The Sword Beam ability in Breath of the Wild isn't anything new to the Legend of Zelda franchise. Regardless, it's at Link's disposal if he decides to try it out on his enemies. Players would do well to remember that the Sword Beam is exclusive to the Master Sword.
Like most of the previous entries in the Zelda series, the Master Sword is a special weapon that players will need to work to get in Breath of the Wild. Known as the Sword That Seals the Darkness, it reaches full power when Link is battling specific foes or is in specific areas. Unlike regular swords, the Master Sword is capable of hitting targets from a distance thanks to its Sword Beam ability.
How to Get the Master Sword
The Master Sword waits for Link in the Korok Forest in the Great Forest of Hyrule, which is to the very north of Hyrule (beyond Hyrule Castle). Players will need to navigate through the Lost Woods before they can reach the Korok Forest. After that, they can try and draw the Master Sword from its pedestal.
If Link doesn't have 13 hearts, he won't be able to retrieve the sword. There are a total of 4 Heart Containers from freeing the Divine Beasts. The remaining 8 Heart Containers will need to be traded for the Spirits Orbs that Link receives from Shrines (4 Spirit Orbs = 1 Heart Container).
If players do not have the Trial of the Sword from the Expansion Pass, the Master Sword's strength will remain at 30. The only time the Master Sword will increase to 60 attack is inside Hyrule Castle, when a Guardian is near, or when battling Calamity Ganon and its Blights.
If players want to increase the sword's power permanently, they will need to do the Trial of the Sword. This involves overcoming three separate trials where Link will need to every enemy on each floor. Completing the Beginner Trials raises the sword's power to 40, Middle Trials raises it to 50, and the Final Trials raises it to 60.
Using the Sword Beam
It's not required to recover all the Master Sword's strength via the Trial of the Sword in order to use the Sword Beam. Thankfully, the Sword Beam can be used even at 30 power. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding the Sword Beam ability:
- Link must have full health in order to use the Sword Beam.
- The Sword Beam depletes the Master Sword's durability.
Now that players understand the above points, here's how to use the Sword Beam:
- Equip the Master Sword.
- Hold down R-button. Link will look as if he's going to throw the Master Sword.
- Release R-button to send a beam of energy. Players can aim the direction of the beam with the Right Stick
Since the Master Sword can't be removed from the Inventory, Link will not throw the sword like he would other weapons. If Link has less than full HP, he will "throw" the Master Sword, but there won't be any energy to fling at the enemy. Keep this in mind when using the Sword Beam to fight monsters.
Increasing the Sword Beam's Attack
As for damage, the Sword Beam may not be too impressive. It does a total of 20 damage against enemies such as Guardians, but since it can be used continuously as long as Link has full HP, it can quickly chip away at an enemy's health. The Sword Beam is good to rely on if players are low on arrows.
If players manage to complete all 120 Shrines, they'll get the Armor of the Wild. Each piece can be upgraded by a Great Fairy. Getting them to level 2 will unlock the Set Bonus: Master Sword Beam Up. As its name indicates, this will enhance the power of the Sword Beam attack. So, if players intend on using the Sword Beam often in battle, they should upgrade and wear the Armor of the Wild to bring out its full potential.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available on Nintendo Switch.