The Master Sword in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (BOTW) stands as one of the most iconic items in video game history. Revered as the “sword that seals the darkness,” this weapon is an optional but vital piece in your quest to save Hyrule. It is so beloved by fans, that you can literary find a real-life physical copy of sword online.
The Master Sword isn’t a requirement for you to finish the game, but obtaining the it empowers you with capabilities that no other weapon can match and after all it will make you feel Epic and Legendary. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into how to get the Master Sword in BoTW, its unique attributes, and why it’s a must-have in your adventure.
How to Get the Master Sword in BOTW?
To obtain the Master Sword, begin by journeying to the Korok Forest within the greater Great Hyrule Forest area. The experience will test both your navigation skills and your courage, ultimately leading you to the blade itself. However, don’t rush—make sure you are adequately prepared, as you’ll need a specific number of Heart Containers to be deemed worthy of wielding the sword. Also, be prepared for combat, as hostile creatures and mini-bosses like Chuchus, Moblins, and even the formidable Hinox populate the forest. Having a set of decent weapons, armor, and an inventory full of food and elixirs can tip the odds in your favor. Before you pull out the Master Sword, the Great Deku Tree will give you one last chance to back off, ensuring that you are absolutely ready to meet the Heart Container requirement.
How Many Hearts Do You Need for the Master Sword in BOTW?
Before you can claim the legendary Master Sword, you must prove your worthiness through strength—measured in Heart Containers. You’ll need a total of 13 Heart Containers to wield this blade successfully. While you may be tempted to rely on temporary hearts to boost your life force, it’s important to note that only permanent Heart Containers count towards your eligibility to pull the Master Sword. Falling short on this requirement won’t just result in failure but can also be fatal.
There are several ways to gather Heart Containers:
Complete 40 Shrines: Each Shrine awards you with a Shrine Orb, and four Shrine Orbs can be exchanged for one Heart Container.
Conquer the Four Divine Beasts: Each of these monumental challenges grants you a Heart Container upon completion.
Swap Stamina for Hearts: A specific statute allows you to exchange Stamina for Heart Containers temporarily.
The versatility in your approach to collecting Heart Containers allows you to pace yourself, whether you focus solely on Shrines or take a more balanced approach involving the Divine Beasts.
Where Is the Master Sword Located in BOTW?
Once you’ve gathered enough Heart Containers, the next step is actually finding the Master Sword. The weapon rests in Korok Forest, a section of the greater northern Woodlands region. To get there, you’ll first have to navigate the enigmatic Lost Woods.
Navigating the Lost Woods
This forest is a tricky area where you can easily get lost and have to start over. The initial part of the journey is guided by torches, but eventually, these disappear. At that point, you’ll need to look for trees with faces; their claw-like branches point the way.
Establishing a Fast-Travel Point
Before you go for the sword, it’s highly recommended to activate the Keo Ruug Shrine near the entrance to Korok Forest. This will enable you to fast-travel back to the Master Sword’s location without the need to pass through the treacherous Lost Woods again.
Upon arriving at the forest, you’ll find the Master Sword a short walk to the left of the Great Deku Tree, standing upright and waiting for its next worthy owner.
Unique Features of the Master Sword
The Master Sword isn’t just a pretty blade; it has unique attributes that make it worth the effort.
- Unbreakable: Unlike other weapons in BOTW, the Master Sword won’t break.
- Special Power: When you have full health, you can unleash magical beams with it.
- Calamity Slayer: The sword deals double damage to anything tainted by the Calamity, including Ganon himself.
The Master Sword will need to recharge after extensive use, so it’s not an all-powerful, all-the-time kind of weapon. But it’s a significant asset that can make your journey through Hyrule much easier.
Additionally, the Master Sword has a glowing aura when you are in the presence of Ganon’s malice or close to Hyrule Castle, not just increasing its damage output but also becoming more durable during this state. It’s crucial to note that the sword still has a cool-down period, during which it ‘recharges.’ While it won’t break, you can’t use it in combat until it’s fully recharged, usually taking about ten real-time minutes.
And there you have it—your comprehensive guide on how to find and acquire the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Now, the path to defeating Calamity Ganon is clearer than ever.
