How Many Gigs is Tears of the Kingdom? A Deep Dive into File Size and More
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The highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has finally arrived, captivating players with its expansive world and intricate gameplay. One question many gamers have is: How many gigs is Tears of the Kingdom? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, reveals a lot about the game’s scale and how it compares to its predecessor and other titles. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The file size of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is approximately 18.2GB on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This makes it the largest Switch-exclusive title from Nintendo, surpassing Breath of the Wild’s 14.4GB. It’s important to note that while some sources may quote 16.3GB, the official eShop listing confirms the larger 18.2GB file size, so this is the number you should expect to require on your system’s storage. This figure reflects the massive scope of the game, with its multiple layers of exploration and added content. This file size, while large for a Nintendo Switch game, is still comparatively small when viewed against the massive titles found on platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Why is Tears of the Kingdom so Large?
The increase in file size from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom is directly attributable to the game’s increased content. Tears of the Kingdom not only expands upon the existing Hyrule map but also adds entirely new areas to explore in the sky islands and the Depths, a vast underworld the size of the surface map. The game features a larger number of dungeons, significantly more quests, and countless secrets to discover, all contributing to its hefty storage demands. Comparing the original Legend of Zelda from 1986 at just 128kB – a fraction of a megabyte and about 0.000128 GB – really puts the scale of modern games in perspective.
File Size vs. Game Content
While the file size gives a tangible idea of the game’s digital footprint, it’s crucial to remember that a larger file size does not necessarily mean a better gaming experience, it simply reflects the sheer volume of the content it includes. Some players have found the vastness of Tears of the Kingdom overwhelming, citing the repetitive nature of certain elements, such as some sky islands and the Depths, as examples of areas where the content, while abundant, may not always feel deeply engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tears of the Kingdom
To further clarify the key aspects of Tears of the Kingdom, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions:
How does the file size of Tears of the Kingdom compare to Breath of the Wild?
Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger than Breath of the Wild, taking up approximately 18.2GB of storage compared to Breath of the Wild’s 14.4GB.
Is 18.2GB a large file size for a Nintendo Switch game?
Yes, 18.2GB is considered a large file size for a Nintendo Switch game, though relatively small compared to games on other consoles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
How many dungeons are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of seven dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom, which is more than the four Divine Beasts found in Breath of the Wild.
Are there any additional areas to explore besides Hyrule?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom introduces new areas including sky islands and the Depths, which are as large as the Hyrule surface map, significantly expanding the explorable world.
How many Korok Seeds are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 1000 Korok Seeds to be found in Tears of the Kingdom. However, since many puzzles reward two seeds each, there are only 800 Korok Seed locations.
How many caves are there to explore?
There are 147 caves located across Hyrule’s Surface and Sky in Tears of the Kingdom.
How many shrines are in Tears of the Kingdom?
In total, there are 152 Shrines, with 120 on the surface and 32 scattered across the Sky Islands.
Is Tears of the Kingdom bigger than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger in terms of content, adding the Depths and Sky Islands to the existing surface map, effectively more than doubling the world size.
Is Tears of the Kingdom longer than Breath of the Wild?
Given the added content and increased scope, Tears of the Kingdom generally takes longer to complete compared to Breath of the Wild.
Why is Tears of the Kingdom priced at $70?
Nintendo has stated that the price reflects the “type of experience fans can expect,” which suggests that the game has a significant scope and depth of content.
How many temples are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are five Temples in Tears of the Kingdom, each associated with one of the five Sages.
Is there post-game content after beating Tears of the Kingdom?
No, there is no post-game in the traditional sense. After completing the final boss fight, the player is returned to the title screen, able to load an earlier save.
Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While the basic controls are similar, you do not need to play Breath of the Wild to enjoy Tears of the Kingdom. However, Breath of the Wild is a very enjoyable game and you might want to experience it regardless.
Has anyone 100 percent completed Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, multiple players have achieved 100 percent completion. A notable example is Twitch streamer SmallAnt, who accomplished it in approximately 139 hours.
Is there going to be DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
As of now, there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom, with the current game considered to be a complete experience.
Final Thoughts
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s 18.2GB file size is a testament to the game’s ambition and scope. While the size is larger than previous entries in the series, and considerably larger for a Switch game, this increase reflects the vast array of content available. Whether this massive game is “too big” is a matter of personal preference, but there is no denying that this game has much to offer players. Understanding the file size helps players prepare for the storage requirements, but the true experience lies within the game itself.