Does Breath of the Wild Have Multiple Endings?
Yes, Breath of the Wild does technically have two endings: a “standard” ending you receive upon defeating Calamity Ganon and a “true” ending that requires completing specific in-game criteria before facing the final boss. The true ending builds upon the standard ending, providing additional closure and a slightly different cinematic.
Understanding the Endings of Hyrule
Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda franchise with its open-world design and nonlinear gameplay. This freedom extends to the game’s conclusion, although the concept of “multiple endings” within the context of BotW is somewhat nuanced. While the core narrative arc remains consistent, the game offers a more complete resolution if certain conditions are met. Let’s delve into what constitutes each ending and how to achieve them.
The Standard Ending: Defeating Calamity Ganon
The standard ending is triggered by directly confronting and defeating Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle. Regardless of how many Divine Beasts you’ve liberated or side quests you’ve completed, defeating Ganon will always result in this base ending. You’ll see a cutscene featuring Link and Princess Zelda, where they discuss the future of Hyrule. This ending provides a sense of accomplishment but leaves some narrative threads unresolved. It marks the defeat of evil but hints at a greater journey ahead.
The True Ending: Unlocking the Rest of the Story
The true ending, often referred to as the “complete” or “extended” ending, becomes available after fulfilling a specific prerequisite: recovering all of Princess Zelda’s thirteen lost memories. These memories are scattered throughout Hyrule, visualized as glowing spots in the environment. Finding each memory involves traveling to the location depicted in the corresponding photo within Link’s Sheikah Slate and interacting with the glowing spot.
Once all thirteen memories have been recovered, defeating Calamity Ganon triggers the true ending. This ending includes additional scenes that provide more context to Zelda’s struggle, her relationship with Link, and a stronger sense of closure for their journey. The added scenes enhance the emotional impact of the conclusion and offer a more satisfying resolution to the game’s overarching narrative.
Comparing the Two Endings
The key difference between the two endings lies in the additional cinematic sequences included in the true ending. The standard ending feels somewhat abrupt, leaving the player with lingering questions and a sense of incompleteness. The true ending, on the other hand, provides answers, reinforces the bond between Link and Zelda, and paints a more hopeful picture for Hyrule’s future.
Essentially, the standard ending represents the culmination of Link’s primary mission – to defeat Ganon. The true ending, however, delves deeper into the emotional and narrative heart of the game, offering a more complete and emotionally resonant experience.
Why Seek the True Ending?
While the standard ending is perfectly acceptable, the true ending significantly enhances the player’s understanding and appreciation of Breath of the Wild’s story. Recovering Zelda’s memories adds layers of depth to her character, reveals crucial backstory, and strengthens the emotional connection between the player and the characters.
Furthermore, unlocking the true ending demonstrates a deeper level of engagement with the game world and its narrative. It signifies that the player has explored Hyrule extensively, discovered its secrets, and fully immersed themselves in its story. For dedicated players, achieving the true ending is a badge of honor and a testament to their dedication.
FAQs About Breath of the Wild Endings
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the nuances of Breath of the Breath of the Wild endings:
1. Do I have to beat all the Divine Beasts to get the True Ending?
No, you do not have to beat all the Divine Beasts to get the True Ending. While conquering the Divine Beasts weakens Calamity Ganon, making the final battle easier, the only requirement for the True Ending is collecting all 13 memories.
2. Does the order I collect the memories in matter?
The order in which you collect the memories doesn’t matter. The game keeps track of which memories you’ve found, and as long as you have all 13 before defeating Ganon, you’ll trigger the True Ending.
3. How do I find all the memories?
Finding all the memories involves deciphering clues from Impa and Purah, primarily through photos on the Sheikah Slate. Look for familiar landmarks in the photos and compare them to the in-game world. There are also numerous online guides available to assist you in locating the memory locations.
4. What happens if I defeat Ganon before getting all the memories?
If you defeat Ganon before collecting all 13 memories, you’ll see the standard ending. Your save file will then be marked with a star, indicating that you’ve defeated Ganon. You can reload this save file and continue exploring Hyrule to find the remaining memories and fight Ganon again for the True Ending.
5. Can I get both endings on the same save file?
Yes, you can get both endings on the same save file. The game doesn’t prevent you from re-fighting Ganon after achieving either ending. Reloading the save after either ending puts you right before the final boss fight, allowing you to collect the remaining memories (if necessary) and try again.
6. Does the True Ending change anything about the gameplay after beating Ganon?
No, the True Ending doesn’t significantly alter the gameplay after beating Ganon. The game reloads to the point just before the final battle. You can continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, and upgrading your gear. Hyrule will still be in a state of recovery, not fully restored.
7. Does completing the Champion’s Ballad DLC affect the endings?
Completing the Champion’s Ballad DLC does not directly affect the standard or true endings. It does add new story content and a powerful new weapon, but the requirements for the endings remain the same (defeating Ganon and collecting memories).
8. Are there any other requirements besides the 13 memories for the True Ending?
No, there are no other requirements besides collecting all 13 memories before defeating Ganon to unlock the True Ending. No specific sidequests or equipment are needed.
9. Are the cutscenes for each ending dramatically different?
While both endings share core scenes, the True Ending includes additional scenes that provide crucial context and emotional closure. The difference is significant enough to warrant collecting the memories.
10. What if I miss one of the memories? Is there a way to find it easily?
If you’re struggling to find a specific memory, check your Sheikah Slate photos. Each photo corresponds to a memory location. Consult online guides and maps, comparing the photo’s landmarks to the game world.
11. Is it worth getting the True Ending, or is the standard ending good enough?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. However, the True Ending offers a significantly more complete and satisfying conclusion to the story, providing deeper insights into the characters and the world of Hyrule. If you enjoyed the game and want the full narrative experience, it’s highly recommended.
12. Can I unlock the memories in Master Mode?
Yes, the memories can be unlocked in Master Mode in exactly the same way as in normal mode. There are no differences in memory locations or requirements.
13. Does finding all the Korok Seeds affect the ending?
No, finding all the Korok Seeds does not affect either ending. It’s a completionist task that rewards you with Hestu’s gift, but it doesn’t tie into the main narrative or alter the endings.
14. Are there any hidden cutscenes or secrets after beating Ganon in either ending?
There are no major hidden cutscenes or secrets that are unlocked only after beating Ganon. The True Ending cutscene is the most significant reward for completing the necessary requirements.
15. Will there be a sequel where the endings will connect?
Tears of the Kingdom is the official sequel to Breath of the Wild. While the endings themselves aren’t explicitly referenced as diverging timelines, certain events and character developments in Tears of the Kingdom seem to build upon the emotional resolution provided by Breath of the Wild’s True Ending.