How Much Stamina for Master Sword? (2024 Guide)

18 minutes on read

Alright, adventurers, ready to wield the legendary Master Sword? The Great Deku Tree speaks of its immense power, but only those truly worthy can draw it! In Tears of the Kingdom, Link's stamina determines success; the Master Sword demands you have enough. This magical sword's strength directly correlates with your stamina wheel upgrades, vital for surviving Hyrule’s dangers. So, the question on every player's mind is how much stamina for Master Sword is really needed, and we're here to break it down for you in this 2024 guide!

Mastering Stamina: The Key to Hyrule and the Master Sword

Stamina. That green wheel might just be your best friend, or your worst enemy, in Tears of the Kingdom. It's absolutely fundamental to nearly everything you do, from scaling towering cliffs to dodging enemy attacks.

But more importantly, it's the gatekeeper to wielding the legendary Master Sword!

Without sufficient stamina, you’ll find yourself grounded, vulnerable, and a long way from your goals. Trust me, that first encounter with a Lynel becomes a lot more stressful when you can barely sprint away!

Why Stamina is Your Lifeline

Think about it: Hyrule is vast and vertical. You’re not just running across fields; you’re climbing mountains, gliding across chasms, and swimming rivers. Each action drains your stamina.

Running out mid-climb? Prepare for a potentially deadly fall.

Trying to escape a horde of Bokoblins? You'll be easy pickings if you're winded.

Stamina isn't just a convenience; it's your survival tool.

Early Game Struggles: The Stamina Squeeze

The early hours of Tears of the Kingdom can feel like a constant stamina management game. That initial stamina wheel feels… inadequate, to say the least.

Every climb becomes a calculated risk, every glide a test of endurance.

You'll quickly learn the frustration of running out of puff just before reaching that crucial ledge or distant island.

This is where smart resource management and strategic planning become essential. But don't worry, it gets easier!

The Master Sword: Why Stamina Matters

The Master Sword isn't just any weapon; it's the iconic blade of the Zelda universe. In Tears of the Kingdom, it's also tied to your stamina.

While I won't spoil the exact mechanics, let's just say you'll need a decent amount of stamina to obtain and effectively wield its power.

Investing in stamina early is investing in your ability to wield the Master Sword. Think of it as a down payment on legendary status!

Two Paths to Endurance: Permanent and Temporary

Thankfully, Tears of the Kingdom offers two primary avenues for boosting your stamina: permanent upgrades and temporary boosts.

Permanent upgrades, earned by exchanging hard-won "Lights of Blessing", increase your stamina wheel, providing a lasting boost to your endurance.

Temporary boosts come from the magical art of cooking. Specific ingredients, when combined in delicious recipes, grant temporary stamina buffs, allowing you to push your limits.

We'll explore both of these paths in detail. Get ready to unlock your inner endurance runner, one stamina wheel upgrade, and carefully crafted meal at a time!

Permanent Stamina Upgrades: Increasing Your Endurance

So, you want to conquer Hyrule and maybe even pull that legendary sword? Stamina is your backbone. Let's dive into how to permanently boost that green wheel, turning Link into an unstoppable force of nature! We'll be focusing on Stamina Vessels.

How to Obtain Stamina Vessels: Your Ticket to More Stamina

Stamina Vessels are your key to unlocking a larger stamina pool. Think of them as collectible tokens of endurance. But how do you get your hands on these precious Vessels?

The main way is by visiting Statues of the Goddess. These statues, often found in Churches or central locations within settlements, serve as your trading posts.

Here's the deal: for every four Lights of Blessing you collect, you can exchange them for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel.

You get Lights of Blessing by completing Shrines. Each Shrine you conquer rewards you with one Light of Blessing. So, get exploring! Seek out those Shrines hidden across Hyrule’s diverse landscapes. Every four Shrines completed means a Stamina Vessel is within reach.

Strategic Stamina Vessel Usage: When to Upgrade

Now you have Lights of Blessing. The big question: Should you pump it all into stamina right away?

That’s where strategy comes in!

Here’s a crucial tip: pay attention to your playstyle.

Are you a climber? Do you find yourself constantly scaling walls and gliding across vast distances? Then stamina is undoubtedly your priority.

On the other hand, if you’re constantly getting clobbered by Bokoblins, maybe that Heart Container is looking pretty sweet.

Stamina vs. Health: Finding the Right Balance

The age-old question: stamina or health?

There's no single "right" answer; it depends entirely on you. But let's break down the pros and cons of each.

