completing the Trial of the Sword?
Even after completing the Trial of the Sword, the Master Sword still has limited durability, meaning that although its base damage is increased and it will never need to recharge, it can still break.
7. Can the Hylian Shield break?
Yes, unlike the Master Sword (after the Trial of the Sword), the Hylian Shield can break, although it has a vast amount of durability.
8. What happens if the Hylian Shield breaks?
If the Hylian Shield breaks, it will no longer be found in the Hylian Castle Lockup but can be purchased from a special vendor after completing a specific quest.
9. Can I fuse with the Master Sword?
Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, you can fuse materials to the Master Sword to enhance its properties and add new abilities.
10. What is the real name of the Master Sword?
The Master Sword is also known as “The Blade of Evil’s Bane“, the “Sword of Resurrection“, the “Sword that Seals the Darkness” and the “Sacred Sword“.
11. Did I lose the Master Sword permanently?
No, even if the Master Sword breaks or is taken from you during the story, it will eventually return. It is an integral part of Link’s arsenal.
12. What happens if I throw away the Master Sword?
You cannot permanently discard the Master Sword. If you attempt to throw it away, it will return to the forest.
13. Does the Master Sword attract lightning?
Yes, the Master Sword, being a metal object, can attract lightning during thunderstorms. Unequip it (and any other metal gear) to avoid being struck.
14. Who forged the Master Sword?
The Master Sword was originally crafted by the Goddess Hylia as the Goddess Sword, and was later forged into the Master Sword by her chosen hero and its spirit, Fi, using the Sacred Flames.
15. Can the Master Sword be corrupted?
Yes, in some scenarios or mods, the Master Sword can be corrupted, leading to different gameplay mechanics or visual effects.
Mastering the Master Sword
The Master Sword is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of courage and resilience. Understanding its mechanics, limitations, and strengths will allow you to wield it effectively and overcome any challenge Hyrule throws your way. So, next time you see that ominous red flashing, remember to switch weapons, strategize, and prepare for the glorious return of the blade of evil’s bane! The thoughtful design and strategic use of weapons in games provides valuable insights into human behavior and decision-making, relevant to fields studied by the GamesLearningSociety.org.