Tide Master
What it is
The Tide Master fights at a quick, even tempo and controls the space around itself. Its signature sends a wave outward and then pulls an undertow back in, so you have to move in and then back out. It has 22 named techniques. It raises its guard after every third attack.
At the start of the trial it tells you its lesson: step inside its wave, then back out before the undertow pulls.
How to get it
Sneak and use a wandering duelist who breathes Tide, or type /master challenge tide. You need Aura Form or Heart Circle VIII. See Sword Masters for the full trial rules.
Tide students gather at the Waterfall Shrine, a hall it shares with Rime. Look for it in snowy plains, taiga, groves and slopes. To reach it, hop the ledges up to the cliff alcove. See Masters sites.
Undertow Ring
Two beats around the Master. The banner reads “Step inside the wave, then back out past the undertow!”
- The Master uses it when you’re 2 to 6 blocks away and about level with it. It stands still while it casts.
- Two rings are drawn around it: a pale inner ring and an outer warning ring.
| Beat | Lands at | Area | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | 0.7 s | 2.5 to 6.5 blocks from the Master | 26 |
| Undertow | 1.4 s | Within 3.5 blocks of the Master | 26 |
One ring can’t deal you more than 52.5 damage before armor.
The cleanest answer is in, then out. Step inside 2.5 blocks before the wave lands, then back out past 3.5 blocks before the undertow. Staying more than 6.5 blocks away also avoids both beats. Jumping doesn’t help, but solid blocks between you and the Master shield you. The Master is open for about 0.8 seconds after the undertow. It can’t use the ring again for 7.5 seconds.
Other moves
- Techniques: chains of two to four strikes. Wind-ups take about 0.6 to 0.7 seconds, and the Master stays open for 0.7 to 0.8 seconds after each one. Its finisher is Last Tide. See Reading a Master.
- Pursuit dash: if you hold a spell too long, it may dash up to 4.8 blocks at you, at most once every 7 seconds.
- Crescent volley: it throws flying blades if you stay more than 6 blocks away or well above or below it.
Rewards for a clear
- Your first Tide clear teaches the Wave technique part.
- The Tide Master has no Master Form.
The breathing method
The Master teaches Tide Breath, a brine method. Coated blows push the target back and soak it. Its arts unlock as your Aura grows:
| Stage | Art |
|---|---|
| Glow | Riptide Cut |
| Flow | Breaker |
| Edge | Whirlpool (a counter) |
| Form | Surge |
| Sovereign | Maelstrom |
Full details are on Breathing methods.
Tips and counterplay
- The two beats are only 0.7 seconds apart. Step in as soon as the rings appear.
- Backing far away is safe, but then you’re too far away to strike while it’s open.
- If there’s a pillar or wall nearby, putting it between you and the Master works too.
- The Tide Master guards after every third attack. Flank it or use an axe.