Has Anyone Conquered Hyrule Again? Exploring Tears of the Kingdom Completion
Absolutely! The world of Hyrule has once again yielded to the tenacity of gamers. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been thoroughly, and in some cases, unbelievably, completed by numerous players since its release. From speedrunners blazing through the main storyline in record time to completionists meticulously uncovering every secret, challenge, and Korok seed, the game has been conquered on multiple fronts. Let’s delve into the specifics of what constitutes “completion” and celebrate some of the amazing feats achieved thus far.
Speedrunning to Victory: Beating the Game in Record Time
The immediate aftermath of Tears of the Kingdom’s release saw a flurry of activity in the speedrunning community. Players dedicated to completing the game as fast as possible began experimenting with different routes, glitches, and strategies. One notable achievement was the speedrun completion in just 94 minutes. These speedruns often involve exploiting in-game mechanics and skipping large portions of the intended gameplay. Such dedication highlights the ingenuity and mastery of the game possessed by these players. Another gamer even completed the game without stepping foot on the Surface of Hyrule.
The 100% Completion Quest: Unveiling Every Secret
For some, beating the game isn’t enough. The true test lies in achieving 100% completion. This means uncovering every location, completing every quest, finding every collectible, and maximizing Link’s abilities. One streamer, SmallAnt, revealed that he had achieved 100% completion after a staggering 139 hours of gameplay. This feat represents an immense commitment and showcases the depth and breadth of content packed into Tears of the Kingdom. The time required for 100% completion can vary greatly depending on playstyle and prior knowledge, but expect to spend well over 200 hours.
What Constitutes True 100% Completion?
Defining 100% completion can be subjective, but generally, it includes:
- Completing all main story quests
- Completing all side quests and side adventures
- Unlocking all map locations
- Discovering and completing all shrines (152)
- Acquiring all armor pieces and upgrading them to their maximum potential
- Finding all Korok seeds (all 1000)
- Filling the Hyrule Compendium
- Defeating all bosses and mini-bosses
- Completing all challenges and mini-games
Rewards for Dedication: What Do You Get for Completing Everything?
Tears of the Kingdom offers various rewards for players who dedicate themselves to completing specific tasks and challenges.
Ancient Hero’s Aspect
Completing all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom will unlock the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a unique armor item that covers Link’s head, body, and legs. This powerful set provides a significant boost to Link’s combat capabilities. You will receive a message when completing the last shrine to “make your way to the Temple of Time” in order to collect your reward.
Hestu’s Gift
Collecting all 1,000 Korok seeds and returning them to Hestu grants you Hestu’s Gift, a golden item. Additionally, Hestu will perform his signature dance for Link whenever requested.
Robbie’s Fabric
Filling out the Hyrule Compendium rewards players with Robbie’s Fabric, an exclusive paraglider material designed by Robbie himself. This allows players to customize their paraglider with a unique design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to beat Tears of the Kingdom?
The main story of Tears of the Kingdom can take around 59 hours to complete. However, a 100% completion run can take upwards of 236 hours or more, depending on your play style and familiarity with the game.
2. Is Tears of the Kingdom harder than Breath of the Wild?
Many players find Tears of the Kingdom to be more challenging than Breath of the Wild. The enemies are stronger, and the initial tutorial phases can be more demanding, requiring players to adapt quickly to the game’s mechanics.
3. Is the map bigger in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom features a significantly larger map compared to Breath of the Wild. In addition to the surface world of Hyrule, the game introduces the Sky Islands and the Depths, a vast underworld that is roughly the same size as the surface map.
4. Can you continue playing after beating Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to Breath of the Wild, there is no post-Ganon game. After defeating Ganon, you’ll receive a cinematic ending. When you choose to “continue,” you’ll be returned to the point before the final battle, and your save file will be marked with a star to indicate that you’ve completed the game.
5. Is the Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Triforce is not explicitly shown in Tears of the Kingdom. However, its presence is implied through Zelda’s magical abilities and her connection to the divine power. The Secret Stone may be acting as the new manifestation of its power.
6. How many Korok seeds are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 1,000 Korok seeds to collect in Tears of the Kingdom. Since you are rewarded two Korok Seeds for completing the puzzles to return Koroks to their friends, there are actually only 800 Korok Seed locations.
7. What is the reward for finding all Korok seeds?
Finding all 1,000 Korok seeds and returning them to Hestu results in the player receiving Hestu’s Gift, another pile of golden poo. Hestu will also dance whenever Link requests it.
8. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom. He was approximately 117 in Breath of the Wild, and the time between the two games places him at this age range.
9. Which is better, Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom?
Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are exceptional games, and the preference between them is subjective. Breath of the Wild offers a simpler and more streamlined experience, while Tears of the Kingdom builds upon that foundation with expanded mechanics and a more complex world.
10. What happens after you finish Zelda Tears of the Kingdom?
After beating Tears of the Kingdom, you are returned to the title screen. You can load your last save before the final boss fight and continue exploring the world. There is no post-game content that continues the story after Ganon’s defeat.
11. Where can I find the Giant Horse in TotK?
The Giant Horse can be found at the Lake of the Horse God, which is located southeast of the Highland Stable.
12. Can you own a donkey in Tears of the Kingdom?
As of now, there is no confirmed way to tame or own a donkey in Tears of the Kingdom.
13. Should I play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While it’s not necessary to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom, it is highly recommended. Breath of the Wild provides a foundational understanding of the world, characters, and mechanics that enrich the experience of Tears of the Kingdom.
14. Does Link love Zelda?
The relationship between Link and Zelda is depicted as a loving and caring one, though not explicitly confirmed as romantic.
15. What are some resources for learning more about game design and development?
For those interested in the creative process behind games like Tears of the Kingdom, the Games Learning Society provides valuable resources and insights. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore their website and discover more about the intersection of games and education.
Conclusion
From record-breaking speedruns to meticulously completed 100% runs, players have thoroughly explored and conquered the vast world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game’s intricate design, challenging puzzles, and captivating story have inspired players to push the boundaries of what’s possible within the game. As players continue to uncover new secrets and share their experiences, the legend of Tears of the Kingdom will only continue to grow.