Does Breath of the Wild Ever Truly End? Unpacking the Endings, Post-Game, and More
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Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a definitive ending after you defeat Calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle. However, the game doesn’t technically progress past that point. Instead, it returns you to just before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, shrines, and collecting items, but now with a special star on your save file to mark your victory. This design choice lets players experience the satisfaction of beating the game while still providing the freedom to achieve true 100% completion.
Exploring the Ending and What Comes After
The ending sequence itself is satisfying, culminating in the defeat of Calamity Ganon and a touching reunion between Link and Zelda. Depending on how many memories you’ve unlocked throughout the game, you might even see a slightly different, “true” ending cutscene after the credits.
But don’t expect a drastically altered Hyrule after the credits roll. The world state remains unchanged. The monsters respawn, the Blood Moons still rise, and Hyrule is still in need of rebuilding. This can be a bit of a shock for players expecting a traditional post-game world.
However, this design choice also allows for unparalleled replayability. You can experiment with different weapons, armor sets, and strategies without worrying about overwriting your completed game. You can tackle challenges in a different order, explore areas you might have missed, and truly master the game mechanics.
Ultimately, the “end” of Breath of the Wild is more of a marker than a full stop. It signifies your triumph over the main antagonist, but it doesn’t restrict you from continuing your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breath of the Wild Endings and Post-Game
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the ending of Breath of the Wild, the post-game experience, and related topics:
1. How many endings are there in Breath of the Wild?
Technically, there are two endings: the standard ending, which you get after defeating Calamity Ganon, and a “true” ending. The difference lies in a short, additional cutscene that plays after the credits of the standard ending.
2. How do I unlock the “true” ending?
To unlock the true ending, you need to find and unlock all of Link’s forgotten memories. These memories are scattered throughout Hyrule and are triggered by interacting with specific locations marked on the in-game map. Finding all memories provides added context to the story, enhances your emotional connection to the characters, and unlocks a slightly longer ending sequence.
3. Can I still play after beating Ganon?
Yes! After defeating Calamity Ganon, the game returns you to your last save point before the final battle. This allows you to continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, shrines, and collecting items. Your save file will have a star on it indicating that you have defeated Ganon.
4. Do I keep the Bow of Light after beating Ganon?
No, the Bow of Light is a temporary weapon given to you during the final battle against Dark Beast Ganon. Once the battle is over, the Bow of Light disappears. However, due to a possible memory storage glitch, some players have retained it.
5. What happens when you defeat Ganon twice?
Nothing different happens if you beat Calamity Ganon multiple times. Each time you defeat him, the game returns you to your last save before the battle, with a star on your save file indicating that you’ve won.
6. Is there a post-credit scene in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, there are two stingers after the credits. The first shows Link and Zelda together at the castle after defeating Ganon. The second one is the “true” ending, which plays only if you’ve unlocked all of Link’s memories.
7. Does the world change after defeating Ganon?
No, the world state remains the same. Hyrule Castle reverts to its pre-battle state, monsters respawn, and the Blood Moons continue to occur.
8. What should I do after beating Breath of the Wild?
There are numerous things you can do after defeating Calamity Ganon:
- Complete all remaining shrines.
- Finish all side quests and shrine quests.
- Collect all Korok Seeds.
- Upgrade all your armor to the maximum level.
- Complete the Hyrule Compendium.
- Find all weapons and shields.
- Defeat all Hinox, Stalnox, Molduga and Lynels.
- Explore any areas you haven’t fully explored yet.
9. Do Blood Moons still happen after defeating Ganon?
Yes, Blood Moons still occur after defeating Calamity Ganon. They are a fundamental game mechanic that respawns enemies and resources, ensuring that the world remains challenging and dynamic.
10. What does the star on my save file mean?
The star on your save file indicates that you have successfully defeated Calamity Ganon at least once.
11. Can I go back to my pre-Ganon save?
Yes, the game loads back to your last save before you fought Calamity Ganon, allowing you to continue from where you left off.
12. Is there a DLC for Breath of the Wild?
Yes, there are two DLC packs available for Breath of the Wild as part of the Expansion Pass:
- The Master Trials: Includes the Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, Hero’s Path Mode, Travel Medallion, and new armor.
- The Champions’ Ballad: Adds a new story campaign focusing on the four Champions, new shrines, and the Master Cycle Zero.
13. How many hearts should I have before fighting Ganon?
While there’s no set number, it’s generally recommended to have at least 13-20 Heart Containers before facing Calamity Ganon. This will give you a decent buffer against his attacks. Having the Master Sword and upgraded armor also helps significantly.
14. Does Zelda turn back from a dragon in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Zelda does return to her human form in Tears of the Kingdom after Link defeats Ganondorf, with the help of the spirits of Rauru and Sonia.
15. Is there going to be DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Eiji Aonuma has confirmed that there will not be any DLC for Tears of the Kingdom, stating that they were able to implement all of the elements that they wanted to achieve in this world and this story.
The Enduring Appeal of Breath of the Wild
While Breath of the Wild may not offer a traditional post-game experience, its unique approach to endings and replayability has contributed significantly to its enduring appeal. The game encourages exploration, experimentation, and personal storytelling, allowing players to create their own adventures long after the credits have rolled. The non-linear game-play design also offers opportunities for Games Learning Society members and researchers to continue experimenting.
The game leaves the player free to continue exploring, experimenting, and discovering, making it a truly timeless experience. It’s a testament to the power of open-world design and its ability to captivate and engage players long after the final boss has been defeated. You can find further information on GamesLearningSociety.org.