Is it Worth it to Get the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild? An In-Depth Analysis

In short – yes, absolutely. As an iconic weapon with unique properties, unmatched symbolic value, and the potential to reach an extremely high damage output, the Master Sword is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make in Breath of the Wild.

What Makes the Master Sword Special

The Master Sword, also known as "The Blade of Evil‘s Bane," has been a legendary staple of Zelda games for decades. But why exactly is it so revered and what makes it stand out in Breath of the Wild?

Permanent Weapon with Temporary Breaking

Unlike every other weapon which breaks and disappears, the Master Sword is a permanent addition to your inventory. However, with use it does lose energy and must recharge – essentially "breaking" temporarily until it regains its power.

So while the Master Sword isn‘t invulnerable, never vanishing permanently gives it unmatched longevity.

YouTuber Austin John Plays called this "infinitely better than any weapon in the game." Most players will agree given the frustration of your best weapons breaking unexpectedly.

Upgrades to 60 Damage

The Master Sword starts at a humble 30 damage but offers huge upgrade potential via the Trial of the Sword challenge. Upon clearing the beginner, middle, and final trials respectively, it can reach 40, 50, or a whopping 60 damage.

For comparison, royal broadswords which many rely on only offer an average of 52 damage. Suddenly that unassuming Master Sword becomes one of the most powerful one-handed weapons. Completing trials does take skill and perseverance, but it‘s a rewarding way to max out your legendary blade.

Ultimate Anti-Ganon Weapon

The Master Sword was formed specifically to oppose Ganon and seal darkness. So it‘s only natural this sacred blade packs extra power against Calamity Ganon‘s demonic forces. That includes:

• All varieties of Guardian enemies
• Blights like Waterblight Ganon
• Calamity Ganon himself

This perk makes the Master Sword hugely beneficial for confronting some of the game‘s toughest foes. And it pairs perfectly with the Hylian Shield for confronting late-game challenges.

Other Perks and Uses

Among other versatile capabilities players have discovered:

• Deals bonus damage to almost all enemies at full health
• Pairs with certain armors to negate weapon wear
• Can activate handy puzzle switches meant for metal objects
• Looks downright awesome on weapon mounts

How to Acquire This Legendary Sword

First, you‘ll need to meet the basic requirement of 13 full heart containers. Given Breath of the Wild‘s massive world, collecting enough spirit orbs organically takes most players 30+ hours.

Once you‘ve earned the necessary stamina, seek out Korok Forest tucked away in the Great Hyrule Forest region. Brave the Lost Woods, evade demonic fog, and solve the torch riddle to enter the mythical grove. Peer into the stone that "sees what‘s true" and approach the grand sword‘s pedestal.

Then comes the iconic moment of pulling the mythical Master Sword from its age-old resting place! Credential check complete. This sword now answers to you, the current living embodiment of the chosen hero.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros

• Doesn‘t permanently break
• 30 base damage still reliable early on
• True 60 damage potential with upgrades
• Bonus perks like blade beams and anti-Ganon power
• Can tackle almost any enemy or puzzle thanks to versatility
• Iconic significance and bragging rights

Cons

• Takes potentially 30+ hours to obtain 13 hearts organically
• Temporary breaking means you can‘t solely rely on it
• Upgrading to 60 damage requires clearing difficult trials
• Other weapons might exceed base 30 damage

Why the Sweat, Blood, and Tears Are Worth It

Obtaining the Master Sword is no cakewalk and requires dedication through much of Breath of the Wild‘s main content. But almost universally, gamers agree braving the journey is rewarding.

Beyond just its versatile capabilities in combat, the blade‘s iconic status in Zelda lore makes acquiring it uniquely special. It‘s the ultimate symbol of Link reclaiming his role as Hyrule‘s living legend.

Brandishing it makes your playthrough definitively feel "whole" and adds emotional impact when confronting Ganon knowing this ancient sword‘s purpose. That alone justifies the effort required in most players‘ eyes.

But thanks to the Master Sword‘s robust set of extra combat perks, on top of unmatched longevity by avoiding permanent breaks, this mighty blade also tangibly rewards you. It can easily carry you through the rest of the game when fully empowered.

So for these reasons – as both an invaluable trophy proving your courage and a practical weapon – I give a wholehearted recommendation to seek out Breath of the Wild‘s Master Sword. The fantasy fulfillment and practical boosts are well worth it!