How to Achieve 100% Completion in Zelda Games: A Comprehensive Guide
Achieving 100% completion in a Zelda game is a monumental task, a testament to a player’s dedication and exploration skills. However, the specific requirements for this feat vary from game to game. In general terms, aiming for a perfect 100% in a Zelda title means not only finishing the main story, but also delving into every nook and cranny, completing all side content, and uncovering all the secrets the game has to offer. This journey is both challenging and rewarding, pushing players to experience every aspect of the game world.
100% Completion in Breath of the Wild (BOTW)
For The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the path to 100% completion involves several key milestones:
- Completing all four Divine Beasts: These formidable mechanical creatures are central to the main storyline and must be conquered to progress.
- Completing all 120 Ancient Shrines: These shrines scattered across Hyrule test your puzzle-solving and combat abilities. They are not part of the main storyline, but mandatory for 100%
- Acquiring all 900 Korok Seeds: These hidden collectibles, found by solving simple environmental puzzles, are essential. They are the most time-consuming part of the 100% completion.
- Visiting every named location on the map: This requires a thorough exploration of the entire map. Uncovering all the named regions, towns, mountains, and landmarks.
Once these conditions are met, you’ll see 100% displayed on your Sheikah Slate map, usually in the bottom left corner of the interface, alongside the in-game time and temperature. However, this completion percentage ONLY applies to what has been discovered on the map.
It is worth noting that while the game tracks map completion with a percentage, there isn’t a traditional reward for achieving 100% in BOTW. The Korok Seed reward is the infamous “Hestu’s Gift,” a golden poo, which is generally considered a joke from the developers. Although it doesn’t serve a practical purpose, it does serve as a reminder of the sheer dedication it took to obtain.
100% Completion in Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK)
The process of achieving 100% in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is even more involved than in BOTW, primarily due to its multiple layers of explorable terrain. Despite the vastness of the game, the fundamental elements of completion remain largely similar, albeit with a significant scale increase. Here’s what’s required for a true 100% in TOTK:
- Complete all Main Story Quests: The first step is completing the main story, including the final boss.
- Complete all Side Quests: Engaging with all the side quests are crucial to reaching the 100%. This task also contributes to unlocking all aspects of the game’s world.
- Discover all the Map Locations: With a surface map, Depths, and Sky Islands, there are many locations to discover. The game uses the exploration percentage to track completion.
- Collect all 1,000 Korok Seeds: Like in BOTW, finding and delivering all these is a huge task.
- Complete all Shrines: The number of shrines are still large in this sequel, and all need to be completed.
Similar to BOTW, there is NO REWARD for achieving 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom. Despite the lack of an in-game reward, the satisfaction of exploring and conquering the entire game world remains. The reward here is the deep exploration experience the players are exposed to through the completion of all aspects of the game.
Completion Tracking
In both BOTW and TOTK, the percentage completion is shown on the in-game map. This number is not a reflection of the entire game’s content completed, but rather the geographical exploration completed and tracked within the game. This means that things like quest progression, inventory, or even other collectibles are not part of this percentage calculation.
Why Strive for 100%?
While some might find the pursuit of 100% completion a tedious task, there are compelling reasons why players undertake such challenges:
- Full Immersion: 100% completion requires players to fully immerse themselves in the game world, uncovering every hidden secret and experiencing every aspect of the game’s design.
- Mastering Gameplay: Successfully completing all shrines and puzzles can feel very rewarding to any player.
- Personal Achievement: It represents a significant personal accomplishment, especially in games as vast as Zelda titles, where reaching 100% can take significant time and effort.
- Community and Bragging Rights: It’s a badge of honor, showcasing dedication and proficiency to the gaming community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 100% reward in Tears of the Kingdom?
There is NO REWARD for achieving 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom. The game does not offer any special items, scenes, or gameplay enhancements.
2. How long does it take to 100 percent Zelda?
The time to achieve 100% completion varies significantly. In Breath of the Wild, it generally takes around 190 hours. For Tears of the Kingdom, the time requirement appears to be even higher. The game is estimated to take about 139 hours for dedicated completionists according to some reports, but the time can easily exceed this due to the vast amount of content.
3. How do you show percentage of completion in Zelda?
You can track your percentage of completion by accessing your map on the Sheikah Slate in Breath of the Wild or the Purah Pad in Tears of the Kingdom. In the bottom left corner of the screen, you will see a percentage out of 100%.
4. Should you 100% Breath of the Wild?
Whether you should strive for 100% depends on your enjoyment of exploration and completionism. If you enjoy solving shrines and conquering dungeons, a high completion rate is absolutely worth the effort. However, the 900 **Korok seed collection** can be tedious, and many players find it less enjoyable.
5. Is it worth getting all 900 Korok seeds in BOTW?
For practical inventory purposes, you only need about 441 Korok seeds. Getting all 900 is a massive undertaking for a comical reward, Hestu’s Gift (Golden Poo). It is only recommended for dedicated completionists who enjoy exploring for Koroks.
6. Is it worth getting every Korok seed in Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to BOTW, getting every **Korok seed** in Tears of the Kingdom is only worth it if you enjoy the process of searching and solving the environment puzzles. The reward is another form of Hestu’s Gift, still ornamental and comedic.
7. Do you need all Korok seeds for 100% completion?
Yes, you need all Korok seeds for 100% map completion in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
8. What is the longest Zelda game?
**Tears of the Kingdom** is currently the longest Zelda game, with an estimated 55 hours to complete the main story. **Breath of the Wild** comes in second with 50 hours.
9. Is Tears of the Kingdom longer than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger and longer than Breath of the Wild. It includes multiple layers like the Depths and Sky Islands, with more to explore and discover, making it a more significant undertaking.
10. Has anyone 100% Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, several players and streamers have achieved 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom, showcasing its immense and challenging nature.
11. What do you get for 1,000 Korok seeds in Tears of the Kingdom?
For finding all 1,000 Korok seeds in TOTK, you receive Hestu’s Gift – yet another golden poo. As in BOTW, this is not a practical item. Hestu can also dance whenever you request him to.
12. What is the easiest Zelda game ever?
Many fans consider **Twilight Princess** to be the easiest Zelda game due to its less challenging puzzles and combat.
13. Which Zelda game is the hardest?
The hardest Zelda game is often considered to be Zelda II: The Adventure of Link due to its unique and punishing difficulty.
14. Do Koroks count towards 100% completion?
Yes, Korok seeds are a requirement for 100% map completion in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
15. What is the best use of Korok Seeds?
In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the best use of Korok Seeds is to expand your inventory, particularly for weapons, bows, and shields.
By understanding the requirements and challenges of achieving a 100% completion rate, players can make informed decisions about how they want to experience these vast and engaging Zelda adventures. Whether it is the journey or the destination, both these games offer a truly immersive and rewarding experience for every type of gamer.