How Long Is the Longest Zelda Game? A Deep Dive into Hyrule’s Most Epic Adventures

The longest Zelda game to date, based on average completion times, is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Clocking in at roughly 55 hours for the main story, it surpasses even its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, which averages around 50 hours. However, for completionists aiming for 100%, Tears of the Kingdom can easily consume well over 200 hours, making it a truly monumental experience.

The Myth of Zelda Length: More Than Just Playtime

It’s crucial to understand that “length” in a Zelda game is subjective. It’s not just about the raw number of hours; it’s about the density of content, the player’s style, and the level of completion they aspire to achieve. A player focused solely on the critical path will naturally finish faster than someone meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule.

Several factors contribute to the perceived length of a Zelda game:

• World Size and Exploration: Games with larger open worlds, like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, inherently offer more opportunities for exploration, side quests, and discovery, extending playtime.

• Story Complexity and Pacing: Games with intricate narratives and deliberate pacing, such as Majora’s Mask, can feel longer despite having a shorter average playtime.

• Side Quests and Collectibles: The sheer number of side quests, mini-games, and collectible items (like Korok Seeds) significantly impacts completion time.

• Difficulty: Challenging puzzles, formidable enemies, and complex combat mechanics can increase playtime as players spend more time overcoming obstacles. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is notably harder.

• Personal Playstyle: Some players savor the experience, meticulously exploring every corner and engaging with every NPC, while others prefer a more streamlined approach.

Analyzing the Contenders: A Closer Look at Long Playthroughs

While Tears of the Kingdom currently reigns supreme in terms of playtime, other Zelda titles offer significant length depending on player engagement:

• Breath of the Wild: While listed shorter than Tears of the Kingdom for the main story, Breath of the Wild’s expansive world and multitude of side quests and Korok Seeds can easily push completion times beyond 200 hours.

• Skyward Sword: With a focused narrative and linear structure compared to the open-world entries, Skyward Sword still offers a substantial adventure, averaging around 38 hours for the main story and longer for completionists.

• Twilight Princess: This darker, more mature Zelda title provides a lengthy and engaging experience, with an average playtime of around 37 hours. Its intricate dungeons and compelling storyline keep players invested.

The Timeless Appeal of Hyrule: Why We Invest the Hours

The enduring popularity of the Zelda franchise lies not just in its gameplay mechanics or compelling stories but also in its immersive world. Hyrule feels alive, filled with secrets, challenges, and memorable characters. This sense of immersion is what motivates players to spend countless hours exploring every corner, mastering every skill, and uncovering every hidden treasure.

The Legend of Zelda games offer compelling content and educational learning opportunities. To learn more about the intersection of education and gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zelda Game Length

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of Zelda game length:

How long does it take to 100% every Zelda game in the main canon?

It takes approximately 360 hours to beat the main story of every Zelda game in the main canon and up to 750 hours to achieve 100% completion. This estimate, however, will only continue to increase.

Which Zelda game is the shortest to beat?

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is often cited as one of the shortest Zelda games if focusing solely on the main story. However, Zelda 1 is the shortest if you follow a guide. Without a guide, it may be the longest.

Which Zelda game is considered the easiest?

Many consider Twilight Princess to be the easiest Zelda game due to its simplified gameplay and less challenging puzzles and combat.

Which Zelda game is the hardest?

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is widely regarded as the most difficult Zelda game due to its unique side-scrolling perspective, unforgiving combat, and challenging platforming sections.

How long is the average playthrough of Ocarina of Time?

A typical playthrough of Ocarina of Time takes approximately 27 hours to complete the main story, but completionists can easily spend 35+ hours exploring every secret.

Is Tears of the Kingdom bigger than Breath of the Wild?

Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly bigger than Breath of the Wild, featuring not only the original Hyrule map but also the Sky Islands and the Depths, effectively doubling the explorable area.

What happens when you achieve 100% completion in Breath of the Wild?

There is no in-game reward for achieving 100% completion in Breath of the Wild. It’s purely for bragging rights and the satisfaction of exploring every facet of the game.

How many Korok Seeds are there in Breath of the Wild, and do they contribute to 100% completion?

There are 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild, and collecting all of them is a necessary step to achieving 100% completion of the map.

Is it possible to beat Breath of the Wild in under an hour?

Yes, speedrunners have developed strategies to beat Breath of the Wild in under an hour by exploiting glitches and optimizing their routes.

How much stamina do you need to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild?

The player needs two full Stamina Wheels to draw the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild, meaning five stamina vessels.

What is the longest gap between the release of two main Zelda games?

The gap between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom exceeded the previous record, making it the longest gap between mainline Zelda releases to date.

What is the most liked Zelda game of all time?

While subjective, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is often considered the best Zelda game of all time by many fans and critics.

How long is the main story of The Wind Waker?

The main story of The Wind Waker typically takes around 30 hours to complete.

Is Majora’s Mask a long Zelda game?

While the main story of Majora’s Mask can be completed in around 20 hours, its time-loop mechanic and numerous side quests can extend playtime considerably.

Will there be another Zelda game after Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that the Zelda series will continue, with future installments likely appearing on the next generation of Nintendo consoles.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lengthy Adventures

The question of “how long is the longest Zelda game?” isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the experiences, the challenges, and the memories created along the way. Whether you’re a speedrunner aiming for record times or a completionist meticulously exploring every corner of Hyrule, the Zelda franchise offers something for everyone, ensuring that each playthrough is a unique and unforgettable adventure. As we eagerly await the next chapter in the Legend of Zelda, we can be sure that it will once again challenge our skills, ignite our imaginations, and consume countless hours of our time.