The Fuse ability opens up many possibilities in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and one particular combination makes it easy to wreak hilarious chaos. Items grant weapons a wide array of effects when Fused, giving Link plenty of tactical options when approaching enemies. While some playstyles may lend preference to certain combinations over others, the effects of the most impressive Fusions are undeniable regardless of a player’s preferred approach to combat.

With it being possible to Fuse every weapon and material in TOTK with each other, as well as other objects such as tree trunks and boulders, there are near-countless potential Fusion combinations in total. For example, there are multiple ways to grant weapons elemental effects, including elementally-aligned fruits and gems. Other items have more unique effects attached to them, such as TOTK’s various Zonai Devices and the range-boosting quality of monster wings for arrows. Of course, many weapons have their own inherent effects to consider as well, such as wet Zora weapons having doubled damage. Depending on a weapon’s Fused item, the potential for synergy can create especially devastating combinations.

Eightfold Longblades And Muddle Buds Make Enemy Groups Devolve Into Chaos

One such combination is Fusing a Muddle Bud to an Eightfold Longblade. Eightfold Longblades can be obtained by defeating Yiga Blademasters or located in the Yiga Clan Hideout, although Pristine versions are also found in the Depths. But no matter the weapon’s condition, Link is healthy enough that these swords produce a ranged blast of cutting wind when swung. This wind both knocks back monsters and carries the disorienting effects of a Muddle Bud with it, which hilariously turns groups of enemies against each other. This means that Link can stay safe at a distance as the monsters fight each other while also dealing a significant amount of damage himself.

Eightfold Longblades Can Maintain Their Durability When Used Right

Another crucial fact to note about this combination is that these ranged attacks, by themselves, do not deplete an Eightfold Longblade’s durability. A weapon’s durability in TOTK only degrades when it physically hits something, and the Eightfold Longblade’s wind blast does not count. This means that by solely attacking from range, Link can defeat countless monsters without ever fearing his weapon breaking. This also gives the Fusion combination a huge advantage over bows, the other long-range option for confusing enemies. Bows degrade with every shot, and each shot uses up a fresh Muddle Bud. In stark contrast, only one Muddle Bud needs to be Fused to an Eightfold Longblade.

Of course, it should also be noted that the Muddle Bud is only effective for enemies in groups. Once the others have been eliminated, the sole survivor will pursue Link, whether it is technically confused or not. However, the Eightfold Longblade’s knockback is still an effective deterrent at this point, and careful use will prevent the weapon from breaking.

Muddle Buds are an excellent source of pure chaos in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and this Fuse combination takes full advantage of the strange plant. The ranged application of the Muddle Bud’s confusion effect can quickly turn any monster camp into a chaotic free-for-all brawl and leaves Link excellently positioned to finish off the victor afterward. With careful use, it is also possible to perfectly preserve the Eightfold Longblade when used, making this a viable long-term strategy that defies the game’s durability system.

Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube