## H1: How to Claim the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide
The Master Sword, the legendary blade capable of vanquishing evil, returns in *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom*. Obtaining this iconic weapon is a significant undertaking, requiring exploration, resourcefulness, and a considerable investment of time and effort. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step necessary to acquire the Master Sword, covering prerequisites, key locations, and combat strategies.
### Prerequisites: The Stamina Requirement
Unlike previous *Zelda* titles where Heart Containers were the primary requirement, *Tears of the Kingdom* demands a specific amount of **Stamina**. To successfully pull the Master Sword, you need **two full wheels of permanent Stamina**. Temporary stamina boosts from food and elixirs **do not** count. This means you’ll need to significantly upgrade your initial stamina wheel by completing shrines and trading Light of Blessing for Stamina Vessels at Goddess Statues. This will be the most time-consuming aspect of acquiring the Master Sword, so prioritize stamina upgrades early in your playthrough.
**Why Stamina?** The act of drawing the Master Sword from its resting place is physically taxing, requiring immense strength and endurance. Insufficient stamina will cause Link to fail, and the sword will remain out of reach.
**How to Increase Stamina:**
1. **Complete Shrines:** Shrines are scattered throughout Hyrule, each offering a unique challenge. Completing a shrine rewards you with a Light of Blessing.
2. **Visit Goddess Statues:** Goddess Statues are located in various settlements, including Lookout Landing, Kakariko Village, and Hateno Village. Speaking to a Goddess Statue allows you to exchange four Lights of Blessing for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel.
3. **Choose Stamina Wisely:** Focus solely on Stamina Vessels until you have the required two full wheels. Resist the temptation to acquire Heart Containers until your stamina is maxed for the Master Sword.
**Alternative: The Korok Forest Questline Bypass (Advanced & Risky)**
While two full wheels of stamina is the ‘official’ requirement, anecdotal evidence and player experimentation suggest a partial workaround. Some players have reported obtaining the Master Sword with fewer than two full stamina wheels by exploiting the cutscene that occurs when attempting to draw the sword. This involves repeatedly attempting to draw the sword, and potentially triggering the cutscene where the Great Deku Tree intervenes, providing temporary assistance. **However, this method is inconsistent, may require numerous attempts, and isn’t guaranteed to work for all players. It’s highly recommended to prioritize stamina upgrades.** Furthermore, relying on this ‘glitch’ might affect other aspects of the game or character progression, so proceed with caution.
### Step 1: Unveiling the Dragon’s Tears (Geoglyphs) – The Guiding Story
To understand the Master Sword’s whereabouts and the events leading up to its current state, you need to uncover the Dragon’s Tears. These are large, circular patterns etched into the landscape of Hyrule. Each Dragon’s Tear triggers a memory that reveals pivotal moments in the game’s narrative, specifically Zelda’s journey and the Master Sword’s fate. While not strictly mandatory to obtaining the sword, experiencing these memories provides crucial context and significantly enriches the overall experience. They also provide clues to the sword’s approximate location.
**Finding the Dragon’s Tears:**
* **Impa’s Request:** The quest to find the Dragon’s Tears is initiated by speaking to Impa at the New Serenne Stable, northwest of Hyrule Field. She’ll task you with investigating a large geoglyph nearby.
* **Geoglyph Locations:** Impa will provide hints and clues regarding the locations of other geoglyphs. You can also find information about geoglyph locations from the Lucky Clover Gazette (south of Rito Village).
* **Spotting Tears:** When you are near a geoglyph, look for a small pool of water within the pattern. This is the ‘tear’ that triggers the memory when interacted with.
**Importance:** The Dragon’s Tears reveal that the Master Sword is intertwined with Zelda’s transformation and her connection to the Light Dragon. Knowing this context is crucial for understanding the next steps.
### Step 2: Tracking the Light Dragon – The Sword’s Current Carrier
After viewing several Dragon’s Tears, you’ll learn that Zelda, in her transformed state as the Light Dragon, is carrying the Master Sword. The Light Dragon constantly roams the skies of Hyrule, making its location dynamic and challenging to pinpoint. Your next task is to locate and reach the Light Dragon.
**Locating the Light Dragon:**
* **High Vantage Points:** Ascend towers, mountains, and Sky Islands to gain a broad view of the landscape. Look for a shimmering, white dragon circling overhead. The Light Dragon emits a distinct glow that makes it easier to spot, especially at night.