Prioritizing Stamina

  • Pros:

    • Unlocks greater exploration potential early.
    • Makes challenging climbing sections much easier.
    • Allows for longer, more effective combat maneuvers (dodging, flurry rushes).
  • Cons:

    • Leaves you more vulnerable to enemy attacks in the early game.
    • Requires careful combat management to avoid taking too much damage.

Prioritizing Health

  • Pros:

    • Increases your survivability in combat, allowing you to make mistakes.
    • Makes you less reliant on perfect dodging or blocking.
  • Cons:

    • Hinders exploration potential, especially early on.
    • Forces you to rely more on stamina-restoring items.

Optimal Ratios: Finding Your Sweet Spot

So, what's a good balance? Here are a few suggestions, depending on your playstyle:

  • The Explorer: Focus primarily on stamina early on (2-3 upgrades) to unlock more of the world, then balance with health.
  • The Warrior: Alternate between health and stamina, prioritizing health slightly if you struggle with combat.
  • The Hybrid: A 1:1 ratio is a safe bet, giving you a good balance of survivability and exploration capability.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you progress through the game.

Remember, you can always respec later in the game by trading Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels at a specific statue for a small price. This allows you to reallocate your attributes to better suit your current needs and challenges.

Temporary Stamina Boosts: The Power of Cooking

Alright, so you've pumped some spirit orbs into that sweet, sweet green stamina wheel. Awesome! But sometimes, you just need more. Like, right now. That's where the culinary arts come into play. Forget fancy restaurants; we're talking about whipping up stamina-boosting meals in the wilds of Hyrule. Let's get cooking!

Endura: The Stamina Superstars

When it comes to temporary stamina, two ingredients stand head and shoulders above the rest: Endura Carrots and Endura Shrooms. These aren't just stamina refills; they give you extra stamina on top of your maximum! Think of it as an emergency reserve for those "oh crap" moments when you're halfway up a cliff and running out of juice.

Where to Find These Gems

  • Endura Carrots: These are the real MVP. The best place to reliably snag these is from the Great Fairies. After freeing them from their cocoons, each fairy grants you with one. You can also find them around their fountains. Some can be purchased from vendors, but it's not a consistent thing.
  • Endura Shrooms: These fungi love hanging out in caves and forests. Look for them near trees in the Hyrule Ridge and Tabantha regions. They're not quite as abundant as some other mushrooms, so keep your eyes peeled!

Simple Recipes for Stamina Supremacy

Cooking in Tears of the Kingdom is more than just tossing stuff in a pot. It's about crafting strategic meals to maximize effects. Here are a couple of go-to recipes for serious stamina replenishment:

  • Endura Carrot Cake: 1 Endura Carrot + Tabantha Wheat + Cane Sugar + Goat Butter. If you want the best of both worlds, bake this cake to get a full stamina wheel + an additional temporary stamina bonus!
  • Endura Shroom Skewer: Throw in 3-5 Endura Shrooms. Boom. You've got a simple, effective way to overfill that stamina wheel!
  • Simmered Fruit: 3-5 Apples/ Palm Fruit + 1 Endura Carrot/ Endura Shroom. Another simple dish to make while wandering!

The number of ingredients determines the level of stamina boost.

More shrooms/carrots = bigger boost.

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. But remember, keep those Endura powerhouses as your core!

Understanding Stamina Food Buffs

Not all food is created equal. When it comes to stamina, there are a few key buffs you should know about:

  • Stamina Recovery Up: This speeds up how quickly your stamina recharges. It's fantastic for climbers who need those brief pauses to regain energy.
  • Extra Stamina: As mentioned earlier, Endura ingredients provide extra stamina beyond your maximum.

Stacking and Maximizing Stamina Restoration

Here's a pro tip: you can't stack the same food buff. Eating two meals that both give you "Stamina Recovery Up" won't double the effect. Instead, focus on maximizing the duration and intensity of a single buff.

For example, use as many Endura Carrots or Shrooms as possible in one dish. This'll give you a substantial temporary stamina boost that'll last longer than chowing down on a single carrot.

With a little culinary creativity, you'll be gliding further, climbing higher, and mastering Hyrule's wilds with ease. Happy cooking!

Stamina and Exploration: Conquering Hyrule's Terrain

Alright, so you've pumped some spirit orbs into that sweet, sweet green stamina wheel. Awesome! But sometimes, you just need more. Like, right now. That's where the exploration and traversal tips come into play. Forget fancy restaurants; we're talking about mastering stamina to truly traverse the wilds of Hyrule. Let's dive into how to become a true Hyrulean explorer.

Climbing Like a Pro: Mastering Verticality

Hyrule is a vertical playground, but sheer cliffs can be daunting. Stamina management is key here.

