In the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, there are 3 swords in total in the game, each varies with its lore and power. Ocarina of Time’s damage meter on all weapons/items ranges from 1-4; I’ll be including each sword’s damage details as well as how to obtain them. Depending on whether Link is a child or adult also depends on which swords are at the player’s disposal. Let’s venture into Hyrule Field and have a grass-cutting contest!
3. Kokiri Sword
The Kokiri Sword is a simplistic short sword that’s a perfect fit for a child. It has a distinctive red gem with a thick blade.
Shortly after the game begins, Link is summoned to meet the Deku Tree. However, when attempting to do so, he’s abruptly stopped by Mido, the annoying pipsqueak who thinks he owns the forest. He’ll demand that Link equip a sword and shield and won’t allow him to pass without both.
The sword is within the “Hole of L”, located in the Forest Training Center. The hole itself is obvious, and a Kokiri child is punching the air close by. After shimmying through the hole like a caterpillar, there’s a simple obstacle involving a giant boulder.
After mimicking the famous scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, you’ll find a treasure chest in the upper left corner that contains the Kokiri Sword. The item description goes as follows: “This is a hidden treasure of the Kokiri, but you can borrow it for a while. Be sure to practice with it before you really fight!”.
Despite what the item description entails, Link keeps it, and it’s his default sword in Majora’s Mask. Later, the Kokiri Sword is swiftly replaced with the Master Sword, it's the adult counterpart.
The Kokiri sword deals 1/4 damage, making it the weakest sword. However, when Link performs a Jump or Spin attack, the Kokiri swords deal twice the damage at 2/4.
What the Kokiri Sword Excels In:
- The very first weapon in the game
- Can cut through grass and slash enemies
- Enables Link to perform a Jump/Spin attack
How to Get the Kokiri Sword:
Kokiri Sword details: https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Kokiri_Sword
2. Master Sword
A handsome sword
The Master Sword is a divine, double-edged longsword with a hilt that’s dark blue with a violet hue. The Sword has a Triforce engraved into the blade, and the cross-guard is elaborate and seems to mimic wings, furthering the divine aspect of the weapon.
The Master Sword holds the legendary nickname: “The Blade of Evil’s Bane”. The Master Sword is a defining facet of Link’s identity throughout the series, most prominently in Ocarina of Time. Like the Kokiri Sword, The Master Sword is required to complete the game.
After acquiring the 3 spiritual stones, you’ll need to head for the castle. A cutscene will ensue where Zelda is fleeing from Ganondorf – the Princess will punt the Ocarina of Time in the moat as she’s making her escape with Impa. After the cutscene is over, you’ll need to dive into the moat and retrieve the Ocarina.
Another cutscene will start where Princess Zelda telekinetically teaches Link the Song of Time. She’ll explain that the song needs to be played in front of the Door of Time inside the Temple of Time after Link puts the Spiritual Stones on the mantle in the temple.
Do exactly as the Princess describes, and the Door of Time will open, revealing the Master Sword in the Pedestal of Time. As Link picks up the blade, he’ll speedrun through puberty and instantly become a grown man, dropping his former weapons and items. Somehow or another, Lon Lon Milk doesn’t get spoiled when this happens..
The Master Sword’s description is told by Rauru: “The Master Sword is a sacred blade which evil ones may never touch... Only one worthy of the title of "Hero of Time" can pull it from the Pedestal of Time...”. In other words, the Master Sword is to Link like Mjolnir is to Thor.
You can use the Master Sword to revisit simpler days by striking the blade back into the pedestal of time. However, you’ll need to complete the Forest Temple and retrieve the Forest Medallion to do so. Keep in mind, that there’ll be moments in the future where traversing time with the Master Sword is required.
Unlike any other weapon or item in the game, the Master Sword is required to put down Ganon, the final boss. Using more powerful items during the final battle will cause the boss to “never end”, sort of speak, and the game won’t proceed any further.
The Master Swords inflicts 2/4 damage, which is twice the amount of the Kokiri Sword. Although the Master Sword is the coolest weapon in the game, it’s not the most powerful. However, the Master Sword deals 4/4 damage when applying the Jump or Spin Attack.
What the Master Sword Excels In:
- It has the best lore out of any weapon/item in the game
- You can traverse time with it
- The only weapon that can defeat Ganondorf
How to Get the Master Sword:
Master Sword details: https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Master_Sword
3. Biggoron's Sword
The Biggoron’s Sword is a large, two-handed sword with purely Goron origins. Unlike the other previous swords, the Biggoron’s Sword is entirely optional and can only be acquired by finishing the “Trading Quest”.
The Trading Quest can only be completed as Adult Link. Before tackling the trading sequence, here are several requirements and optional recommendations: save King Zora from the red ice (required), Obtain Epona from Lon Lon Ranch (optional), and plant magic beans in Death Mountain Trail and Zora’s Domain (optional)..
Retrieving Epona and planting magic beans is purely for convenience. Considering portions of the trading quest are timed, these steps are highly recommended.
The sword was forged by Biggoron, who is a big Goron. The Biggoron Sword is essentially an upgraded version of the “Broken Giant’s Knife” or “Broken Goron’s Sword”, forged by Medigoron, Biggoron’s incompetent brother. Medigoron’s sword is degradable after brief usage whereas the Biggoron’s Sword is unbreakable.
The Biggoron’s Sword is the mightiest weapon in the game, and anyone who’s played Ocarina of Time will most likely recommend completing the Trading Quest. The Biggoron’s Sword’s item description is as follows: “A huge, sturdy, and a very sharp sword. You can't use a shield while wielding it.”.
While wearing the Mask of Truth, one of the Gossip Stones in the games the game will provide information about the blade: "They say that Biggoron's Sword is super sharp and will never break.". In terms of its power, the Biggoron’s Sword inflicts double the damage compared to Master Sword, 4/4.
When applying a Jump or Spin attack, the sword deals a whopping 8/4 damage, making it the most effective weapon in the entire game. Moreover, the Spin Attack is impressive when considering its vast radius. When Link attempts to use his shield while the blade is equipped, he’ll crouch instead.
What the Biggoron Sword Excels In:
- Deals max damage
- Massive attack radius
- Never breaks
How to Get the Biggoron Sword:
Biggoron Sword details: https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Biggoron's_Sword