Despite the base Breath of the Wild already being much tougher than many past Zelda titles, The Master Trials DLC implemented a Master Mode that allows veteran players to try an even harder version of the game.
With weapons and shields that degrade faster and much stronger enemies with regenerating health, it can seem like a daunting task to attempt a successful run in Master Mode. However, there are a few things players can do that will make the attempt far less terrifying.
10 Avoid Early Battles
On the way to the Temple of Time, Link is accosted by several Bokoblins on the road after meeting King Daphnes. Although it is tempting to engage with these enemies, it is much wiser to run from these battles, as the only things players will get out of these encounters are weapons that are worse than what can be found in the surrounding areas.
Link also has no armor to speak of at this point, and will likely die very quickly if he is hit even once.
9 Make Use Of Environmental Hazards
Breath of the Wild expanded on environmental dangers that had been seen a few times in past Zelda titles, with effects such as burning fields and exploding barrels being much easier for Link to replicate in the overworld.
It's easy for players to forget these tactics exist after weapons like the Master Sword have been unlocked, but they are invaluable tools in Master Mode. They are an important part of Link's arsenal and shouldn't be ignored when given the chance to use them.
8 Korok Leaves
Arguably one of the greatest weapons in Link's arsenal when attempting Master Mode is the humble Korok Leaf. Even though it only deals 1 damage per hit, its effect of knocking back enemies in a gust of wind helps players take care of weaker, more annoying opponents without wasting precious weapon degradation.
As many enemies are positioned on or around a cliff, luring one to the edge and knocking it off with a quick swing of a Korok Leaf is a very good way of dealing with them. It also won't result in the leaf "breaking" no matter how many times it's used this way.
7 Runes For Battle
Once players have made their way to Hateno Village, upgrading the Sheika Slate's runes should be their first priority. With Bombs+ and Stasis+, Link will have greater options in battle at his disposal, which he will sorely need in a pinch no matter what monstrosity he is facing down that day.
Bombs, in particular, are a good way of dealing with constant damage from a distance, as players can swap between the spherical and square bombs to deal area of effect damage if they are low on melee weapons.
6 Get Good Armor Early
The first order of business for Link should obviously be finding some clothes since Zelda wasn't kind enough to leave him with anything other than a ruined shirt. The Soldier's Armor is a good option early on and can be found in Kakariko Village for a decent amount of rupees.
If they are willing to risk the journey, players can also try to obtain the Phantom Armor set. This set not only has a good armor rating but also has an attack+ effect in the same vein as the Barbarian and Fierce Deity sets.
5 Find Majora's Mask
Although he was a major villain, Majora's Mask is a useful piece of headgear that shouldn't be ignored, even in the standard mode. This mask, aside from looking awesome, will stop most enemies from attacking Link first, allowing players to either run past enemies they don't want to engage with or get in a good first blow before the battle begins.
The only downside of the mask is that it has a terrible armor rating, so it is not advisable to continue wearing it if Link's cover is blown.
4 Avenge Mipha
Possibly the only champion's ability that is mandatory for a Master Mode playthrough is Mipha's Grace, and for good reason. Most enemies in Master Mode not only have more health but hold stronger weapons and hit much harder than in the standard mode.
Obtaining Mipha's Grace as early as possible will help players stay alive long enough to make it to Ganon's castle, or at the very least, survive taking down a Bokoblin encampment without too much hassle.
3 The Master Sword
Like the Korok Leaf, the Master Sword is near essential if players want to complete Master Mode. Along with being a relatively powerful weapon, the fact that it is a semi-permanent sword makes it one of the most useful tools in Link's arsenal.
It is also recommended that players obtain the Master Sword before doing any of the Divine Beasts, as the Blight bosses also have regenerating health in Master Mode.
2 Stock Up On Fairies
Bottles may not be in Breath of the Wild, but that doesn't mean that fairies are useless. Fairies can be found randomly in some grassy areas or bushes that can be cut down, but the easiest way to get a lot of them is at the Fairy Fountains.
They will fly away when Link gets near them, so equipping gear that gives bonuses to stealth or drinking a stealth potion is necessary if players want to stock up on these little life-savers. They may only grant a few hearts when they are used, but they can mean the difference between success and failure.
1 Play The Original Mode
The one thing players should do above all else when attempting the Master Mode is to play the original version first. Not only will this give players good experience in combat, particularly with Flurry Rushes and Sneak Attacks, but will also give them a good idea of where certain weapons and gear are in Hyrule.
While it's not necessary to finish the game in the standard mode, playing for a good few hours beforehand will save many frustrating deaths in the long run.