How to Check Completion Percentage in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The question on every completionist’s mind: how do you check your percentage in Tears of the Kingdom? Unlike some games that provide a running completion percentage from the start, Tears of the Kingdom takes a page from its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. The answer is straightforward: you can only view your total completion percentage after defeating the final boss and watching the end credits.
After defeating the final boss, the game will return you to the title screen. Upon selecting your save file to continue playing, you’ll be placed back at the point before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring Hyrule, and a percentage counter will appear in the bottom left corner of the map screen. This percentage reflects your progress across the game’s map, taking into account locations discovered, shrines completed, and Korok seeds found. It’s important to note that elements like side quests do not contribute to the percentage, focusing solely on map-based progression. This means that even with a 100% map completion, there’s still plenty more to do!
This approach encourages exploration and immersion, rewarding players for their curiosity after completing the main storyline. It also makes the percentage a symbol of dedicated exploration, rather than just following the game’s main path.
Understanding the Completion Percentage
What Counts Towards the Percentage?
The displayed completion percentage is determined by three main elements:
- Locations: Discovering towns, stables, mountains, and other geographical landmarks adds to your overall progress.
- Shrines: Completing the 152 Shrines of Light, a key challenge in the game, is a significant part of the completion percentage.
- Korok Seeds: Collecting the 1000 Korok seeds scattered throughout Hyrule is a massive undertaking that adds considerably to your progress, though the game notes that you only need to solve 800 puzzles as each correct Korok puzzle rewards 2 seeds.
What Doesn’t Count Towards the Percentage?
It’s equally vital to understand what does not contribute to the completion percentage:
- Side Quests: Despite offering significant rewards and enriching the game’s lore, side quests do not count towards the displayed percentage.
- Armor Sets: Discovering, collecting, and upgrading armor does not affect the percentage.
- Weapons and Materials: Amassing various weapons, shields, bows, or cooking materials doesn’t contribute to the completion percentage.
- Compendium entries: The Hyrule Compendium that allows you to take pictures of enemies, materials, etc. does not count toward the percentage.
Why the Focus on Map Exploration?
The focus on locations, shrines, and Korok seeds emphasizes exploration. It encourages players to thoroughly investigate every nook and cranny of Hyrule, rewarding curiosity and keen observation. It also presents a unique kind of completion, one that’s less about story achievements and more about experiencing the game’s vast landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I See Completion Percentage Before Defeating the Final Boss?
No, the completion percentage is only displayed after you beat the main quest and load your save file after the credits roll. Before this, there is no way to see your progress tracked as a percentage.
2. What is the Reward for 100% Completion?
While there is no additional in-game reward for achieving 100% completion, the satisfaction of having explored all corners of Hyrule and conquering its challenges is its own reward.
3. Does This Mean My Game Is Over When I Hit 100%?
No. After achieving 100% completion and getting the star on your save, you can continue playing. The game places you before the final battle, allowing you to still enjoy exploring Hyrule.
4. How Many Hours Does It Take to Achieve 100% Completion?
Achieving 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom requires a significant time investment. While focusing on the main story can take around 59 hours, a full 100% completion typically takes around 236 hours. This number is just an estimate and can vary depending on individual playstyles.
5. Can I Maximize Both Hearts and Stamina?
No, similar to Breath of the Wild, you cannot maximize both hearts and stamina. Even with all 152 shrines and additional heart and stamina vessels found, you will be short two upgrades in one or the other.
6. How Many Shrines Are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 Shrines of Light in Tears of the Kingdom: 120 on the surface and 32 in the sky. Completing them all is essential for upgrading Link’s health and stamina.
7. What is the Reward for Completing All Shrines?
Completing every Shrine of Light rewards you with the Ancient Hero’s Aspect armor set. It is said to contain the spirit of a hero who once saved Hyrule.
8. How Many Korok Seeds Are There?
There are 1,000 Korok seeds in total to collect. However, as each successful puzzle awards you with 2 seeds, there are actually only 800 unique Korok locations.
9. Do Korok Seeds Count Towards the Completion Percentage?
Yes, Korok seeds are a major component of the completion percentage, roughly accounting for 70% of the map completion total. Finding all 1000 is a significant part of aiming for 100%.
10. What Does the Star Symbol on My Save File Mean?
The star symbol next to your save file indicates that you have completed the main storyline and defeated the final boss. It is awarded when you select “continue” after the credits screen.
11. Can I Play After Beating the Final Boss?
Yes, you can continue playing after beating the final boss. The game loads you to your last save before the boss fight, allowing you to continue exploring and completing any tasks you have left.
12. Is there DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
Nintendo has confirmed that there will not be any DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The developers were able to include all the elements they wanted in the base game itself.
13. Will Tears of the Kingdom Be the Last Zelda Game?
No, Tears of the Kingdom will not be the last Zelda game. While the next mainline entry will likely be on the next console, the Zelda series will continue in the future.
14. Is There Post-Game Content In Tears of the Kingdom?
There is no “post-game” in the traditional sense, where the world changes after defeating the final boss. The game will load you before the final battle, allowing you to continue playing without any changes to Hyrule’s state.
15. Does Armor Count Towards the Completion Percentage?
No, collecting and upgrading armor does not contribute to the completion percentage. The game focuses solely on map-based progression for this counter.
Conclusion
While unlocking the completion percentage in Tears of the Kingdom requires patience and dedication, the reward is a true testament to your exploration and achievements. By focusing on locations, shrines, and Korok seeds, the game emphasizes the importance of thoroughly exploring its vast world, providing a unique and satisfying experience for completionists. Remember, the percentage is just a guide. There’s more to enjoy than can be measured by a number.