# What does it mean when the Master Sword is low on energy? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-does-it-mean-when-the-master-sword-is-low-on-energy/ - Published: 2023-11-09 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/) --- The Master Sword – bane of evil, legendary blade of the chosen hero. This iconic weapon has been a staple in Zelda games since A Link to the Past, empowering Link to vanquish wicked forces across the ages. But in Breath of the Wild, this fabled sword works a bit differently. It loses energy and becomes unusable if overused against common foes. Pretty lame for a legendary blade! So what exactly does it mean when your all-powerful evil-sealing sword starts running low on batteries? As a fellow tech geek and Zelda superfan, let me break it down for you. ## The Backstory and Lore Behind the Master Sword To understand the Master Sword‘s limitations in BOTW, we need to dive into its extensive lore across Zelda history. This mighty blade, also known as the Blade of Evil‘s Bane, has been an icon since 1991 when it first appeared in A Link to the Past. According to the [Zelda Wiki](https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Master_Sword), this heavenly sword was forged by the goddess Hylia long before the events of the games, to be wielded by her chosen hero when evil returns. The Master Sword has since reappeared across multiple Zelda adventures, including Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. In many games, it‘s shown as an unbreakable legendary weapon, able to slice through evil indefinitely. For example, in Wind Waker, the Master Sword slumbers for hundreds of years underwater, waiting for the next hero to awaken it. In Skyward Sword, it‘s crafted by divine flames to be the supreme evil-repelling sword. So why did Breath of the Wild suddenly decide to have this legendary blade lose power and "break"? Let‘s dig into the unique mechanics behind the Master Sword in BOTW. ## How the Master Sword Works in Breath of the Wild The Master Sword in BOTW operates quite differently from previous Zelda games. Here are the key traits: - Has a base power of 30 damage when in normal mode - Powers up to 60 damage when fighting Guardians, Ganon or in Hyrule Castle - Loses energy and becomes unusable if overused against regular foes - Takes 10 real-time minutes to recharge fully after hitting 0 energy - Recharge timer only starts after energy is fully depleted In most Zelda games, the Master Sword is unstoppable against any enemy. But as we‘ll discuss soon, BOTW provides some interesting lore reasons for the sword‘s limitations. Let‘s look at some examples of the Master Sword stats at different power levels: | Master Sword State | Damage | Durability | | --- | --- | --- | | Standard mode | 30 | 40 hits | | Glowing/powered up | 60 | 80 hits | | Fully upgraded | 60 | 188 hits | So while formidable in short bursts, it clearly can‘t maintain maximum power indefinitely in this game. But why would such a legendary weapon lose juice so easily? Let‘s uncover the secrets behind its missing mojo. ## The Lost Power of the Master Sword According to the [Zelda Encyclopedia](https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Encyclopedia-Nintendo/dp/1506710107), the Master Sword was badly damaged in Link‘s fateful battle with Calamity Ganon 100 years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild. After this brutal clash, the nearly-destroyed Master Sword was returned to its pedestal in the Lost Woods to recharge its power over the next century. This extensive period of disuse caused the sword to become severely weakened. According to the [Zelda wiki](https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Master_Sword), this is likely why the Master Sword only has 30 power now. Its batteries are totally drained after a 100-year slumber! Not to mention likely being chipped, rusted and eroded after such a vicious ancient battle with Ganon. This actually makes logical sense and fits nicely with the game‘s lore. After a century of disuse, even a legendary sword would lose some of its godly mojo. As a fan, I really appreciate how BOTW integrates gameplay mechanics like weapon durability into the rich lore of the series. It shows respect for continuity and feels like a natural evolution. ## Coping With the Master Sword‘s Limitations So now that we know _why_ the Master Sword is strangely limited in BOTW, how do we cope when it runs low on juice mid-battle? Here are some tips from my 100+ hours with the game: - Stock up on alternative weapons – you‘ll want backups when your main blade loses charge. I like heavy two-handed weapons to mimic the Master Sword‘s feel. - Use runes strategically – bombs, magnetism and stasis can help you fight without a sword. - Avoid combat if possible – go gather ingredients, explore, or solve shrine puzzles while you wait for the recharge. - Upgrade armor – take less damage while your sword recharges so fights are easier. - Cook attack/defense buff meals – foods can help compensate for the weaker Master Sword. - Be patient – no way around the 10 minute wait once it hits 0 energy, so settle in! It‘s certainly an adjustment coming from other Zelda games where the Master Sword is an infinite use Swiss Army knife. But looking at it as a chance to creatively use your other tools makes the recharge time less painful. ## Interesting Facts About the Master Sword in BOTW After analyzing the Master Sword extensively for this guide, here are some obscure trivia bits I discovered about its workings in BOTW: - Yiga Clan members can actually pull the Master Sword from its pedestal, despite not being the hero. Makes you wonder why they don‘t steal it! - Developers added the slowing charging/discharging sound effect to give the Master Sword a sense of powering up and down. - The glowing powered-up effect was likely inspired by the Skyward Sword art style. - An early rumor claimed the Master Sword leveled up based on enemies defeated, but this was proven false. - Speedrunners have discovered a complex method to instantly recharge the sword by overloading the game. - The Master Sword stands out as the only unbreakable weapon in the entire game. All others shatter permanently. - If used exclusively against common enemies, the Master Sword can only deal a total of 1200 damage before needing 10 minute recharges. - Some say the Master Sword is sentient and its limitations in BOTW are by its own will, to avoid misuse. ## Parting Thoughts on the Master Sword The Master Sword‘s limitations in BOTW demonstrate Nintendo‘s willingness to creatively subvert expectations and reinvent iconic elements of the Zelda series. While initially jarring, these experimental changes are true to the deep lore. I hope this guide has shed some light on what it means when your ultimate legendary weapon starts to lose its charge.BOTW strikes an ingenious balance between making the Master Sword feel uniquely powerful yet still fallible. Just don‘t let it fall into Yiga hands while it‘s recharging! And may your Master Sword stay sharp and energized, my friend. The kingdom is counting on it. --- Source: [What does it mean when the Master Sword is low on energy?](https://33rdsquare.com/what-does-it-mean-when-the-master-sword-is-low-on-energy/)