Does Anything Change After Beating Tears of the Kingdom?

The short answer is: not really, but also, yes, subtly. Tears of the Kingdom follows in the footsteps of Breath of the Wild in that it doesn’t offer a traditional “post-game” state. You won’t be running around a Hyrule where Ganondorf is definitively defeated and the world acknowledges your victory in a tangible way. Instead, the game gently nudges you back to before the final battle, giving you the freedom to continue exploring and completing everything you might have missed, now armed with the satisfaction of having saved Hyrule (at least, in your personal timeline).

However, that’s not to say that nothing changes. Beating Ganondorf does unlock some key elements and perspectives that enrich your continued gameplay. Let’s delve into the details.

What Really Unlocks After the Final Boss?

While the story doesn’t fundamentally alter, here’s what you can expect:

• Starred Save File: The most immediate change is the star that appears on your save file. This is a clear visual indicator that you’ve conquered the main questline.
• Completion Percentage: Perhaps the most significant addition is the completion percentage displayed on your map. This percentage tracks your progress across a range of activities, encouraging you to fully explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule. It factors in things like:
  • Shrines Discovered and Completed
  • Korok Seeds Collected
  • Locations Discovered
  • Side Quests and Adventures Completed
• Kilton’s Medals: You can now receive medals from Kilton for defeating all of the different overworld bosses. This includes Hinox, Stone Talus and Molduga.

The completion percentage is the real game-changer. It provides a clear, measurable goal for completionists and encourages players to revisit areas they might have overlooked. It adds a layer of replayability, turning exploration into a focused objective. This also serves as a point of pride, allowing you to truly showcase how thoroughly you’ve explored this vast Hyrule.

The Value of Continued Exploration

Even without a traditional post-game, Tears of the Kingdom offers a massive world brimming with content. Here’s why you might want to keep playing after defeating Ganondorf:

• Completionism: The completion percentage provides a tangible goal for those who want to experience everything the game has to offer. Finding all the Korok Seeds, completing every side quest, and discovering every location becomes a rewarding pursuit.
• Gear and Upgrades: Many players use the post-game to hunt for specific armor sets, upgrade their existing gear to maximum levels, and experiment with different weapon fusions and crafting recipes. The strongest gear and optimal builds often require significant time and resource investment.
• Creative Freedom: With the main quest resolved, you’re free to experiment with the game’s building mechanics without the pressure of imminent peril. You can create elaborate vehicles, construct intricate bases, and generally push the limits of what’s possible with the game’s systems. This sandbox nature is core to the Games Learning Society‘s understanding of how games facilitate creativity.
• Combat Challenges: The world is still filled with challenging enemies and formidable bosses. Perfecting your combat skills, experimenting with different strategies, and tackling optional challenges provides a satisfying test of your abilities.
• Discovering Secrets: Even after hundreds of hours, Tears of the Kingdom likely holds secrets you haven’t uncovered. Exploring off the beaten path, interacting with NPCs, and experimenting with different approaches can lead to unexpected discoveries and hidden rewards.
• “True” Ending: Obtaining the “True” Ending requires completing certain side quests and unlocking specific memories. This provides a narrative incentive to explore the world and piece together the full story.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Post-Ganondorf Gameplay

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify what happens after you beat Tears of the Kingdom:

1. Is there a New Game Plus mode in Tears of the Kingdom?

No, Tears of the Kingdom does not feature a New Game Plus mode. You cannot carry over your equipment, upgrades, or abilities to a new playthrough.

2. Can I keep playing after beating Ganondorf?

Yes, after the final boss fight, you are returned to the title screen. You can then load your starred save file, which places you back in the game before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring and completing side quests.

3. What is the reward for completing all shrines?

Completing all 152 shrines unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a unique armor piece that functions as a complete set. It enhances your abilities and provides a distinct aesthetic.

4. Does anything change in the world after defeating Ganondorf?

No, the world state does not change in a significant way. NPCs do not acknowledge your victory, and the overall narrative remains the same.

5. Can I still find Korok Seeds after beating the game?

Yes, you can still collect all 1,000 Korok Seeds after defeating Ganondorf. The completion percentage encourages this pursuit.

6. What do I get for finding all the Korok Seeds?

Finding all 1,000 Korok Seeds and returning them to Hestu rewards you with Hestu’s Gift, which is… another golden poop. Hestu will also dance anytime you want him to.

7. Does Tears of the Kingdom have multiple endings?

Yes, Tears of the Kingdom has a “True” Ending, which is an extended cutscene that you get for completing all the main quests.

8. What is the strongest armor in Tears of the Kingdom?

The Champion’s Leathers are considered the best chest armor. Other armor pieces like the Soldier Set, Zonai Set and Wild Set provide high defense and are worth investing in.

9. What are some side quests worth doing?

Many side quests are worthwhile for their rewards, stories, and world-building. Some notable examples include:

• Bring Peace To Hyrule Field
• Who Goes There
• Hestu’s Concerns
• Serenade To A Great Fairy
• The Incomplete Stable
• Team Cece Or Team Reede
• Mattison’s Independence

10. How many Koroks are actually required to fully upgrade inventory?

You do not need all 1000 Koroks to fully upgrade inventory slots. The amount required to fully upgrade inventory slots are as follows:

• First Row: 1, 2, 3
• Second Row: 5, 8, 10
• Third Row: 12, 15, 18

This adds up to 44 Korok seeds needed to fully upgrade one type of inventory.

11. Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last Zelda game?

While the ending may feel conclusive, the Zelda franchise is highly successful, making it unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be the last entry.

12. Is it necessary to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?

No, while Breath of the Wild provides context and familiarity with the world, it is not essential to enjoy Tears of the Kingdom.

13. What is the best quest in Tears of the Kingdom?

Subjectively, many players consider “Mattison’s Independence” to be one of the best quests due to its emotional narrative and rewarding conclusion.

14. Can Zelda turn back from a dragon?

Yes, after Link defeats Ganondorf, Zelda is able to return to her human form with the help of Rauru and Sonia’s spirits.

15. How do I get Phantom Armor?

The Phantom Armor is found in a chest in the Tamio River Downstream Cave, located on the northeastern base of the Gerudo Highlands.