The Legend of Zelda has presented many swords throughout the years, but none are as memorable as the fabled Master Sword. It's had many styles and effects throughout the course of installments in the franchise, making it a truly unique weapon. Known as the sword of evil's bane, in most of the games, it is required to put an end to the evil terrorizing the land.
Players must acquire this mystical sword at some point during their quest through one trial or another. The effort and path required to obtain the Master Sword vary from game to game, but the result is always empowering Link to face down the ultimate evil. Here's a look at the best versions of the Master Sword throughout the history of The Legend of Zelda.
5 Ocarina Of Time
The Master Sword from Ocarina of Time is the quintessential version of the sword. When anyone mentions the sword, it's the one that most often comes to mind. In this game, Link collects the three Spiritual Stones to unlock the Temple of Time. After attempting to release the Master Sword from its resting place, he is locked away for a period of seven years, until he is old enough to wield the sword.
This game is unique in that Link can time travel in the Temple of Time by placing the Master Sword back into the pedestal when he wants to become a child and removing it when he wants to become an adult. Additionally, this is one of the games that deviate from the traditional forest setting for the location of the Master Sword.
4 Breath Of The Wild
For the first time since its appearance in the franchise, the Master Sword is not a requirement for completing the game in Breath of the Wild. Players are left with the option to obtain this sword from the Korok Forest or to skip it. While the sword itself is not that impressive, this is also the first time the hero must undergo a true physical test to pull it from the stone it rests in. If Link does not have enough hearts at the time he attempts to pull the Master Sword from its resting place, he will fail.
Despite there being many other weapons that pack a greater punch than this version of the Master Sword, it does offer many benefits when fighting the final boss and anything affected by the Calamity. So, while it has 30 strength, it is much more powerful against these foes, dealing significant damage. It's also the one weapon in the game that doesn't actually break forever, making it extremely useful to have available, even if it does become unavailable for use periodically.
3 A Link To The Past
The Master Sword from A Link to the Past is special because it is arguably the first time players ever encounter the sword in the games. This version also establishes the commonly seen resting place of the Master Sword as a stone in a beautiful forest setting.
It doesn't stop with the base weapon. In this game, through many different steps, Link will upgrade the Master Sword multiple times. Once he maxes out the weapon, it will be four times its original strength. Enemies will stand no chance against him, especially the final enemy, Ganon.
2 A Link Between Worlds
The direct sequel to A Link to the Past which takes place more than 100 years later, A Link Between Worlds offers a very powerful version of the Master Sword. It's obtained in much the same way as in its predecessor. Link must obtain three pendants and then locate the Master Sword in the Lost Woods. Only after he has met the requirements can he pull the sword from the stone.
Link will use the Master Sword to break seals and fight evil. Much like its first appearance, this version of the sword can be upgraded. When it's at its maximum level, most normal enemies are one-hit kills. Link can easily clear congested areas with ease. Based on how effective this version of the Master Sword is, it has the potential to be the most powerful version out of all the games released so far.
1 Skyward Sword
Players will find a very special version of the Master Sword in Skyward Sword. In this game, they will experience the actual creation of the sword. When following the path of the lore of The Legend of Zelda, this is the first appearance of the sword, according to that timeline. Originally known as the Goddess Sword, it was imbued with the spirit Fi by the Goddess Hylia. Fi's purpose was to assist the hero capable of wielding the sword.
Link's journey in this game takes him through the process of imbuing the Goddess Sword with the powers of the Sacred Flames. Only after this is complete, Zelda can bless the sword to become the true Master Sword. The experience of forging this legendary blade makes this original version the most fantastic of all the versions players can experience throughout the entire franchise.