9 Tips For Surviving Zelda: Breath Of The Wild’s Master Mode DLC
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Master of Hyrule
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Master Mode is finally out, and it doesn't mess around. It's painfully difficult: enemies are stronger, their health regenerates rapidly, and you often find high-level enemies in places you never would have thought possible. All of these changes mean that you have to tackle familiar objectives in new ways; charging into battle like you're used to is not a good idea. To get you started, we've gathered nine tips to consider when you start Master Mode.
For more about Breath of the Wild, check out our full review, our guide roundup, or our feature detailing everything you needto know about it. And be sure to check out our roundup detailing where to find all the new DLC armor sets and items.
Avoid Combat When Necessary
Enemies in Master Mode are incredibly tough, with higher-level stats and regenerating health giving them the upper hand. To make matters worse: your weapons break more quickly than they do when playing on standard difficulty. Rather than fight your way across Hyrule, consider accomplishing your goals without engaging enemies. All it takes is one or two hits to die, even against red Bokoblins, so it's better to be safe than sorry and find a way around enemies, rather than charging headlong into combat.
Don't Rush!
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in Master Mode is sprinting across the map and accidentally stumbling upon a group of enemies. Be sure to tread lightly and observe your surroundings to find the safest path from point A to point B. Consider every vantage point an opportunity for reconnaissance, and use that info wisely when charting your course ahead.
Focus On Shrines To Boost Your Health
Enemies can kill you faster than ever, so consider focusing your energy on completing shrines to earn spirit orbs so that you can upgrade your health as soon as possible. That way, if you unexpectedly encounter enemies, you can stand to take a hit or two before dying.
Sneak And Steal
It's true that Bokoblins will make quick work of you early on in Master Mode, but that doesn't mean you can't infiltrate their camps and steal their precious weapons; the trick is to run, rather than fight. When you spot a camp of Bokoblins with weapons off to the side, sneak up as quietly as possible and steal their equipment. Even if they notice you, don't worry: Bokoblins will give chase for a while and throw rocks to hit you from a distance, but a clever mix of sprinting, climbing, and dodging will allow you to get away with their weapons unscathed.
Utilize Your Environment For Stat Boosts
Cooking and crafting has always been a core component of Breath of the Wild, but it's imperative in Master Mode. Collecting every resource within reach allows you to concoct meals and elixirs that lend you greater speed, heartier defense, or greater attack power, and thus an essential edge in combat. This should be obvious to anyone who's spent time in Breath of the Wild, but it bears repeating given how even the smallest advantage in Master Mode is worthy of your time and energy.
Head To Hyrule Field For DLC Equipment
Given that enemies are super tough in Master Mode, why not make a beeline for Majora's Mask--one of the new pieces of gear in this DLC--to make it easier for you to walk among monsters without raising their ire? Look to the EX Treasure: Ancient Mask side quest to decipher its location, and while you're at it, be sure to go for the EX Treasure: Phantasma side quest as well: the Phantom Armor you earn carries a defense rating of 8, which is far better than other armor you find early on. To unlock these quests, you'll first need to leave the opening area--The Great Plateau--and subsequently encounter a loading screen before these quests unlock. An easy way to trigger a loading screen is by fast-traveling to a shrine or tower.
Amiibo Are Your Amigos
Once the option becomes available, you can always dive headlong into Amiibo farming to acquire lots of rupees, food, resources, and even new gear. It's not exactly playing fair, but you need all the help you can get to make it through Master Mode.
Look For Floating Platforms With Metallic Treasure Chests
The new floating platforms that dot Hyrule are a great resource for strong gear with stat bonuses. Most items you find within sport significantly increased capabilities, and they may give you a fighting chance against the mode's harder-than-usual enemies.
Use Bodies Of Water To Drown Enemies
If you can knock an enemy into water, there's a good chance they will drown and die instantly. Use this to your advantage and place bombs near the edge of a body of water, lure enemies to the location, and blow them up from behind to send them flying into the air and into the drink. Then all that's left is to harvest their body parts like the sick monkey you are.