Although it may not be most fans’ favorite Zelda game, it’s hard to deny how much genuine love Skyward Sword has for its franchise. More than an origin story for Hyrule, the Triforce, and the relationship between Link, Zelda, and Ganon, Skyward Sword sets the foundation for the entire franchise going forward – there’s a reason Breath of the Wild almost exclusively pulls its lore from Skyward sword.
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The most important origin story in Skyward Sword is that of the Master Sword. Link spends most of the game forging the blade into its true form. By performing a series of Herculean feats right out of classic mythology, Skyward Sword’s Link goes through several swords before creating the Blade of Evil’s Bane.
Practice Sword
The Practice Sword is Link’s first sword in the game and is only used for the tutorial portion. You’ll primarily use the Practice Sword to learn how to actually play the game. Skyward Sword’s swordplay is radically different compared to previous Zelda games, with the HD release featuring two very unique control schemes: full-on motion controls ala the Wii original and swordplay registered to the right analog stick (think Metal Gear Rising: Revengenace or Ape Escape). The Practice Sword is the weakest weapon in the game, but Link will only use it for the first major combat set piece. After completing Waterfall Cave and the Wing Ceremony, Link will immediately get his next sword upgrade.
Goddess Sword
The Goddess Sword is the first sword you’ll actually be holding onto for a while in Skyward Sword. The Goddess Sword houses Fi’s spirit, who calls out to Link following the Wing Ceremony. Link uses the Goddess Sword for roughly half the playthrough, only upgrading after completing the Ancient Cistern – the fourth dungeon.
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The Goddess Sword was created by the Goddess Hylia and allows Link to douse, channel a Skyward Strike by pointing the blade directly into the air, and travel down to the Surface. While a bit unremarkable in some respects, the Goddess Sword is the foundation that paved the way to the Master Sword.
Goddess Longsword
The Goddess Longsword is upgraded at the Ancient Cistern after Link imbues the Goddess Sword with Farore’s Flame. The Goddess’ blessing not only lengthens the blade itself, but doubles the amount of damage Link does with his sword strikes. Considering the Goddess Longsword comes roughly halfway through the story, this is a very useful upgrade.
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While the buff in attack power obviously speaks for itself, the real draw to the Goddess Longsword is its longer reach. Being able to keep some distance during combat while still reliably dealing damage is a Goddesssend. You might need to adjust your play style a bit, but it’s all for the better.
Goddess White Sword
The Goddess White Sword is upgraded after completing the Sandship – the fifth dungeon in the game. Unlike previous sword upgrades, the Goddess White Sword isn’t all that much of an improvement. Both your damage and reach stay the same, with the biggest change coming from dowsing’s few improvements.
The most interesting part about the Goddess White Sword is how it references one of Link’s weapons from the very first Legend of Zelda. Your second upgrade in the NES original is the White Sword – a pure white blade with a blue pommel. The Goddess White Sword has some differences (notably being a lighter shade of blue), but it comes off as an intentional callback.
Master Sword
The Blade of Evil’s Bane, Link finally upgrades to the Master Sword after completing the Fire Sanctuary and absorbing all three sacred flames. Befitting The Legend of Zelda’s iconic sword, the Master Sword is twice as strong as the Goddess White Sword and will slaughter most enemies in your path. Following the Song of the Hero questline, Zelda will upgrade the Master Sword for you even further. The True Master Sword will be your main weapon for the final battle. Aesthetically, it’s just a more detailed version of the Master Sword. While obtained late, the TMS is a great final upgrade to fully refine the blade.
Next: Skyward Sword: How to Complete the Cawlin's Letter Side Quest
