Unveiling Completion in Hyrule: How to See Your Percentage in Tears of the Kingdom
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So, you’ve been traversing Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), battling Bokoblins, exploring sky islands, and delving into the Depths. But how do you know just how much of this expansive world you’ve truly conquered? The answer is simpler than deciphering ancient Zonai script, but there’s a catch! You can only check your total completion percentage after defeating the final boss. Load the auto-save created immediately before the final battle, which will now have a star indicating game completion. Open your Sheikah Slate map, and in the bottom left corner, alongside the time and temperature, you’ll find your overall completion percentage displayed!
Understanding the Percentage: What Counts?
The completion percentage in Tears of the Kingdom isn’t about collecting every single item or defeating every enemy. It’s primarily focused on mapping the world and completing key milestones. Here’s a breakdown:
- Map Completion: This constitutes the bulk of the percentage. Exploring and revealing the map, including the surface, sky islands, and the Depths, is crucial.
- Discovering Locations: Identifying and discovering named locations across Hyrule contributes to the overall percentage.
- Shrines: Completing all 152 shrines, both on the surface and in the sky, is vital for a high completion rate.
- Dungeons: While technically part of the main quest, completing the main dungeons significantly boosts your percentage.
- Korok Seeds Do NOT Count: This may come as a surprise, but collecting all 1,000 Korok seeds does not factor into the completion percentage. Consider it a separate, albeit challenging, pursuit for completionists.
Why This System? A Design Perspective
The decision to gate the completion percentage behind the final boss might seem unusual to some. However, from a design perspective, it encourages players to prioritize the main storyline and truly experience the narrative arc before getting bogged down in completionist tasks. It allows for a more focused and engaging initial playthrough, preventing players from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content available. Consider the insights offered by researchers at the Games Learning Society regarding player motivation and engagement in open-world games. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TOTK Completion
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how completion works in Tears of the Kingdom:
1. Does defeating all enemies count towards 100%?
No, defeating all enemies does not contribute to the completion percentage. The focus is on exploration and key landmarks.
2. What is the reward for 100% completion?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific in-game reward for achieving 100% completion beyond the satisfaction of conquering Hyrule. The reward is the journey itself!
3. Can you continue playing after beating Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, but it’s a little different. After defeating Ganondorf and watching the ending, you load a save file before the final battle. Your save will have a star, indicating you’ve completed the main quest, allowing you to continue exploring with all your progress intact.
4. How many hours does it take to 100% Tears of the Kingdom?
Expect to spend around 200-300 hours to achieve 100% completion, depending on your playstyle and familiarity with open-world games.
5. How many shrines are in TOTK, and do you need to complete them all for a high completion percentage?
There are 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. Completing all of them is a major factor in achieving a high completion percentage.
6. Can I get all the shrines before fighting Ganondorf?
Absolutely! You can find and complete all 152 shrines before facing Ganondorf. This is a common strategy for players seeking to maximize their strength and abilities before the final battle.
7. What do you get for completing all the shrines in TOTK?
Completing all 152 shrines unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a unique armor set that provides excellent defensive capabilities.
8. What happens when you find all 1,000 Korok Seeds?
After collecting all 1,000 Korok seeds, Hestu will award you Hestu’s Gift, a golden pile of… well, let’s just say it’s a unique souvenir! While it doesn’t affect the completion percentage, it’s a testament to your dedication.
9. Will there be DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
According to Nintendo, there are currently no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. They felt they were able to implement all the elements that they wanted to achieve in this world and this story.
10. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Considering the time elapsed between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old.
11. Is there a Master Mode in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unfortunately, there is no Master Mode available in Tears of the Kingdom, at least not at the moment. This was a popular feature in Breath of the Wild.
12. Do quests count towards the completion percentage?
While completing quests is a significant part of the game, it’s believed that only the main quests directly impact the completion percentage. Side quests add to the overall experience but aren’t explicitly tracked for completion.
13. How many hearts should I have before pulling the Master Sword?
You need at least 13 full red hearts to pull the Master Sword. This is a crucial requirement to progress through the game’s storyline.
14. Is Zelda the Light Dragon permanently?
While Zelda does transform into the Light Dragon, she eventually returns to her human form after Link defeats Ganondorf. The power of Rauru and Sonia helps to reverse the draconification.
15. Is Tears of the Kingdom the last Zelda game?
Despite the seeming finality of its ending, it is highly unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be the end of the Zelda franchise. The series is far too successful and beloved for Nintendo to abandon it.
Maximizing Your Completion Journey: Tips and Strategies
- Prioritize Exploration: Dedicate time to exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule, both above and below. Unveiling the map is paramount.
- Utilize Towers: Use the Skyview Towers to reveal large portions of the map quickly. This will give you a significant head start.
- Complete Shrines Regularly: Don’t neglect shrines! They provide essential upgrades and contribute significantly to your completion percentage.
- Talk to NPCs: Engage with the various characters you meet throughout Hyrule. They often provide clues and hints about undiscovered locations.
- Mark Important Locations: Use map markers to highlight areas of interest, such as caves, springs, and unusual structures. This will help you stay organized and efficient.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Ultimately, the completion percentage in Tears of the Kingdom serves as a guide, a measure of your dedication to exploring and mastering this incredible world. While striving for 100% is a worthy goal, remember to savor the journey, discover hidden secrets, and create your own unique legend within Hyrule. Whether you’re a seasoned Zelda veteran or a newcomer to the series, Tears of the Kingdom offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.