* **Trajectory Observation:** Once you’ve spotted the Light Dragon, observe its flight path. It tends to follow a consistent route around Hyrule, often circling key landmarks and regions. Knowing its trajectory can help you predict its future location.
* **Skydiving & Gliding:** Use towers and Sky Islands to launch yourself into the air and glide towards the Light Dragon. Utilize the Paraglider and any other available aerial devices (like Zonai wings) to cover long distances efficiently.
* **Tracking Equipment (Optional):** While not essential, equipping yourself with the Trousers of the Wind (obtained through amiibo or specific side quests) can provide increased gliding distance, making it easier to reach the Light Dragon.
* **Camera Usage:** Using the Camera (obtained early in the game), you can mark the Light Dragon if you see it from a distance. This can help you keep track of its location on the map.
**The Light Dragon’s Path is Crucial** The Light Dragon’s pathing is predictable, yet expansive. The dragon flies incredibly high, and its route covers almost the entire map. It tends to circle around specific points of interest like the Great Hyrule Forest, Hyrule Castle, and other major landmarks. Because of the Light Dragon’s height, you will need to maximize your vertical traversal skills. This means utilizing towers to their fullest potential, building contraptions that can take you extremely high into the sky (Zonai devices can be very helpful for this), and maximizing your gliding ability. Understanding the route can save you considerable time and effort.
### Step 3: Reaching the Light Dragon – Vertical Ascent Strategies
Reaching the Light Dragon requires mastering vertical traversal. Hyrule’s landscape is designed to encourage creative solutions, so experiment with different approaches to gain altitude.
**Vertical Traversal Techniques:**
* **Skyview Towers:** These towers launch Link high into the air, providing a significant boost in altitude. Use them as starting points for your aerial journey. Remember to unlock and activate towers in different regions to expand your fast travel options.
* **Ascend Ability:** The Ascend ability allows Link to travel upwards through solid surfaces. Look for caves, tunnels, and even hollow trees that lead upwards. This ability can be a game-changer in reaching high locations.
* **Zonai Devices:** Zonai devices are ancient technology that can be combined to create vehicles and contraptions. Experiment with Fans, Rockets, Balloons, and other devices to build custom flying machines. This is the most flexible, but also the most resource-intensive, method.
* **Recall Ability:** The Recall ability allows Link to reverse the trajectory of moving objects. This can be used to rewind falling debris or Zonai devices to reach higher platforms.
* **Gliding and Paragliding:** Mastering gliding and paragliding is essential for covering long distances in the air. Upgrade your Paraglider fabric to improve its performance. Seek out updrafts created by fires or terrain features to gain additional altitude.
* **Combining Methods:** The most effective approach often involves combining multiple techniques. For example, you might use a Skyview Tower to launch yourself into the air, then use the Paraglider to reach a distant Sky Island, followed by the Ascend ability to climb to a higher level.
**Specific Strategies:**
* **The Great Hyrule Forest Route:** The Light Dragon often circles the Great Hyrule Forest. Ascend to the top of the Great Deku Tree (after completing the initial questline within the forest) and launch yourself towards the dragon.
* **Hyrule Castle Ascent:** If the Light Dragon is near Hyrule Castle, use the towers within the castle ruins or the surrounding mountains to gain altitude.
* **Using Floating Debris:** Sometimes, falling debris from the sky can be used as temporary platforms. Use the Recall ability to rewind their descent and ride them upwards.
### Step 4: Claiming the Master Sword – The Moment of Truth
Once you’ve successfully reached the Light Dragon, you’ll be able to land on its back. The Master Sword will be embedded in the Light Dragon’s head. Approach the sword and interact with it to initiate the drawing sequence.
**Drawing the Master Sword:**
* **Sufficient Stamina:** Ensure you have the required two full wheels of permanent stamina. As mentioned earlier, temporary stamina boosts will not suffice.
* **Interactive Prompt:** When you approach the Master Sword, a prompt will appear, indicating that you can draw it.
* **The Drawing Sequence:** Link will begin the arduous process of drawing the Master Sword. This involves a series of actions and animations that visually represent the strain and effort required.
