Conquering Hyrule: The Ultimate Guide to 100% Completion in Breath of the Wild
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So, you want to truly conquer Hyrule and achieve 100% completion in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? It’s a monumental task, but incredibly rewarding. Here’s the breakdown: to hit that magic number in the corner of your map, you need to defeat all four Divine Beasts, complete all 120 Ancient Shrines, collect all 900 Korok Seeds, and visit every named location on the map. This is what the game tracks for its internal 100% metric. Everything else, like side quests, the Hyrule Compendium, and even the DLC content, doesn’t affect that specific number. Now, let’s dive into the details of each task.
Mastering the Main Pillars of Completion
Divine Beast Domination
First, you have to liberate the four Divine Beasts. Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris. Each one presents a unique dungeon filled with puzzles and culminating in a boss fight against a corrupted spirit of Ganon. Defeating these beasts not only weakens Calamity Ganon but also grants Link powerful abilities that significantly aid in exploration and combat. Thunderblight Ganon is widely considered the most challenging of these bosses, so prepare accordingly!
Shrine Seeking
Next, tackle the 120 Ancient Shrines scattered throughout Hyrule. These shrines come in two flavors: Shrine Quests, which require you to solve a puzzle in the overworld to reveal the shrine’s entrance, and Test of Strength Shrines, which pit you against Guardian Scouts in combat. Completing each shrine earns you a Spirit Orb, and collecting four Spirit Orbs allows you to increase either Link’s maximum health or stamina. Completing all shrines is crucial not just for 100% completion, but also for powering up Link.
Korok Seed Collection: A Test of Patience
Ah, the 900 Korok Seeds. This is where the 100% journey becomes a true test of dedication. These seeds are hidden everywhere, requiring you to solve simple environmental puzzles or perform specific actions, like offering an apple to a stone statue. You only need 441 Korok Seeds to maximize your inventory space, so collecting the remaining 459 yields a special reward: Hestu’s Gift, a golden… well, let’s just say it’s not the most practical item. Some might even say it is a golden turd. It’s bragging rights more than anything else.
Map Completion: The Final Frontier
Finally, visit every named location on the map. This includes towns, stables, mountains, rivers, lakes, and everything in between. This task is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming, especially in areas with dense forests or sprawling mountain ranges. Make sure to utilize your Sheikah Slate’s scope to zoom in and identify any unexplored locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 100% Completion
1. How long does it realistically take to 100% Breath of the Wild?
While a focused playthrough aiming for the main objectives might take around 50 hours, achieving 100% completion typically requires around 190 hours or more, depending on your play style and efficiency.
2. Is it worth getting all 900 Korok Seeds?
From a purely practical standpoint, no. You only need 441 to fully upgrade your inventory. However, if you’re a completionist and enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule, then the challenge might be worth it. Just be prepared for the, erm, unique reward.
3. Do I need the DLC to achieve 100%?
No. The DLC adds new content, including shrines and quests, but it doesn’t affect the game’s internal 100% completion rate.
4. Does completing the Hyrule Compendium count towards 100%?
No. Filling out the Hyrule Compendium, completing side quests, or mastering cooking recipes are all optional activities that don’t contribute to the in-game completion percentage.
5. What’s the hardest part of going for 100% completion?
Most players agree that collecting all 900 Korok Seeds is the most tedious and time-consuming task. It requires immense patience and a systematic approach.
6. Do DLC shrines count towards the 120 shrine total?
No. The game only tracks the original 120 shrines in the base game for the map completion percentage. DLC shrines are separate.
7. Which Divine Beast is the hardest to beat?
Thunderblight Ganon is overwhelmingly considered the most challenging of the Divine Beast bosses due to his speed and unpredictable attacks.
8. How many hearts are recommended before fighting Calamity Ganon?
While you can technically beat Ganon with a minimal number of hearts, having 30 Heart Containers provides a comfortable buffer and allows you to withstand more damage.
9. Does visiting every location actually matter, or just uncovering the map?
You must visit and have the location named on your map. Simply uncovering the area isn’t sufficient; you need to trigger the location name to appear.
10. What happens when you reach 100% completion?
Besides the satisfaction of conquering Hyrule, you’ll see a star symbol appear next to your save file, indicating your achievement.
11. Is Breath of the Wild a difficult game?
While some aspects of the game can be challenging, especially early on, Breath of the Wild is not inherently difficult. The difficulty is largely customizable based on your play style and the challenges you choose to take on.
12. What’s the best strategy for finding Korok Seeds?
Utilize interactive maps and online guides to pinpoint the locations of Korok Seeds. Prioritize areas you frequently travel through and be observant of your surroundings. Also, the Korok Mask that is part of the DLC can make finding those seeds easier.
13. What do I get for maximizing my inventory with Korok Seeds?
By giving Hestu enough Korok Seeds, you can fully upgrade your inventory, giving Link a total of 19 weapon slots, 13 bow slots, and 20 shield slots.
14. Are Lynels harder than the Divine Beast bosses?
Yes, in general, Lynels are significantly harder than the Divine Beast bosses, representing a greater combat challenge.
15. What is the easiest Divine Beast boss?
Fireblight Ganon is often considered the easiest Divine Beast boss due to his slow movements and predictable attacks.
Achieving 100% completion in Breath of the Wild is a testament to your dedication and love for the game. While it requires significant time and effort, the journey through Hyrule is a rewarding experience filled with exploration, adventure, and countless unforgettable moments.
To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and its potential, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They study how games can be used for learning!