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 milestone that enhances its power and durability. The Master Sword is one of the most iconic weapons in the game, and upgrading it allows it to deal more damage and become more effective against certain enemies. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to upgrade the Master Sword, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Master Sword starts with a base damage of 30, but it can be upgraded to deal 60 damage under specific conditions. This upgrade is tied to the Trial of the Sword, a DLC-exclusive challenge that becomes available after purchasing The Master Trials DLC. The Trial of the Sword is a series of combat trials divided into three parts: Beginning Trials, Middle Trials, and Final Trials. Each trial consists of multiple floors filled with enemies, and completing all three trials will fully upgrade the Master Sword.

To begin the Trial of the Sword, you must first obtain the Master Sword. This requires having at least 13 hearts, as pulling the sword from its pedestal in Korok Forest consumes health. Once you have the Master Sword, return to the Korok Forest and interact with the pedestal again. This will trigger the Trial of the Sword, which transports you to a series of combat challenges.

The Beginning Trials consist of 12 floors, the Middle Trials have 16 floors, and the Final Trials include 23 floors. Each floor presents a unique combat scenario, and you start each trial with no equipment, forcing you to rely on weapons, shields, and bows found within the trials. The trials are designed to test your combat skills, resource management, and ability to adapt to different situations.

Preparation is key before starting the trials. Ensure you have a good supply of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, as you cannot save during the trials. Cooking meals that provide temporary hearts or stamina boosts can be particularly helpful. Additionally, having a high defense armor set, such as the Ancient Armor or Barbarian Armor, can reduce the damage you take during combat.

During the trials, prioritize resource management. Weapons and shields are limited, so use them wisely. Avoid wasting powerful weapons on weaker enemies, and conserve arrows for tougher foes or ranged combat. Some floors contain hidden chests with valuable items, so explore thoroughly to maximize your resources.

One common mistake is rushing through the trials without proper preparation. The trials are challenging, and entering without sufficient healing items or a good understanding of combat mechanics can lead to failure. Take your time to strategize and plan your approach for each floor.

Advanced techniques, such as perfect dodges and parries, can be invaluable during the trials. Mastering these combat mechanics allows you to deal significant damage while avoiding enemy attacks. Additionally, using the environment to your advantage, such as setting grass on fire to create updrafts for aerial attacks, can give you an edge in combat.

The Trial of the Sword requires patience and persistence. If you fail, you can retry from the beginning of the current trial. Each trial becomes progressively more difficult, with stronger enemies and more complex scenarios. Completing all three trials will fully upgrade the Master Sword, increasing its damage to 60 and making it glow with a constant blue aura, indicating its enhanced power.

In summary, upgrading the Master Sword involves completing the Trial of the Sword, a series of combat challenges that test your skills and resource management. Preparation, strategic planning, and mastering combat mechanics are essential for success. By following these steps and tips, you can fully upgrade the Master Sword and make it a formidable weapon in your journey through Hyrule.