The Art of the Jump-Climb

Don't just hold the climb button and watch your stamina drain! Tap X to jump between climbs. This covers more ground, but it also uses more stamina per action.

The trick is finding the right rhythm.

Short hops are usually more efficient for slightly inclined surfaces, while bigger leaps let you scale steeper walls faster at a greater cost. Experiment and find your groove!

Finding Rest Stops

Always, always be on the lookout for ledges, outcroppings, or even small flat spots on cliff faces. These are your life-savers!

Reaching these points completely restores your stamina.

Use your Sheikah Slate scope to scan ahead and plan your ascent, identifying potential rest stops along the way.

Rainy Day Blues (and How to Beat Them)

Rain makes climbing a nightmare. Link slips constantly, draining stamina rapidly.

Avoid climbing in the rain if possible.

If you must climb, look for covered areas or overhangs to wait out the storm.

Alternatively, armor with the Slip Resistance effect can be a game-changer, allowing you to climb relatively normally even in wet conditions.

Gliding Like a Bird: Soaring Through Hyrule's Skies

Gliding is incredible for covering vast distances, especially from Sky Islands. But, again, stamina is the limiting factor.

The Initial Launch

A higher launch point means more gliding distance. Obvious, but crucial!

Look for updrafts created by fires or from certain geological features. These provide a significant vertical boost, extending your flight time dramatically.

Stamina-Saving Techniques Mid-Air

While gliding, keep an eye out for updrafts.

Diving slightly and then pulling back up can create momentum, allowing you to maintain altitude with less stamina expenditure.

If you're close to running out of stamina, look for opportunities to land on higher ground even if it's not your final destination. A quick rest can make all the difference.

Reaching the Depths

The Depths are tricky. Using the launch towers can get you a good start. Using certain abilities is important, too. Stamina is more important in this situation when you're gliding in the Depths.

Route Planning: Hyrule is Your Oyster

Stamina management isn't just about what you do, but where you go.

Scouting the Terrain

Use your scope constantly. Identify landmarks, potential climbing routes, and gliding opportunities.

Look for campfires or settlements that can provide temporary stamina boosts or resting places.

Utilizing Environmental Features

Wind currents can significantly impact gliding distance. Learn to read the wind and use it to your advantage.

Thermal updrafts are your best friend! Seek them out for easy vertical gains.

Accepting Detours

Sometimes, the most direct route isn't the most stamina-efficient. Don't be afraid to take detours around particularly challenging terrain. A slightly longer journey might save you a lot of stamina.

Gloom's Impact: Mitigating Stamina Reduction

Alright, so you've pumped some spirit orbs into that sweet, sweet green stamina wheel. Awesome! But sometimes, you just need more. Like, right now. That's where the exploration and traversal tips come into play. Forget fancy restaurants; we're talking about mastering stamina to truly traverse the… Gloom. This stuff isn't just an inconvenience; it actively shreds your maximum stamina, turning epic climbs into desperate scrambles. Let's dive into how to deal with this insidious substance.

Understanding the Gloom Effect

Gloom isn't just some visual effect; it’s a mechanic that directly impacts your gameplay. Contact with Gloom-covered surfaces, enemies, or even the ambient atmosphere in certain areas causes corruption of your maximum stamina wheel. This means the total amount of stamina you have available is permanently reduced, at least until you actively do something about it.

Imagine gearing up for a lengthy paraglide, only to find a huge chunk of your wheel's just... gone. Brutal, right? This significantly affects exploration, especially in the Depths, where Gloom is practically the wallpaper. And combat? Forget dodging those Lynel attacks if you're starting with half a tank.

The implications are huge. Resource management becomes hyper-critical. Every climb, every sprint, every charged attack needs to be meticulously planned, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically.

Restoring Stamina Lost to Gloom: Lightroot Salvation!

Okay, so your stamina's been gloomified. How do you fix it? Thankfully, Hyrule has a remedy. The key is light.

The primary method for recovering from Gloom damage involves returning to the surface world and allowing sunlight to cleanse the corruption. Alternatively, standing near a Great Fairy Fountain or a Lightroot in the Depths will also do the trick.

Lightroots are absolutely essential, especially when exploring the Depths, serving as safe havens where you can regenerate your health and recover lost stamina. Mark them on your map, cherish them, and use them strategically. Also, be aware that sleeping in a bed will also restore any gloom damage.

Don't underestimate the importance of teleportation. When you're deep underground and your stamina is starting to dwindle, fast traveling to the nearest lightroot is much better than death.

