Master Mode (Hard Mode) Differences, Tips and Tricks - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Guide - IGN (2024)

The Master Mode is a DLC Hard Mode, and part of The Master Trials DLC Expansion. We've collected al the major differences, tips, and tricks below.

This mode plays much like the regular version of Breath of the Wild, only things will become much more difficult. Enemies will be increased in rank (Where you would normally find Red Bokoblins, you'll now find blue Bokoblins), and floating platforms have also been added held aloft by Sky Octoroks - holding enemies and treasure alike.

Master Mode does not require you to beat the game first but it is highly reccomended you at least play Normal mode for awhile to prepare yourself for the difficulty increase.

Enemies will now also regenerate in combat, and a new rank of enemy will exist - the Gold Rank.

• See Also: Master Mode Enemies

How to Access Master Mode

Once you have purchased and downloaded the DLC, Master Mode will be available from the start - and there is no need to complete the game on regular difficulty. Master Mode also uses a separate save file, allowing you to have a save file for your regular adventure as well.

Master Mode Tips and Tricks

In order to survive the increased difficulty, take note of these tips to help you combat the increased evils that plague Hyrule.

Survival Horror Hell

In Master Mode, especially when first starting out, you'll find very quickly that every enemy is more deadly than they were before. Able to soak up more damage and regenerate, you'll need to switch up your tactics, at least until you can find a good source of durable weapons. Don't be afraid to run away from fights that aren't worth your time, or run in to steal items from enemies and run out quickly.

Remember Link, This is a sneaking Mission

Given the powerful enemies you are bound to face and how much time it will take to kill them, it's sometimes better to utilize stealth above all else. This means getting the Sheikah Set early, making stealth up potions and trying to get the drop on enemies with sneakstrikes to take their health down fast before they can regen.

Get more inventory space

More durable enemies means more breaking weapons - so remedy this as soon as possible by seeking and and collecting Korok Seeds to turn into Hestu for more slots for your weapons. This is even more important when taking on Combat Trials in shrines, as the Guardians inside will take longer to kill and will require more weapons to finish the job.

Sending in the platforms

There are certain places where new enemies can be found on floating platforms - and sometimes the Octoroks that propel them into the air won't be on alert unless a nearby enemy signals with a horn. If you find these enemies, take them out or stay far away, as the enemies on these platforms often have elemental arrows and will quickly take you out if alerted.

Press the Attack or avoid altogether

Enemies in Master Mode will usually start regenerating shortly after a lull in combat - which can be seen by their flashing health bar. With this in mind, slow and methodical battles are no longer viable. This means if you choose to engage enemies, you'll need to be very aggressive when dealing damage, or risk the enemy gaining it all back. Keep on them and don't just wait for flurry or parry opportunities to dish out damage, and hit them with bombs or arrows if they have distance on you.

Surprises abound

You'll need to always be on guard in Master Mode, because new enemy placements can happen anywhere - especially where you least expect them. Yes, that includes a BLACK LYNEL lurking the field behind the Temple of Time on the Great Plateau. Things can get extremely dangerous if you aren't paying attention.

Fight dirty, get rewarded

Once you've gotten use to the new difficulty, know that bravery has its own rewards. You don't have to fight fair to get the rewards - like the chests that often have great weapons guarded on floating platforms.

If fighting near cliffs - use bombs, heavy weapons, or headshots to knock enemies down to their deaths, and pick the remains clean later.

When sneaking up on floating platforms, remember that Bokoblins and Moblins can't swim - so pop the balloons and watch them drop, then fish out your rewards.

Magnesised rocks do considerable damage in Master mode, and have the power to knock out Blue and Black enemies with just a couple swings.

Even in increased difficulty, elemental enemies like Ice Lizalfos or Fire Wizzrobes can still be instantly killed by an opposing elemental arrow, and Guardians are still susceptible to perfect parries (if you're feeling confident).

Use TRICKERY to your advantage

The DLC adds some new and powerful clothing items hidden throughout Hyrule Field which can be hunted down with relative ease after leaving the plateau; in particular, Marjora's Mask has the effect of fooling the 4 main tiered enemies (Bobokin, Lizalfos, Moblin, and Lynel).

Not only will this mask help you get out of sticky situations, but you can now use trickery to acquire powerful weapons -- head into enemy camps and steal treasure chests with impunity, and raid difficult areas such as the Colusseum or the inside of Hyrule Castle.

Consider hunting for this early.