How Many Shrines Are In Breath of the Wild With DLC? A Comprehensive Guide
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The definitive answer: There are 136 shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild when you include the DLC content. The base game contains 120 shrines. The “Expansion Pass” DLC adds 16 more. It’s crucial to note that only 4 DLC shrines provide Spirit Orbs upon completion. The remaining 12 DLC shrines, unlocked through quests associated with the DLC, offer unique rewards and challenges but don’t contribute to upgrading Link’s hearts or stamina. Understanding the distinction between shrines that award spirit orbs and those that don’t is key to effectively navigating the world of Hyrule and powering up Link.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Shrine System
Breath of the Wild reimagined the Zelda formula, trading traditional dungeons for a vast open world dotted with over a hundred shrines. These shrines offer various challenges, from combat trials to intricate puzzles using the game’s physics engine. Successfully completing a shrine earns you a Spirit Orb. Collect four Spirit Orbs, and you can trade them at statues of the Goddess Hylia located in towns or at the Temple of Time for either a heart container (increasing your maximum health) or a stamina vessel (increasing your stamina wheel).
The DLC adds a layer of complexity, introducing new shrines tied to specific questlines and challenges. These DLC shrines, while not contributing directly to Spirit Orbs, are essential for completing the DLC’s storyline and unlocking valuable new items and abilities.
Exploring the DLC Shrines
The DLC adds twelve shrines through challenges outside the four Spirit Orb shrines. These shrines unlock in different ways. The “Expansion Pass” provides access to the Trial of the Sword and The Champions’ Ballad quests, each featuring unique shrine trials. For instance, The Champions’ Ballad involves solving riddles given by Kass, a Rito musician, leading you to new challenges and shrines scattered across Hyrule’s regions.
These DLC shrines frequently test players with combat-intensive trials, requiring resourcefulness and mastery of Link’s abilities. While the rewards may not be heart containers or stamina vessels, they often include powerful weapons, armor, and essential items, such as the Master Cycle Zero, a motorcycle that allows Link to traverse Hyrule quickly.
A Note on Shrine Quests
The quest for unlocking shrines is not always straightforward. Many shrines are hidden and require you to complete specific Shrine Quests before they become accessible. These quests involve solving puzzles, interacting with characters, or completing tasks within the game world. Both the base game and the DLC feature Shrine Quests, adding depth and exploration to the shrine-hunting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breath of the Wild Shrines
1. How many shrines are in the base game of Breath of the Wild?
The base game of Breath of the Wild includes 120 shrines scattered across Hyrule. These shrines provide Spirit Orbs upon completion, which can be exchanged for heart containers or stamina vessels.
2. Do DLC shrines count towards 100% completion?
Officially, the game only considers the 120 base game shrines when calculating your completion percentage. However, completing the DLC shrines is essential for experiencing the full story and unlocking all available content. The Games Learning Society offers a place to discuss game completion and various strategies.
3. How do I find all the DLC shrines?
The DLC shrines are unlocked through specific quests associated with the “Expansion Pass.” Look for clues from Kass during The Champions’ Ballad questline, and seek out the pedestals that activate the Trial of the Sword challenges.
4. What rewards do I get from the DLC shrines if not Spirit Orbs?
The DLC shrines offer a variety of rewards, including powerful weapons, unique armor sets, and essential items like the Master Cycle Zero. These rewards enhance Link’s abilities and provide new ways to explore Hyrule.
5. Can I get all heart containers and stamina vessels in Breath of the Wild?
No, it’s impossible to max out both hearts and stamina completely. Even with all 120 base game shrines and the four Divine Beasts, you’ll be a few upgrades short. You must strategically choose how to allocate your Spirit Orbs to prioritize either health or stamina.
6. How many shrines do I need to complete to get 13 hearts?
To obtain the Master Sword, you need 13 full heart containers. Since you start with three hearts, you need 10 additional heart containers. This means you need to complete 40 shrines (each shrine gives you one Spirit Orb, and four Spirit Orbs equal one heart container).
7. Do temporary hearts count towards getting the Master Sword?
No, temporary hearts (those gained from food or elixirs) do not count towards the 13 heart containers required to obtain the Master Sword. You need 13 permanent heart containers.
8. What happens if I complete all 120 base game shrines?
Completing all 120 shrines allows you to trade your Spirit Orbs for heart containers or stamina vessels. There is no additional reward for completing all base game shrines, apart from the upgrades themselves.
9. What is the Trial of the Sword DLC?
The Trial of the Sword is a DLC challenge where Link must fight through a series of increasingly difficult rooms, starting with no equipment. Completing the Trial of the Sword powers up the Master Sword, making it permanently at full power.
10. How many Shrine Quests are there in Breath of the Wild?
There are 42 Shrine Quests in Breath of the Wild, including those added by the DLC. These quests often involve solving puzzles or interacting with characters to reveal hidden shrines.
11. Do Korok seeds count towards 100% completion?
Yes, finding all 900 Korok seeds is a requirement for achieving 100% completion in Breath of the Wild.
12. Is the Korok Mask part of the base game or DLC?
The Korok Mask is a DLC item found in Breath of the Wild. It helps locate hidden Korok seeds, making the seed-collecting process easier.
13. What other items are included in the Breath of the Wild DLC?
Besides new shrines and quests, the DLC includes items like the Travel Medallion (allowing you to create a custom fast travel point), various armor sets based on previous Zelda games, and the Ancient Bridle and Saddle for enhancing your horse’s abilities.
14. How long does it take to 100% complete Breath of the Wild?
Achieving 100% completion in Breath of the Wild typically takes 150-200 hours, depending on your play style and familiarity with the game.
15. Can you recharge the Master Sword?
Yes, the Master Sword recharges. It does not break, but it does run out of energy after prolonged use. It takes 10 minutes for the Master Sword to fully recharge.
Conclusion: Mastering the Shrines of Hyrule
Understanding the shrine system in Breath of the Wild, including the distinction between base game and DLC shrines, is crucial for maximizing Link’s potential and fully experiencing the game. Whether you’re hunting for heart containers, stamina vessels, or unique rewards, the shrines of Hyrule offer a diverse and engaging challenge for players of all skill levels. By strategically tackling these challenges, you’ll be well-equipped to face Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule. Don’t forget to explore resources like GamesLearningSociety.org for deeper insights into game design and learning.