Strategies for Gloom-Infested Areas: Don't Be Gloomy, Be Smart

Navigating areas thick with Gloom requires a different approach. Here's how to keep your stamina bar (and your sanity) intact:

Gloom Resistant Armor

There are armor sets that provide resistance to Gloom effects, allowing you to spend more time in affected areas before losing maximum stamina. Seek them out, upgrade them, and equip them when venturing into the Depths. The armor from the bargainer statues is especially helpful.

Plan Your Routes

Don't just wander aimlessly. Study the terrain, identify safe zones, and plan routes that minimize contact with Gloom. Use the Ascend ability to quickly move through dangerous areas.

Height Advantage

Whenever possible, gain height. Paragliding allows you to bypass large swathes of Gloom-infested ground, conserving stamina and reducing the risk of corruption.

Cooking is Key: Sun-Kissed Sustenance

Certain ingredients, such as Sundelions, when cooked into meals, provide a temporary buff that repairs Gloom damage. Stock up on these ingredients and cook frequently to stay ahead of the Gloom.

Embrace Temporary Buffs

Don't be stingy with your temporary stamina buffs. Use stamina-restoring elixirs and meals liberally to offset the reduced maximum stamina. Every little bit helps.

Focus on Stealth

Avoid unnecessary combat. Gloom-infested areas are often home to tougher enemies, and every wasted stamina point could be the difference between survival and disaster. Stealth can save you stamina, and more importantly, the gloom from ruining your max stamina.

Early Game Stamina Focus: Getting the Master Sword Quickly

Alright, so you've pumped some spirit orbs into that sweet, sweet green stamina wheel. Awesome! But sometimes, you just need more. Like, right now. That's where the exploration and traversal tips come into play. Forget fancy restaurants; we're talking about mastering stamina to truly traverse the land of Hyrule and grab that Master Sword, ASAP.

This isn't about 100% completion (yet!). This is about laser-focusing on the stamina needed to pluck that legendary blade early on. Think of it as a speedrun...a stamina speedrun!

The Stamina Sprint: A Prioritization Strategy

The name of the game here is efficiency. Every action, every shrine, every carrot counts. We're going to beeline toward stamina upgrades with a vengeance.

Route Efficiency: Where to Go, What to Grab

Early game Hyrule can be overwhelming, but don't get distracted! Here's a streamlined route focusing on prime stamina-boosting resources.

  • Great Sky Island Start: Don't skip anything! Thoroughly explore the starting area. Those first four shrines aren't just tutorials; they give you four precious Lights of Blessing to trade for your first stamina upgrade. This gives you your starting extra ring of stamina.

  • Look for Endura Carrots and Stamina Related Foods: Head South towards Lookout Landing.

  • Explore West Necluda: This area is brimming with horses (essential for faster travel), and several easily accessible shrines. Prioritize those near stables or roads for maximum efficiency.

  • Shrine Sweeping: Focus on completing shrines that are easily accessible and don't require complex puzzles early on. Quick wins are the goal.

Ingredient Hotspots: Stocking Up for Success

Cooking will be your best friend. Knowing where to find those crucial ingredients can shave hours off your Master Sword acquisition time.

  • Endura Carrot Farms: These are the MVP of stamina management. Look around the base of large, older trees.

  • Restoring Foods: Look for Apples, Wildberries, and Hylian Shrooms.

  • Hyrule Ridge: If you can navigate to the Hyrule Ridge, you will find the Tabantha Wheat that gives you back stamina.

  • Lookout Landing: Don't underestimate the power of Lookout Landing. Trade your monster parts and resources to purchase materials.

Quest Prioritization: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Not all quests are created equal. Focus on those that directly reward stamina upgrades, stamina-boosting ingredients, or facilitate access to shrines.

  • Main Quests First: While tempting to wander, progress the main questline far enough to unlock map towers. This reveals shrine locations and makes traversal much easier.

  • Shrine Quests: Some shrines are locked behind short, simple quests. Prioritize these; they're often quick and rewarding.

  • Avoid Side Quests (Initially): Resist the urge to become a general errand runner. Side quests are great later, but right now, stamina is king.

The Master Sword Sprint: Stamina as the Key

The Master Sword requires a minimum of two full stamina wheels (in addition to the base wheel). This means acquiring at least six Stamina Vessels.

Early Upgrade Focus

The temptation to balance health and stamina is strong, but resist! Prioritize stamina until you have those two extra wheels. Then, feel free to diversify.

Strategic Shrine Selection

Not all shrines are created equal. Prioritize shrines that are easily accessible. If a shrine looks like it will take 20 minutes to solve, just skip it.

