Yes, Hyrule Has Fallen (Fast!): The Speedrunning Phenomenon of Tears of the Kingdom
The dust has barely settled in Hyrule, and the echoes of Ganondorf’s defeat are still fresh, but yes, absolutely, players have conquered The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). In fact, they’ve not just beaten it; they’ve obliterated it, at least in terms of speedrunning records. The game was defeated in a breath-taking 94 minutes after its initial release.
Speedrunning Tears: The Race to Beat Hyrule
The launch of a major Zelda title is always a seismic event in the gaming world, but it also marks the start of a different kind of race: the speedrunning competition. Speedrunning is the art of completing a game as quickly as possible, often using glitches, sequence breaks, and optimized routes to shave off every possible second. Tears of the Kingdom, with its vast open world, intricate mechanics, and myriad possibilities, presented a unique and compelling challenge for speedrunners.
MrGymnast86, a prominent Zelda speedrunner, was among the first to break the 94-minute barrier, showcasing the potential for incredibly fast completion times. This initial run, achieved so soon after the game’s release, sent shockwaves through the speedrunning community and ignited a fierce competition to optimize routes and discover new strategies.
Speedruns are typically categorized:
- Any%: This category allows runners to complete the game by any means necessary, often skipping large portions of the story and utilizing glitches to reach the final boss as quickly as possible. The 94-minute run mentioned above falls into this category.
- 100%: This category requires runners to complete every aspect of the game, including all quests, collectibles, and upgrades. This is a much more time-consuming and demanding category.
- Glitchless: As the name suggests, this category prohibits the use of glitches, forcing runners to rely on skill and optimized gameplay to achieve fast times.
The current record for the Any% category is an astounding 20 minutes 47 seconds speedrun by gymnast86 in the any% (No Restrictions) category.
Beyond Speed: Exploring Hyrule’s Depths
While speedrunning dominates the headlines, it’s important to remember that Tears of the Kingdom offers a vast and rewarding experience for players who prefer a more leisurely pace. With a massive open world, intricate crafting system, and compelling storyline, the game is designed to be explored and savored. It took Twitch streamer SmallAnt requiring just 139 hours, five minutes, and 19 seconds to 100 percent completion of the game. The surface of Hyrule contains 120 shrines, and the last 32 shrines are scattered about the Sky Islands high overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tears of the Kingdom
1. What happens after you beat Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to Breath of the Wild, there is no true “post-game” in Tears of the Kingdom. After defeating the final boss and viewing the ending cutscenes, you’re returned to the title screen. Your save file will now have a star indicating completion, and you can continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, and discovering secrets.
2. Who is the final boss in Tears of the Kingdom?
The final boss in Tears of the Kingdom is Ganondorf, the Demon King. Link faces him after preparing for the confrontation throughout the game’s story.
3. Is there a true ending to TOTK?
Yes, there is a “true” ending. To unlock it, you need to find all the Geoglyphs and view their memories. This unlocks an additional six-minute cutscene after the credits.
4. Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last Zelda game?
Absolutely not. Nintendo has no plans to end the Zelda series with Tears of the Kingdom. While the next mainline game may be designed for a Switch successor or perhaps even a dual release, the Zelda franchise is far from over.
5. Will there be a sequel to TOTK?
While a direct sequel to Tears of the Kingdom is unlikely, given how well the game concludes its storyline, Nintendo may choose to explore new timelines and stories within the Zelda universe in future games.
6. What changes after defeating Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom?
After defeating Ganondorf, your save file will be marked with a star. You’ll also see a completion percentage on your map, tracking your progress in exploring locations, finding collectibles, and completing quests.
7. Is Tears of the Kingdom longer than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger than Breath of the Wild. With the addition of the Sky Islands and the Depths, which is the size of the full surface map, the game offers significantly more content and exploration opportunities.
8. Is Zelda Tears of the Kingdom harder?
Tears of the Kingdom can be more challenging than Breath of the Wild, especially in terms of enemy damage. Many new enemies can defeat Link in a single hit. Gloom, a new environmental hazard, also poses a significant threat to Link’s health.
9. How well did Tears of the Kingdom sell?
Tears of the Kingdom has been a massive commercial success, selling over 18.5 million copies since its release.
10. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Considering the timeline and the events of Breath of the Wild, Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom.
11. Are Ganon and Ganondorf the same person?
Yes, Ganon and Ganondorf refer to the same entity. Ganondorf is the human Gerudo form, while Ganon refers to the villain’s beast form.
12. What happens to Zelda after TotK?
After finding all the Geoglyphs and viewing their memories, it’s revealed that Zelda traveled back in time using a Secret Stone and became trapped in the past, contributing to the founding of Hyrule. Defeating Ganondorf allows her to return to her human form.
13. Is Zelda and Link in love?
The relationship between Zelda and Link varies across different Zelda games. While there may be hints of romance in some installments, their relationship is generally platonic or professional.
14. Is the Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Triforce doesn’t directly manifest in Tears of the Kingdom. However, it’s implied that its power is still present within Zelda, as evidenced by her magical abilities.
15. Is Tears of the Kingdom going to have DLC?
As of now, Nintendo has stated that there are no current plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. However, this could change in the future.
The Enduring Legacy of Zelda
Tears of the Kingdom is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its impact extends far beyond the realm of entertainment, influencing art, music, and even education. The game’s open-world design, intricate mechanics, and compelling narrative have inspired countless players to explore, create, and connect with others.
The spirit of innovation and exploration that defines the Zelda series also resonates with the values of educational initiatives like the Games Learning Society. This highlights the potential of games to engage learners, foster creativity, and promote critical thinking. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunner or a casual explorer, Tears of the Kingdom offers a vast and rewarding experience that will captivate you for hours on end. The journey through Hyrule is one filled with wonder, challenge, and ultimately, triumph. The kingdom, it turns out, can be saved, even if it takes less than an hour for some exceptionally skilled players. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a world to explore (at a slightly slower pace).