How Long Does It REALLY Take to Beat Tears of the Kingdom’s Main Story? A Deep Dive
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So, you’re diving into the vast, breathtaking world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK), but you’re itching to know: how long is the main story? The straight answer, according to user data and estimations from sites like HowLongToBeat.com, is that a dedicated playthrough focusing primarily on the main quests will take you around 59 hours. However, the real answer is, as always with Zelda, a bit more nuanced. Let’s break it down.
The 59-Hour Myth: Why It Might Be Longer (or Shorter!)
While 59 hours is a solid estimate, several factors can significantly impact your completion time. Are you a seasoned Zelda veteran or a newcomer to the series? Do you tend to get easily distracted by shimmering collectibles and intriguing side paths? Are you a completionist at heart, even if you’re trying to stick to the main story? All of these will affect your overall playtime.
Here’s a closer look at the elements that influence how long it takes to beat the main story:
- Your Skill Level: Experienced Zelda players familiar with the combat mechanics, puzzle-solving, and exploration will naturally progress faster than newcomers.
- Your Playstyle: Are you laser-focused on objectives, or do you find yourself getting sidetracked by every Bokoblin camp and Korok Seed? The more you explore, the longer it will take.
- The Difficulty of Puzzles: Some players breeze through the shrines and dungeons, while others might find themselves stumped. Puzzle difficulty is subjective and can add hours to your playtime.
- Combat Proficiency: Mastering combat techniques, understanding enemy weaknesses, and efficiently using your resources (weapons, food, elixirs) are key to swift progress.
- Exploration Tendencies: Hyrule is a vast and inviting playground. Resist the urge to explore every nook and cranny, and you’ll stick closer to that 59-hour mark. Give in to your curiosity, and you’ll likely double it!
- Cutscene Viewing Habits: Do you watch every cutscene intently, absorbing the story and lore? Or are you a skimmer, eager to get back to the action? Skimming will save you time, but you might miss important plot details.
Ultimately, that 59 hour mark is a guideline, and your actual time will vary depending on your individual journey through Hyrule.
Main Quests vs. Side Quests vs. Completionism
It’s crucial to understand the difference between focusing solely on the main quests and getting sucked into the vortex of side content. Tears of the Kingdom is a game designed to reward exploration and experimentation. Here’s how the different playstyles translate to playtime:
- Main Story Only (59 hours): This means beelining through the primary objectives, ignoring most side quests, and only engaging with essential activities needed to progress.
- Main Story + Some Sides (70.5 hours – HowLongToBeat estimate): This involves completing the main story while also tackling a reasonable number of side quests, shrines, and optional dungeons. This is a more balanced approach and allows you to experience more of what the game has to offer.
- Completionist (112 hours – HowLongToBeat estimate, can reach 236 hours or more): This means striving to complete everything the game has to offer, including all quests, shrines, Korok Seeds, armor upgrades, and more. Prepare for a very long journey!
So, if you’re aiming for that 59-hour mark, steel your resolve and resist the temptation of those enticing side quests.
Why the Main Story in TOTK is So Compelling
Tears of the Kingdom stands out because, while maintaining the open-world freedom of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, it places a significantly greater emphasis on the narrative. The 24 main story quests are well-crafted and take Link on a compelling journey across Hyrule, exploring its history, uncovering its secrets, and facing powerful enemies. This enhanced focus on the main story makes it a more engaging experience for players who are primarily interested in following the central plot.
Unlike Breath of the Wild, where the story felt more fragmented and optional, Tears of the Kingdom weaves a richer and more interconnected narrative that encourages players to engage with the main quests. This doesn’t mean that the open-world exploration is any less rewarding; it simply means that the main story provides a more compelling framework for that exploration.
The Enduring Appeal of Hyrule
Whether you’re a speedrunner aiming to beat the game in record time or a leisurely explorer savoring every moment, Tears of the Kingdom offers something for everyone. The world is vast, the gameplay is engaging, and the story is captivating. So, plan your adventure, embrace the journey, and get ready to lose yourself in the magic of Hyrule. No matter how long it takes you to complete the main story, it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
For those interested in the broader impact of games and learning, be sure to check out the work being done at the Games Learning Society, exploring how games can be used for educational purposes: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the length and content of Tears of the Kingdom:
1. How long does it take to 100% complete Tears of the Kingdom?
100% completion of Tears of the Kingdom is a monumental task. It can take anywhere from 139 hours (as demonstrated by streamer SmallAnt) to 236 hours or more, depending on your efficiency and dedication. This includes all quests, shrines, Korok Seeds, map completion, and more.
2. How many main story quests are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are 24 main story quests in Tears of the Kingdom, guiding Link on his epic journey across Hyrule.
3. Is there DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Nintendo has confirmed that there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. They feel they were able to implement all the elements they wanted within the existing game.
4. What is the reward for completing all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom?
Completing all 152 shrines unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a unique armor set that embodies the spirit of a past hero.
5. Is there a true ending to Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, there is a “True” Ending to Tears of the Kingdom. Achieving this requires completing specific criteria and unlocks an additional cutscene after the credits. This includes finishing the main story quests, getting the Master Sword and unlocking all Memories.
6. How many hearts can you get in Tears of the Kingdom?
The maximum number of hearts you can have in Tears of the Kingdom is 38. You start with 40 in the game’s opening but the game maxes at 38.
7. Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last Zelda game?
No, Tears of the Kingdom is not the last Zelda game. Nintendo is expected to continue the series with future installments.
8. How many shrines are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom, with 120 on the surface and 32 in the Sky Islands.
9. Which is better, Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom?
While both are excellent games, Tears of the Kingdom is generally considered the better game due to its enhanced gameplay mechanics, larger scope, and richer story.
10. How many caves are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are 147 caves to explore in Tears of the Kingdom, located across the surface and sky of Hyrule.
11. How much time passes between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
The estimated time gap between the events of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom is approximately five to seven years.
12. Should I prioritize stamina or hearts in Tears of the Kingdom?
It’s generally recommended to prioritize stamina over hearts, especially early in the game. Stamina is crucial for exploration and combat, and you’ll need at least two full stamina wheels to progress through certain parts of the main story.
13. What is the maximum stamina you can have in Tears of the Kingdom?
The maximum stamina you can have in Tears of the Kingdom is three full wheels.
14. Is there a post-game in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, similar to Breath of the Wild, there is no post-game in Tears of the Kingdom. You are returned to just before the final boss fight after completing the main story.
15. Can you max out both hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot max out both hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom. You’ll have to choose which stat to prioritize.