How do I upgrade the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Upgrading the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a significant enhancement that increases its damage output and durability. The Master Sword is one of the most iconic weapons in the game, and while it starts with a base damage of 30, it can be upgraded to deal 60 damage under certain conditions. This upgrade is tied to the Trial of the Sword, a challenging DLC feature introduced in The Master Trials expansion. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to upgrade the Master Sword, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you must first obtain the Master Sword. This requires having at least 13 hearts, as the sword is embedded in the ground in the Korok Forest. Once you pull it out, it will deal 30 damage in most situations. However, when near Guardians or in Hyrule Castle, its power increases to 60 temporarily. To permanently upgrade the Master Sword to 60 damage, you need to complete the Trial of the Sword.

The Trial of the Sword is a series of combat challenges divided into three segments: Beginning Trials, Middle Trials, and Final Trials. Each segment consists of multiple rooms filled with enemies, and you must clear all rooms in a segment to progress. The trials are designed to test your combat skills, resource management, and adaptability, as you start each trial with no equipment or items. YouÔÇÖll need to scavenge weapons, food, and materials from the environment to survive.

Before attempting the Trial of the Sword, preparation is key. Make sure you have a good supply of hearty meals or elixirs to restore health, as well as meals that provide temporary boosts like attack or defense. Cooking dishes with ingredients like Hearty Radishes, Mighty Bananas, or Armored Carp can give you an edge. Additionally, having a high-level armor set, such as the Barbarian Armor or Ancient Armor, can help reduce damage taken during the trials.

When starting the Trial of the Sword, youÔÇÖll be stripped of all your gear and placed in a series of rooms. Each room has a specific set of enemies, and youÔÇÖll need to defeat them to progress. The Beginning Trials are relatively easier, with weaker enemies like Bokoblins and Lizalfos. The Middle Trials introduce tougher foes, such as Moblins and Electric Wizzrobes, while the Final Trials feature powerful enemies like Lynels and Guardians.

One important strategy is to conserve your resources. Use weaker weapons for weaker enemies and save your stronger weapons for tougher foes. Stealth can also be useful, especially in rooms with multiple enemies. Sneak up on enemies to perform sneak strikes, which deal significant damage without using much durability on your weapons. Additionally, use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use bombs to knock enemies off cliffs or into water, or use fire to create updrafts for aerial attacks.

A common mistake is rushing into combat without a plan. The Trial of the Sword requires careful planning and patience. Take your time to assess each room and plan your approach. Another mistake is not managing your health and resources effectively. Always keep an eye on your health and use healing items when necessary. DonÔÇÖt hesitate to cook meals or elixirs during the trials if you find ingredients.

Advanced techniques include using perfect dodges and parries to avoid damage and counterattack. These techniques are especially useful against tougher enemies like Lynels and Guardians. Additionally, using elemental weapons and arrows can give you an advantage. For example, shock arrows can stun enemies, while fire arrows can ignite explosive barrels or grass.

Once you complete all three segments of the Trial of the Sword, the Master Sword will be permanently upgraded to 60 damage. It will also gain increased durability, allowing it to last longer in combat. This upgrade makes the Master Sword one of the most powerful weapons in the game, capable of dealing with even the toughest enemies.

In summary, upgrading the Master Sword requires completing the Trial of the Sword, a challenging series of combat trials. Preparation, resource management, and strategic combat are key to success. By following these tips and strategies, you can successfully upgrade the Master Sword and enhance your combat capabilities in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.