Tears of the Kingdom: Unraveling the Epic Ending and Lingering Questions

How does Tears of the Kingdom end? In short, the game culminates in an epic showdown against Ganondorf, where Link must utilize all the skills and weapons he’s acquired throughout his journey to defeat the Demon King. After a grueling battle that often involves multiple phases, including a final confrontation with the Dragon form of Ganondorf, Link emerges victorious. Zelda, having been restored to her human form after her sacrifice, returns to her rightful place as princess of Hyrule. The ending scene shows Link and Zelda together, signifying a hopeful future for the kingdom. While there isn’t a post-game in the traditional sense, the game returns players to just before the final boss fight, allowing them to complete any remaining side quests or explore more of the vast world. If you’ve met specific conditions throughout your playthrough, like discovering all the Geoglyphs and obtaining the Master Sword, you’ll unlock a true ending cutscene that provides further resolution.

Exploring the Narrative Depths

Tears of the Kingdom‘s conclusion leaves players with a sense of closure, but also with a lingering desire to know more about the future of Hyrule and its inhabitants. The game does a fantastic job of tying up many loose ends, while still leaving room for interpretation and speculation.

The Final Battle Against Ganondorf

The fight against Ganondorf is a challenging and dynamic experience, demanding that players use everything they’ve learned throughout their adventure. The gloom mechanic adds a significant layer of difficulty, requiring strategic use of healing items and armor to survive. The final phase, against the Dragon form of Ganondorf, is visually stunning and provides a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline.

Zelda’s Return and Future

Zelda’s return to her human form is a pivotal moment in the ending. Her time as the Light Dragon was a sacrifice made to ensure the survival of Hyrule, and her restoration signifies the hope and renewal that follows Ganondorf’s defeat. Her role as princess is reaffirmed, hinting at a strong and capable leader guiding Hyrule into a new era.

The True Ending Unveiled

The true ending cutscene expands upon the core narrative and offers a more definitive conclusion. The player is treated to an additional cutscene that adds an emotional resonance, providing context to the events that have transpired. The true ending is a great incentive to explore every corner of Hyrule and dive deep into the game’s lore.

Unanswered Questions and Fan Theories

Although Tears of the Kingdom delivers a satisfying resolution, there are still some open-ended questions that fuel fan theories and discussions. The nature of Link and Zelda’s relationship, the future of the Zonai technology, and the potential for new threats to emerge in Hyrule all provide ample fodder for speculation.

Link and Zelda: A Romantic Connection?

The nature of Link and Zelda’s relationship remains a topic of ongoing debate. While the game heavily implies a deep connection between the two, it never explicitly confirms a romantic relationship. Their unwavering dedication to each other and their shared experiences suggest a bond that goes beyond friendship, but the exact nature of that bond is left open to interpretation. Many fans interpret their living together as a symbol of a relationship.

What’s Next for Hyrule?

The ending of Tears of the Kingdom leaves Hyrule poised on the brink of a new era. With Ganondorf defeated and Zelda restored to her throne, the kingdom has a chance to rebuild and flourish. However, the game also hints at the potential for new threats to emerge in the future. The Zonai technology, while offering incredible advancements, could also be misused or fall into the wrong hands. Only time will tell what challenges lie ahead for Link, Zelda, and the people of Hyrule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ending of Tears of the Kingdom:

1. Does Tears of the Kingdom have a post-game? No, similar to Breath of the Wild, there isn’t a traditional post-game. After the final boss, the game reverts to a point before the fight, allowing you to complete any unfinished quests.

2. How do I unlock the “true” ending in Tears of the Kingdom? To unlock the true ending, you need to complete all the main story quests, collect all the Dragon Tears to view all the memories by finding all the Geoglyphs, and obtain the Master Sword before defeating Ganondorf.

3. Does Zelda turn back into a human in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, after Link defeats Ganondorf, Zelda is restored to her human form with help from the spirits of Rauru and Sonia.

4. Can I go straight to Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, it’s possible to go directly to Ganondorf after reaching Lookout Landing and obtaining the Paraglider, or even sooner if you find an alternate route into the Depths.

5. Does Tears of the Kingdom confirm Link and Zelda’s relationship? The game implies a close bond, but a romantic relationship is never explicitly confirmed. It’s up to the player’s interpretation.

6. What happens to the Master Sword after the final battle? The Master Sword is restored to its full power after the final battle and remains in Link’s possession.

7. Who is the final boss in Tears of the Kingdom? The final boss is Ganondorf, the Demon King, in multiple forms, including a Dragon form.

8. Does Ganon hate Zelda? Ganon doesn’t “love” Zelda. He sees her as a means to an end, a key component in his quest for power and domination of Hyrule.

9. Is Toto the end of the Zelda franchise? No, despite the finality of the ending, the success of the Zelda series makes it highly unlikely this is the end of the franchise.

10. What is the significance of the Geoglyphs in Tears of the Kingdom? Finding all the Geoglyphs allows players to view all of the memories, which adds depth to the story and provides a more rewarding and emotionally fulfilling experience. The Geoglyphs and corresponding memories help to unlock the True Ending.

11. Are Tears of the Kingdom and Skyward Sword connected? Tears of the Kingdom contains homages to Skyward Sword, but the connections appear largely accidental or referential, rather than deeply integrated into the plot.

12. Is Link LGBTQ in Tears of the Kingdom? Nintendo hasn’t explicitly confirmed Link’s sexual orientation. Fans have created LGBTQIA+ interpretations of the Zelda universe, but the game itself doesn’t confirm this.

13. Who is Link’s soulmate in Tears of the Kingdom? It’s subjective, but many players believe Zelda is the most likely candidate, given their close bond and shared destiny.

14. What makes Demon King Ganondorf a difficult boss? Demon King Ganondorf has complex attack patterns and can inflict Gloom damage that reduces your maximum health.

15. What can educational games teach to people, especially kids? Educational games can teach problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, all while engaging children in a fun and interactive way. If you’d like to learn more about the educational benefits of video games, you can explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, Tears of the Kingdom offers a compelling and satisfying ending to Link and Zelda’s latest adventure. The game delivers an epic final battle, resolves key plot points, and leaves players with a sense of hope for the future of Hyrule. While some questions remain unanswered, the game’s rich lore and engaging characters ensure that it will be discussed and debated by fans for years to come.