Can You Keep Playing Zelda After You Beat It? The Definitive Answer
Yes and no. It’s a bit of a Zelda paradox, a loop woven into the very fabric of Hyrule itself. When you defeat Ganondorf (or Calamity Ganon in Breath of the Wild), the game doesn’t actually let you continue in a post-Ganon Hyrule. Instead, you are returned to your last save point before the final boss battle, effectively allowing you to reload into a world where Ganon is still a threat lurking, ready to be defeated.
Think of it as a time loop, a perpetual state of just-before-victory. The narrative concludes, credits roll, and you receive some minor in-game acknowledgements of your accomplishment (like a star on your save file or Kilton’s medals), but Hyrule itself remains unchanged, its fate perpetually hanging in the balance until you decide to face the darkness again.
This design choice, consistent across multiple Legend of Zelda titles including Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, might seem counterintuitive at first. Why not let us explore a Hyrule free from Ganon’s influence? The reasoning likely stems from a combination of factors: narrative cohesion, gameplay consistency, and the inherent replayability the Zelda series thrives on.
A truly “post-Ganon” Hyrule would necessitate significant changes to the game world. Towns might rebuild, NPCs would have new dialogue, and new quests could emerge. While conceptually appealing, this would require a massive amount of development resources and potentially fragment the player experience. Imagine returning to a town after defeating Ganon, only to find that all the side quests you missed are now unavailable. The game world would also become dramatically less challenging, removing many incentives to explore and improve your character.
By returning players to a pre-Ganon state, the game maintains its replay value. You can tackle those unfinished side quests, collect those remaining Korok seeds, and explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule without feeling rushed or constrained by the impending final battle. The challenge remains, the world remains dynamic, and the potential for discovery remains high. You can always go back and experience the climatic battle.
This system also ensures that any downloadable content (DLC) is seamlessly integrated into the main game experience. DLC often adds new areas, quests, and challenges that are best experienced before facing the final boss. Locking them behind a post-Ganon state would limit their accessibility and impact.
So, while you don’t get to roam a Hyrule permanently cleansed of evil, you do get the satisfaction of victory, a few small rewards, and the freedom to continue exploring and progressing your character in a world that is perpetually poised on the brink of salvation. The adventure continues; you just have to rewind time a little bit. The game rewards you with some minor accomplishments to your inventory (like a completion percentage) which is great for collectors. You can go back and collect items and upgrade them to the maximum level to achieve true mastery of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Playing Zelda After Beating the Game
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify what happens after you beat a Legend of Zelda game, specifically focusing on Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom:
1. Can I Still Explore Hyrule After Defeating Ganon?
Yes, but you’ll be doing so from a save point before the final battle. You can revisit any location, complete any remaining quests, and continue exploring as if Ganon is still waiting to be defeated.
2. Does Beating Ganon Change the Game World?
No, the game world remains essentially the same. Towns don’t rebuild automatically, NPCs retain their original dialogue, and the overall state of Hyrule remains unchanged.
3. What’s the Point of Beating Ganon If Nothing Changes?
The point is narrative closure and the satisfaction of completing the main storyline. You also receive minor in-game rewards like a star on your save file and the ability to track your completion percentage.
4. Can I Access DLC After Beating Ganon?
Yes, you can access all DLC content from your pre-Ganon save file. This is the intended way to experience DLC, as it’s designed to enhance the overall game experience rather than being a post-game add-on.
5. Do I Get to Keep the Bow of Light After Defeating Ganon?
Normally, no. The Bow of Light is a temporary weapon used during the final battle and disappears afterward. However, glitches have been found in the game code that allow it to stay in your inventory.
6. Does Beating Ganon Unlock Anything Significant?
Yes, beating Ganon unlocks completion percentage tracking on your map and save file. In Breath of the Wild, it also unlocks Kilton’s medals for defeating specific types of enemies. Items from enemies also provide a bonus.
7. Can I Fight Ganon Again After Beating Him?
Yes, simply load your pre-Ganon save file and return to Hyrule Castle (or the Demon King’s lair in Tears of the Kingdom) to initiate the final battle again.
8. What Happens If I Beat Ganon Multiple Times?
The result is the same each time: you’re returned to your pre-Ganon save file with updated completion data. There are no cumulative rewards or changes to the game world.
9. Should I Complete All Side Quests Before Fighting Ganon?
It’s entirely up to you. Completing side quests beforehand will strengthen your character and provide you with valuable resources, but it’s not strictly necessary. You can always complete them afterward from your pre-Ganon save.
10. Does Hyrule Castle Change After Defeating Ganon?
No, Hyrule Castle remains in the same state as it was before the final battle. You can revisit it as many times as you like and refight Ganon without any changes to the environment.
11. Can I Still Upgrade Armor After Beating Ganon?
Yes, you can continue upgrading armor and increasing your character’s stats from your pre-Ganon save file. This is a good way to prepare for tougher challenges in the DLC or simply to maximize your character’s potential.
12. Does Zelda Turn Back Into a Human After Defeating Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes! While Mineru does indicate that draconification is irreversible, Zelda returns to human form after Link defeats Ganondorf. The spirits of Rauru and Sonia assist in the transformation.
13. What is Considered “100% Completion” in Tears of the Kingdom?
While there isn’t an official “100%” marker in the game, many players consider it to include completing all shrines, quests, collecting all Korok seeds, upgrading all armor, and exploring all dungeons, towers, and Lightroots.
14. Is it Better to Play DLC Before or After Beating Ganon?
Generally, it’s recommended to play DLC before defeating Ganon. The DLC content is designed to enhance the overall game experience and provide you with valuable items and abilities that can aid you in the final battle. The Games Learning Society encourages players to explore all aspects of a game for a richer understanding.
15. Are Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom the Same Regarding Post-Ganon Gameplay?
Yes, the fundamental principle is the same. In both games, defeating Ganon returns you to a save state prior to the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring and completing unfinished tasks. The end result is that the Zelda experience is all about the journey.
In conclusion, while you can’t directly continue playing in a post-Ganon Hyrule, the game allows you to explore the world and complete any remaining tasks from a save point right before the final battle. This offers closure, replayability, and seamless integration of DLC content. It’s a Zelda tradition that ensures the adventure never truly ends. This type of open-ended experience helps players develop problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, which are vital for success in many fields, as highlighted by research from the GamesLearningSociety.org.