How long to play all Zelda games?
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To answer the question directly, it takes approximately 360 hours to beat the main story of every Zelda game, and up to 750 hours to achieve 100% completion, considering there are a total of 19 games in the main canon of the Zelda franchise. The time required to play all Zelda games can vary greatly depending on the player’s level of dedication and the level of completion they aim to achieve, with some games offering main story completion in around 50 hours, while others may require over 100 hours for 100% completion.
Understanding the Zelda Franchise
The Zelda series is vast and complex, with a wide range of games that offer different gameplay experiences, from action-adventure to puzzle-solving, each with its own unique storyline and mechanics.
FAQs About the Zelda Series
General Questions
- What is the main objective of the Zelda series? The main objective of the Zelda series is to explore the vast worlds, complete quests, and defeat the final boss, usually Ganon, to save the kingdom of Hyrule.
- How many Zelda games are there? As of the release of Breath of the Wild, there are a total of 19 games in the main canon of the Zelda franchise.
- What is the longest Zelda game? The longest Zelda game is Tears of the Kingdom, which can take around 55 hours to complete the main story, with 100% completion requiring significantly more time.
Gameplay and Completion
- How long does it take to 100% every Zelda game? It takes approximately 750 hours to achieve 100% completion of every Zelda game, considering all the games in the main canon.
- Can you keep playing Zelda after you beat it? Yes, even after beating the final boss, players can still go back to tie up any loose ends and explore the world.
- Do you need to play all Zelda games before Breath of the Wild? No, most Zelda games can be enjoyed without playing previous adventures, but playing Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom is recommended for the best experience.
Specific Games and Features
- What is the hardest Zelda game? Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is often considered the hardest Zelda game, due to its challenging gameplay and puzzles.
- What is the easiest Zelda game? Twilight Princess is considered one of the easiest Zelda games, with a more simplified gameplay experience compared to other entries in the series.
- Is Tears of the Kingdom longer than Breath of the Wild? Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is bigger than Breath of the Wild, with more content and a larger world to explore.
- Can you play after defeating Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, players can still explore the world and complete any remaining quests after defeating Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom.
Story and Characters
- Why is Zelda alive after 100 years? The current theory is that Zelda created a magical barrier to prevent Calamity Ganon from hurting the outside world, which may have separated Hyrule Castle from the BOTW universe’s fabric of spacetime.
- Does Legend of Zelda have multiple endings? Yes, Breath of the Wild has multiple endings, with a slight difference in the final cutscene depending on the player’s actions.
- What game should I play after Tears of the Kingdom? BioShock Infinite is a great game to play after Tears of the Kingdom, offering a similar sense of exploration and wonder.
Series and Sequels
- What is the shortest Legend of Zelda game? The first Legend of Zelda game is the shortest, but it was revolutionary for its time and introduced many gameplay mechanics that are still used today.
- Which Zelda game has the best story? Ocarina of Time is often considered to have one of the best storylines in the Zelda series, with a complex and engaging narrative that explores themes of time and identity.