Stamina Management is Everything

Knowing when to climb, when to glide, and when to simply walk is crucial. Conserve stamina whenever possible. Don't be afraid to chug a stamina-restoring meal before attempting a challenging climb. A little prep work goes a long way.

Abuse Recall

Recall is a powerful ability that can get you pretty far. Use it to get to the Light Dragon.

Remember, this is a sprint, not a marathon. With careful planning and unwavering dedication to the green wheel, you'll be wielding the Master Sword in no time. Happy hunting!

Alright, so you've pumped some spirit orbs into that sweet, sweet green stamina wheel. Awesome! But sometimes, you just need more. Like, right now. That's where the exploration and traversal tips come into play. Forget fancy restaurants; we're talking about mastering stamina to truly traverse Hyrule and specifically, reach the Light Dragon and claim the Master Sword.

Riding the Dragon: Recall is Your Best Friend

The Light Dragon, carrying the Master Sword, soars high above Hyrule, making it a massive stamina challenge to reach, let alone stay on.

Luckily, Link has abilities at his disposal!

Recall is your MVP here. Finding an opportune moment where the Light Dragon dives low is key. When it does dive, jump off a high point, paraglide for a moment, then when you're close enough...

Recall.

Target one of the objects falling off of the Light Dragon, and laugh as you get ferried back up to the flying serpent.

Master Sword on a Budget: Leveraging Every Resource

Okay, so you're aiming to grab the Master Sword early. Maybe you're a speedrunner, maybe you're just impatient (like me!), or maybe you want to be OP early on. Whatever your reason, stamina is still key.

It's not just about raw stamina vessels, though.

It's about playing smart.

Gliding Like a Pro: Advanced Techniques

Gliding is stamina-intensive, especially when trying to gain height. Fuse items to your shield that cause an updraft when shield surfing!

There are a couple of ways to maximize your distance without depleting your entire bar.

Updrafts: The Soaring Advantage

Look for updrafts – these are your best friends. Usually created by fires (convenient!), updrafts give you a massive vertical boost, allowing you to conserve stamina and cover huge distances. The Rito Village area is basically updraft central.

Mid-Air Stamina Recovery: The Risky Maneuver

This is a bit advanced, but essential for long-distance travel.

While gliding, quickly open your inventory and consume a stamina-restoring meal. The game pauses, allowing you to replenish stamina without actually losing altitude. Practice this! Mess it up, and Link takes a nosedive!

Fuse and Abuse: Creative Solutions for Stamina Challenges

Think outside the box. Fuse rockets to your shield, use Zonai devices for temporary flight, anything to minimize the amount of raw climbing or gliding you have to do.

Rockets are great for a burst of initial height before gliding.

Zonai Wings can carry you across gaps.

Be creative!

Hyrule is your playground, and Link's arsenal is vast.

Combining All Tools: The Ultimate Master Sword Rush

Reaching the Light Dragon and grabbing the Master Sword early is a puzzle. Use all your available resources!

Combine stamina upgrades, clever cooking, updraft exploitation, recall, and a dash of reckless abandon to grab the blade and truly become the Hero of Hyrule!

FAQs: Master Sword Stamina

How much stamina is initially needed to pull the Master Sword?

Initially, you need two full wheels of stamina, plus about 1/5 of a third wheel, to pull the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom. This is a significant investment if you're focusing on getting the sword early, as how much stamina for the Master Sword is a key requirement.

If I have temporary stamina buffs, can I use them?

Yes, temporary stamina buffs from meals or elixirs absolutely work. Cooking with ingredients like Endura Carrots or Stambulb can give you temporary stamina wheels, which counts towards how much stamina for the Master Sword you'll need.

Can I use the Stamina Vessel glitch?

While there was a Stamina Vessel glitch in Breath of the Wild, it has been patched in Tears of the Kingdom. This glitch no longer provides the extra stamina needed to wield the Master Sword, making traditional methods for achieving how much stamina for the Master Sword is required the only reliable way to acquire it.

What happens if I don't have enough stamina when trying to pull it?

If you attempt to pull the Master Sword without enough stamina, Link will fail, and the process will stop. You'll need to return later once you've increased your stamina, either through Spirit Orbs at Goddess Statues, or via stamina-boosting food. Keep in mind how much stamina for the Master Sword is required.

So, there you have it! Now you're armed with all the info you need to boost your stamina and finally claim the Master Sword. Remember, you're shooting for at least two full stamina wheels (or the equivalent) to pull the Master Sword. Good luck on your adventure, and may the Triforce be with you!