* **Stamina Depletion:** As Link draws the sword, his stamina will deplete. If your stamina runs out before the sword is fully drawn, you will fail, and you’ll have to try again. This is why the two full wheels of stamina are crucial.
* **Cutscene and Reward:** If you successfully draw the Master Sword, a cutscene will play, showcasing Link’s triumph. You will then receive the Master Sword, fully powered up, and ready to vanquish evil.
**What if you Fail?** If you fail to draw the Master Sword due to insufficient stamina, don’t panic! The Light Dragon will continue to circle Hyrule. Simply continue upgrading your stamina and try again when you’re ready.
### Master Sword Properties and Abilities:
* **Power:** The Master Sword is one of the most powerful weapons in *Tears of the Kingdom*, boasting a base attack power of 30. When wielded against enemies corrupted by Gloom (Ganondorf’s Malice), its attack power significantly increases to 60, and its durability is greatly enhanced.
* **Durability:** Unlike most weapons in the game, the Master Sword does not permanently break. Instead, it has a durability gauge that depletes with use. Once the durability reaches zero, the Master Sword will temporarily become unusable and will need to recharge. After approximately 10 minutes of real-time, the Master Sword will regain its full durability and be ready for use again.
* **Beam Emission:** When Link is at full health, the Master Sword can fire energy beams by swinging it. This is a valuable ranged attack that can be used to defeat enemies from a distance.
* **Evil-Cleansing Properties:** The Master Sword is particularly effective against enemies corrupted by Gloom, making it essential for battling Ganondorf and his forces. Its inherent ability to purify and cleanse evil makes it a symbol of hope and a powerful tool in the fight against darkness.
* **Upgrading the Master Sword:** While the Master Sword is powerful on its own, it can be further enhanced through various means. Completing specific side quests and exploring hidden locations may unlock opportunities to upgrade the Master Sword’s power and abilities.
### Tips and Tricks for Obtaining the Master Sword:
* **Prioritize Stamina Upgrades:** Focus solely on Stamina Vessels until you have the required two full wheels of permanent stamina. Resist the temptation to acquire Heart Containers until your stamina is maxed for the Master Sword.
* **Explore Hyrule Thoroughly:** Discovering shrines, Sky Islands, and hidden locations will provide valuable resources and upgrades that will aid you in your quest for the Master Sword.
* **Master Vertical Traversal:** Practice your climbing, gliding, and Zonai device building skills to efficiently reach the Light Dragon. Experiment with different combinations of techniques to find the most effective approach.
* **Observe the Light Dragon’s Path:** Pay attention to the Light Dragon’s flight path to predict its future location and plan your ascent accordingly.
* **Be Patient:** Obtaining the Master Sword is a challenging undertaking that requires time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you fail at first. Keep exploring, upgrading your abilities, and trying new strategies.
* **Cooking and Elixirs:** Cook stamina-restoring foods and elixirs to help with climbing and gliding while searching for the Light Dragon. While they don’t count towards the permanent stamina requirement for drawing the sword, they are invaluable for exploration. Make sure to collect ingredients like Stamella Shrooms, Endura Carrots, and Restless Crickets.
* **Utilize Map Markers:** Use the map markers to track the Light Dragon’s location and mark potential ascent points, such as Skyview Towers and high mountain peaks. This will help you stay organized and efficient in your search.
* **Upgrade Armor:** Upgrade your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to increase your defense and survivability. This is especially important if you plan on engaging in combat while searching for the Light Dragon.
* **Consider the Weather:** Weather conditions can affect your climbing and gliding abilities. Avoid climbing during rain, as it will make surfaces slippery. Use updrafts created by fires during sunny days to gain extra altitude while gliding.
* **Take Advantage of Fast Travel:** Use the unlocked Skyview Towers and Shrines as fast travel points to quickly move around Hyrule and save time.
* **Talk to NPCs:** Talking to NPCs around Hyrule, especially at stables and villages, can provide valuable clues and hints about the Light Dragon’s location or other useful information related to your quest.
### Conclusion:
Claiming the Master Sword in *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* is a rewarding experience that tests your skills, resourcefulness, and determination. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on this epic quest and wield the legendary blade against the forces of evil. Remember to prioritize stamina upgrades, master vertical traversal techniques, and never give up on your pursuit of the Master Sword. Good luck, hero of Hyrule!