Can You Skip the Credits in Tears of the Kingdom? Unveiling the Post-Game Secrets

Yes, you can skip the credits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) by pressing the X button. However, while skipping the credits themselves won’t prevent the post-credits scene from playing, certain conditions must be met for that scene to appear. This has led to some confusion among players who haven’t triggered it, thinking they missed out due to skipping the credits. Let’s dive deep into understanding the nuances of the ending and post-game content of this monumental Zelda title.

The Importance of the Post-Credits Scene: The “True” Ending

The “true” ending of Tears of the Kingdom isn’t about changing the course of the story; it’s about adding an extra layer of emotional resonance after the main narrative concludes. This comes in the form of a post-credits scene, a nearly 6-minute cutscene that offers a sense of closure and reflection on Link and Zelda’s journey. While the core events of the game remain the same regardless, this additional scene is a reward for dedicated players who have fully immersed themselves in the world of Hyrule and its rich lore.

Requirements for the Post-Credits Scene

The most common reason players miss the post-credits scene is failing to meet the specific criteria needed to unlock it. The two key requirements are:

• Complete All Main Story Quests: This is a given, as you need to defeat the final boss, Ganondorf, to even reach the credits. Ensuring you’ve tackled every main objective is paramount.

• Unlock All Dragon Tears Memories: This is the crucial element often overlooked. You must find and view all of the Dragon Tears memories by locating the Geoglyphs scattered across Hyrule. These memories provide vital context to Zelda’s journey and are directly tied to the emotional impact of the post-credits scene.

Failing to complete both of these steps may result in missing the post-credits scene entirely.

Post-Game Realities: What Happens After the Credits Roll?

Similar to its predecessor, Breath of the Wild (BotW), Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t offer a traditional post-game in the sense of an altered world state. After defeating Ganondorf and watching the ending sequences, players are returned to the title screen. Loading the game places them right before the final boss fight, allowing them to continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, and discovering its many secrets with all their acquired gear and abilities.

No New Game Plus, But Endless Exploration

Unfortunately, Tears of the Kingdom does not include a New Game Plus mode at launch. While some players may be disappointed, the sheer volume of content and the freedom to explore Hyrule endlessly provides plenty of replayability. You can revisit areas, experiment with different crafting combinations, and challenge yourself with more difficult encounters.

Addressing Player Concerns and Expectations

The decision not to include a “true” post-game world where Hyrule reflects the events after Ganondorf’s defeat stems from a design philosophy that prioritizes player freedom and the impact of the journey itself. The developers have aimed for a narrative that provides closure while allowing players to continue experiencing the world they’ve come to love at their own pace. While some may prefer a post-game with changed story elements, the current system allows for unparalleled exploration and experimentation without altering the core narrative.

Future of Zelda: What’s Next?

While there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom, the Zelda franchise isn’t ending anytime soon. With the expected release of a new Nintendo console in the future, it’s likely that the next mainline Zelda title will be a flagship for the new system. While Tears of the Kingdom may be the current pinnacle of the open-world Zelda formula, the series will undoubtedly continue to evolve and surprise players with fresh and innovative experiences. Consider supporting organizations that study the impact of gaming on society, such as the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tears of the Kingdom’s Ending

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ending and post-game aspects of Tears of the Kingdom, to help clarify any further queries:

1. Can I rewatch the ending cutscenes? You can rewatch the Dragon Tears memories within the game. Other cutscenes can be found on YouTube.
2. What happens if I skip the credits? Skipping the credits does not prevent the post-credits scene from playing, as long as you’ve met the requirements: completing all main story quests and unlocking all Dragon Tears memories.
3. How do I get the “true” ending in Tears of the Kingdom? Get all main quests finished plus unlock the Dragon Tears.
4. Is there a secret ending in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, after the credits roll, there is a secret ending that occurs.
5. Does Tears of the Kingdom have a New Game Plus? No, Tears of the Kingdom does not have a New Game Plus mode at launch.
6. Can you see Zelda after beating Ganon in TotK? No, there is no way to continue the story of the game after beating Ganon. You’re taken back to the title screen.
7. Why is Link shirtless at the end of Tears of the Kingdom? This emphasizes the restoration of his original arm after his journey.
8. Why did Zelda turn into a dragon? To preserve the Master Sword and allow it to recover its power over millennia.
9. Does Zelda turn back from a dragon? Yes, Zelda returns to her human form after Link defeats Ganondorf.
10. Who is the final boss in Tears of the Kingdom? The final boss is Ganondorf.
11. How many shrines are in TOTK? There are 152 shrines in total – 120 on the surface and 32 in the sky islands.
12. How long does it take to 100% Tears of the Kingdom? Approximately 139 hours based on streamer SmallAnt.
13. Will Tears of the Kingdom be longer than Breath of the Wild? Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger and offers more content.
14. Will Tears of the Kingdom bring back dungeons? Yes, traditional-style dungeons return in Tears of the Kingdom.
15. Will there be DLC in Tears of the Kingdom? Nintendo has stated that there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.

By understanding the mechanics of the ending and the requirements for the post-credits scene, you can ensure a satisfying conclusion to your Tears of the Kingdom adventure. Enjoy your journey through Hyrule, and may your experience be as enriching as the developers intended.