The Hyrulean Epilogue: Can You Keep Playing Tears of the Kingdom After Ganon?
So, you’ve faced the ultimate evil, vanquished Ganondorf, and witnessed the cinematic glory that follows. But the burning question remains: Can you actually continue playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) after you beat Ganon? The short answer is, well, both yes and no. Let’s delve into the details.
The unfortunate truth is that TOTK does not offer a traditional “post-game” experience. After the credits roll, the game boots you back to the title screen. Loading your save file will transport you to right before the final boss fight, essentially resetting you to the moment before you confronted Ganondorf. This means Hyrule remains in its pre-Ganon defeat state, with all the associated challenges and quests still available.
Think of it this way: beating Ganondorf is less of an ending and more of a reset button that marks your accomplishment. The game acknowledges your victory with a star icon on your save file, showcasing your triumph. However, it keeps the world intact, allowing you to revisit Hyrule and continue exploring, completing side quests, finding collectibles, and generally experiencing everything the game has to offer before the world-altering consequences of Ganondorf’s final defeat.
This might seem disappointing at first, but it actually aligns with the spirit of Tears of the Kingdom. The game isn’t necessarily about reaching a definitive “end” but about the journey – the exploration, the discovery, and the freedom to forge your own path. By keeping the world intact, Nintendo allows you to continue enjoying that journey without fundamentally changing the core gameplay loop. After all, the goal is to continue playing.
This system encourages you to:
- Complete unfinished quests: Did you leave a dozen shrines untouched? Now’s your chance to conquer them.
- Explore every nook and cranny: Hyrule is vast and filled with secrets. Use your newfound (or retained) skills to uncover them all.
- Upgrade your gear: Max out your armor, find the most powerful weapons, and become an unstoppable force.
- Experiment with builds: Fuse different materials to create bizarre and powerful weapons and contraptions.
- Enjoy the world: Simply wander the beautiful landscapes, interact with the quirky characters, and immerse yourself in the Hyrulean experience.
While there’s no new story content after beating Ganon, the sheer breadth of existing content ensures there’s still plenty to do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Tears of the Kingdom after the “ending”:
1. Does defeating Phantom Ganon impact gameplay?
Defeating Phantom Ganon in specific locations, like Hyrule Castle, triggers cutscenes and world changes. For example, more powerful monsters appear, and you’ll be able to complete specific quests like the Secret of the Ring Ruins quest, but it does not unlock a post-game world.
2. Do Blood Moons still happen after defeating Ganon?
Yes, Blood Moons will continue to occur even after defeating Ganon, because when you reload, Ganondorf is not actually defeated. This is because your save file reverts to before the final fight, keeping the game world in its “cursed” state, complete with Blood Moons, Malice, and monsters.
3. What happens if I beat Calamity Ganon multiple times?
While this applies more to Breath of the Wild, the principle is the same in TOTK. There’s no “after.” The game returns you to your last save before the fight. A star icon on your save indicates that you’ve beaten the game, but the world doesn’t change.
4. Where can I find specific items like Majora’s Mask?
Many powerful items, such as Majora’s Mask, are hidden in challenging locations. Majora’s Mask is located in the Floating Coliseum at the coordinates -1551, -1263, -0499, located immediately to the northeast of the Mu-ustust Lightroot.
5. Is there any armor that references past Zelda games?
Yes! Some armor sets, like the Twilight Armor, are throwbacks to previous titles such as Twilight Princess. These are fun collectibles for long-time fans.
6. Will there be more Zelda games after Tears of the Kingdom?
Absolutely. Nintendo has confirmed that Tears of the Kingdom is not the end of the Zelda series. New games are expected to release in the future, potentially on new hardware.
7. Can I retrieve Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?
If you have a Breath of the Wild save file on the same Switch, Epona will automatically appear registered to you after you visit your first Stable.
8. Does Zelda stay a dragon forever?
While it initially seems irreversible, Zelda does transform back into a human after Link defeats Ganondorf during the ending sequence.
9. How do I get the Master Sword?
Obtaining the Master Sword requires sufficient stamina. You’ll need to locate the Light Dragon and mount it. You need two stamina wheels to pull the Master Sword.
10. Is Midna present in Tears of the Kingdom?
While Midna herself isn’t physically present, a piece of gear referencing her is hidden in the Depths, offering a nostalgic nod to Twilight Princess.
11. Is the Triforce visible in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Triforce isn’t explicitly shown during gameplay, but its presence within Zelda is implied. The fact that she uses the Secret Stone may have prevented it from manifesting.
12. Was there ever any intention for DLC in Tears of the Kingdom?
According to Aonuma, they were able to implement everything they wanted to into the game so there will not be any DLC.
13. Where can I find unique armor sets like Ravio’s Hood?
Ravio’s Hood can be found in the Depths, but acquiring it requires overcoming a combat challenge.
14. Are Lynels still in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Lynels remain formidable enemies. There are 34 Lynels in Tears of the Kingdom. The Lynel location maps below show what colors the Lynel were when we encountered them, but they may be different depending on how far you’ve progressed. Red Lynels (HCN 147) are your basic Lynel. Blue-Maned Lynels (HCN 148) are one step up from Red.
15. What is the strongest armor in the game?
The best defensive chest piece is the Champion’s Leathers. The best defensive armor sets are the Soldier Set, Zonai Set, and Wild Set.
Embracing the Cycle: Why No Post-Game Isn’t a Bad Thing
Ultimately, the lack of a traditional post-game in Tears of the Kingdom is a design choice that prioritizes player freedom and continuous exploration. It’s a cycle: beat Ganon, get rewarded with a star, and then jump back in to tackle everything you missed the first time around.
The game prioritizes exploration, experimentation, and the thrill of discovery. The Zelda franchise, as a whole, often focuses on gameplay rather than strict narrative endings. Think of it as a beautiful tapestry woven with countless threads, each representing a quest, a secret, or a moment of pure Hyrulean joy. The “ending” simply allows you to step back and admire the whole creation before diving back in to explore the individual threads more closely.
Want to learn more about the design and impact of video games? Consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). They offer valuable insights into the educational and cultural aspects of gaming.