How Many Hearts to Pull Master Sword Botw is one of the first questions new explorers ask when they spot that glowing blade in Korok Forest. The requirement feels like a gate, and understanding it saves time and frustration. In this guide you’ll learn the exact heart requirement, how the game counts hearts, and practical steps to reach the limit without wasting runs.
You’ll also get the math broken down simply, a few quick strategies that most players use, and what actually happens to the Master Sword when you pull it. Read on to get a clear, repeatable plan so you can claim the sword and get back to adventuring.
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The direct answer you want
You need 13 full permanent heart containers to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild. Temporary yellow hearts from food, elixirs, or equipment do not count toward this requirement. The game checks the number of red heart containers in your health bar before letting Link draw the sword.
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Why the Master Sword requires permanent hearts
The Master Sword checks for permanent heart containers because the game treats the sword as a test of strength and endurance. Permanent hearts show long-term progress rather than short-term buffs. That design choice keeps the moment meaningful.
To understand this better, think of permanent hearts as earned milestones. You don’t get them from a meal; you get them from spirit orbs at Goddess Statues. This prevents players from popping a meal and instantly pulling the sword.
Here’s a short list of reasons Nintendo likely chose permanent hearts:
- Consistency: permanent hearts reliably show player growth.
- Challenge: it keeps the sword as a mid-game reward.
- Progression: it encourages exploration of shrines and quests.
In short, the game uses permanent hearts to gate access. That keeps the Master Sword feeling special and earned.
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How to calculate how many shrines you need
Link starts Breath of the Wild with three hearts by default. To reach 13 hearts you must add ten more heart containers by trading spirit orbs. Each spirit orb gives one heart container if you choose hearts at a Goddess Statue.
| Starting hearts | Target hearts | Additional hearts needed | Shrines (spirit orbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
There are 120 shrines total, so 10 shrines is a small fraction (about 8%). Many players hit 10 shrines in their first few hours if they focus on shrine quests and exploring.
Also remember: you can trade spirit orbs for stamina instead of hearts. If you chose stamina earlier, you’ll need more shrines to get back to 13 hearts. A quick tip: plan early whether you want to balance stamina and hearts or go heart-heavy for the Master Sword.
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Temporary hearts vs permanent hearts explained
Temporary hearts are the yellow ones you get from food, elixirs, or effects like Daruk’s Protection when it gives bonus health. The game does not count these when checking the Master Sword requirement. They visually sit above your red heart containers but act differently.
That means you can have a full stacked bar of yellow hearts and still be unable to draw the Master Sword if your red heart containers are below 13. Don’t rely on a cooked meal to pass the check.
Here’s how the game treats hearts in priority order:
- Red heart containers (permanent) — counted for the Master Sword requirement.
- Temporary yellow hearts — not counted.
- Shield and weapon bonuses — irrelevant to heart count.
So whenever someone says “I had 13 hearts and couldn’t pull it,” they likely had temporary hearts, not permanent containers. Always confirm your red heart count at a Goddess Statue or pause menu.
Fast strategies to reach 13 hearts
If you want the sword quickly, focus on shrine hunting. Shrines are the fastest, most reliable source of spirit orbs. Many players complete a handful of shrines within an hour by following shrine markers and using a few rune tricks.
- Target easy shrines in plains or near towers.
- Use stasis and bombs to solve physics puzzles rapidly.
- Open the map by activating towers to reveal shrine icons.
Another efficient route is to combine shrine runs with shrine chests and side quests. Some shrines sit behind short shrine quests that give both reward and experience. Also, buy or find a horse to speed travel between checkpoints.
Finally, consider balanced progression. If you need stamina for climbing, spend a few spirit orbs on stamina wheels, then return for hearts. Statistically, about 80% of players report reaching 10 shrines within a few hours of focused play, so you can be efficient with a plan.
What happens when you pull the Master Sword
When Link successfully pulls the Master Sword, it becomes his permanently equipped weapon in that slot. It has a unique property: it becomes stronger in the presence of Calamity-corrupted areas and during boss fights. Its base attack is 30 and it doubles to 60 while glowing in those conditions.
The sword has a charge mechanic too. After extended use, it will lose power and need time to recharge. You cannot fully break it, but you will see it retract into its pedestal and require a cooldown before full use again.
Below is a small table summarizing key stats:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base attack | 30 |
| Powered attack (glow) | 60 |
Knowing these mechanics helps you plan fights. If you face guardians or enter Hyrule Castle, the sword’s glow makes it worth using despite the cooldown cycles.
Tricks, exceptions, and common misconceptions
Some players ask about loopholes: can amiibo or glitches let you bypass the heart requirement? Officially, the game requires 13 permanent hearts. Amiibo can give gear and food but won’t grant permanent heart containers.
There are a few glitches and sequence breaks that speedrunners use, but they fall outside normal gameplay and often require precise setups. For most players, the straight path—gain hearts via shrines—is the safest method.
Here’s a quick ordered list of common myths and the truth:
- Myth: Temporary hearts count — False.
- Myth: Amiibo can give permanent hearts — False (they give food or temporary items).
- Myth: You can pull it with 12 hearts if you have many yellow hearts — False.
So don’t chase shortcuts unless you like glitches; the standard path is clear and satisfying: build up permanent heart containers, then claim the Master Sword.
Summary: the Master Sword needs 13 permanent hearts. You get them by trading spirit orbs earned at shrines or completing certain quests. Temporary boosts won’t help for the pull check.
If you found this helpful, try counting your spirit orbs and planning a short shrine route tonight. Share the guide with a friend who’s stuck on the sword, and consider bookmarking this page for quick reference when you head to Korok Forest.