In The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, players can enhance their combat effectiveness and survivability through the strategic upgrading of the sword, shield, and armor. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing how to upgrade each of these essential pieces of equipment.

Sword Upgrades
1. Obtain the Master Sword:
– Requirement: Collect all three Pendants of Virtue.
– Location: Find the Master Sword in the Lost Woods after acquiring the pendants.

2. Upgrade to Master Sword Level 2:
– Method: Bring 2 pieces of Master Ore to the blacksmith in Hyrule.
– Location: Hyrule Blacksmith.

3. Upgrade to Master Sword Level 3:
– Method: Present another set of 2 pieces of Master Ore to the blacksmith in Lorule.
– Location: Lorule Blacksmith.

Shield Upgrades
1. Basic Shield:
– Method: Purchase from shops for 50 rupees.

2. Hylian Shield:
– Upgrade from: The basic shield to a more powerful option.
– Location: Found within the Turtle Rock dungeon; it is significantly more durable and offers better protection than the basic shield.

Armor Upgrades
1. Starting Armor:
– Begins with the Green Mail, offering base protection.

2. Upgrade to Blue Mail:
– Method: Collect Blue Mail.
– Location: Found in the Swamp Palace; this armor halves incoming damage.

3. Upgrade to Red Mail:
– Method: Obtain the Red Mail.
– Location: Found in Lorule Castle; provides further damage reduction, effectively halving damage again on top of the Blue Mail effects, making it the best defensive armor available.

Item Upgrades
You can also enhance certain items using the Lost Maiamais, small pink creatures scattered across the game world.

1. Requirements:
– Return 10 Lost Maiamais to Mother Maiamai.
– Note: This upgrade is applicable only to items you have purchased, not rented.

2. Items That Can Be Upgraded:
– Bombs
– Bow
– Hammer
– Boomerang
– Hookshot
– Rods

Each of these upgrades increases item power or abilities, contributing to a more effective gameplay experience.

Summary Table of Upgrades

| Equipment | Upgrade Method | Location/Requirement |
|——————|——————————————————-|—————————————————–|
| Sword | Master Sword → Master Sword Lv2 → Master Sword Lv3 | Master Ore + blacksmiths in Hyrule and Lorule |
| Shield | Basic shield → Hylian Shield | Buy basic; Hylian Shield in Turtle Rock dungeon |
| Armor | Green Mail → Blue Mail → Red Mail | Start green; Blue Mail in Swamp Palace; Red Mail in Lorule Castle |

This guide provides an overview of the upgrade paths available for your sword, shield, and armor in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Following these steps will enhance your gameplay experience as you face the challenges of Hyrule and Lorule.