MOTHER 2: 3 Secret Tips to Boost Giant's Sword Drop Rate
【MOTHER2】Don't Give Up! 3 Secret Tips to Dramatically Increase "Giant's Sword" Drop Rate
Many players of "MOTHER2: EarthBound" have likely experienced it at least once: a long, seemingly endless battle. This is the item hunt for Poo's ultimate weapon, the "Giant's Sword." Despite repeatedly defeating "Super Starman" in the Stonehenge Base for hours on end, there's no sign of a present box dropping... The feeling of doubt, wondering "Will it really drop?", and the urge to put down the controller – you are definitely not alone in this experience.
The drop rate for this weapon is extremely low among all items, generally said to be 1/128. This desperate probability, coupled with Super Starman's own appearance rate and the effort required to defeat them, has broken the spirits of many players. However, it might be too soon to give up. In fact, there are several "secret techniques" that can help you overcome this probability barrier and dramatically improve your acquisition efficiency.
In this article, the editorial team of game media "Game-Rack" analyzes why obtaining the "Giant's Sword" is so difficult and then thoroughly explains three specific techniques to overcome the number of attempts and the probability barrier. By reading this article, your challenge will transform from a blind grind into an efficient hunt based on a clear strategy.
The Appearance Rules of Super Starman That 99% Don't Know
First, you need to understand how to efficiently encounter your target, "Super Starman." Only Super Starman appearing in the latter half of the Stonehenge Base drops the "Giant's Sword." And importantly, this enemy will never appear again once you defeat the base's boss, "Starman Deluxe." This means your attempt has a time limit.
Simply wandering aimlessly will increase encounters with other enemies, reducing time efficiency. Among veteran players, a rule of thumb has been passed down that Super Starman tends to appear with certain enemies. In particular, it is said that they appear relatively often with enemies like "Atomic Power Robot" and "Domain Senior." By switching floors to respawn enemy symbols and aiming to engage these specific enemy symbols, you can expect to slightly increase your encounter rate.
Optimal Equipment to Shorten Battle Time and Maximize Attempts
To overcome the 1/128 drop rate barrier, increasing the number of battle attempts is ultimately the most reliable path. To do this, shortening each battle's duration is key.
Super Starman has high HP and uses powerful PSI, so relying solely on normal attacks tends to be time-consuming. Here, Jeff's "Pencil Rocket 20" is effective. This item can be purchased from the man in sunglasses in the Fourside desert and deals massive damage to enemies. If successful, you might even defeat Super Starman in one hit. Paula's "PK Freeze Ω" is also a very effective damage source. Aim to unleash these powerful attacks at the start of battle to end it in one turn. If your PP runs out, you can even use "PSI Magnet," which Super Starman uses, to restore it.
Save & Load Technique That Exploits the Drop Determination Mechanism
In "MOTHER2," whether an enemy will drop an item is determined the moment the battle begins. By exploiting this mechanism, you can reduce unnecessary battles.
A specific method involves utilizing Jeff's "Check" command. When a battle starts, first have Jeff use "Check." If Super Starman is carrying the "Giant's Sword," you will obtain the item immediately. If not, you can simply choose "Run Away" to end the battle without gaining experience. This allows you to avoid unintended level-ups, especially Ness reaching level 99 before crucial late-game events.
While these techniques are certainly effective, there might be even more efficient procedures depending on the game version or playstyle. If you want to avoid detours, it's safest to reinforce your knowledge with a strategy guide that covers more detailed data.
Which is Truly More Efficient? A Comparison of Hunting Grounds Inside and Outside Stonehenge
Super Starman only appears in the Stonehenge Base area, but are there more efficient hunting grounds even within it? There are slight differences in enemy appearance patterns between the area near the base entrance and the deeper areas. Let's compare the pros and cons of each.
| Area | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Near the base entrance (immediately after exiting the cave) | Easy to switch floors, allowing for quick resetting of enemy symbols. | Impression that other enemies appear slightly more often than Super Starman. |
| Near the deepest part of the base | Super Starman's appearance rate is perceived to be higher. | Far from save points, and switching floors takes more time. |
While both have their pros and cons, it's generally recommended to stick to the area near the entrance where it's easy to switch floors and repeatedly use "Check" and "Run Away," as this reduces mental burden. Considering the possibility of a long grind, finding a style that suits you is important.
Poo's Training Guide to Becoming the Strongest After Acquisition
Once you finally obtain the "Giant's Sword" after much effort, Poo's abilities will dramatically improve. Poo is a unique character whose stats typically decrease when equipping weapons, but the "Giant's Sword" is the only equipment that purely boosts his attack power.
The "Giant's Sword" grants +30 attack power. This transforms Poo's regular attack, "Bash," into a powerful damage source. Poo, who previously focused on PSI support, can now also excel as a frontline physical attacker. Equipped with this sword, Poo will become a reliable presence not only in the battle against the final boss but also in subsequent adventures. It's no exaggeration to say that the long item hunt was all for this moment.
Also Recommended: MOTHER2 Is Not Just a Retro Game: Why It Continues to Captivate Creators Worldwide
