Decoding the Cost of Breath of the Wild DLC: A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question on every “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” adventurer’s mind: How much does the DLC cost? The answer is straightforward: the Expansion Pass, which includes both DLC packs, costs $19.99. This grants you access to a wealth of additional content that significantly enriches the Hyrule experience. Now, let’s delve into the specifics and answer all your lingering questions.

What You Get for Your Rupees: A Breakdown of the BotW Expansion Pass

The $19.99 price tag unlocks two distinct DLC packs:

• DLC Pack 1: The Master Trials: This pack focuses on combat challenges and quality-of-life improvements. Key features include:

  • Trial of the Sword: A grueling gauntlet of challenges where you start with no equipment and must battle your way through multiple floors of enemies to upgrade the Master Sword.
  • Master Mode: A harder difficulty setting where enemies are stronger, heal during combat, and new enemies like Golden Lizalfos appear.
  • Hero’s Path Mode: This allows you to see your journey tracked on the map, showing where you’ve spent the most time and where you haven’t explored.
  • Travel Medallion: A single-use fast travel point you can place anywhere on the map (except inside shrines or towns).
  • Armor Sets: Added equipment, including Midna’s Helmet, Tingle’s Outfit, Phantom Armor and the Korok Mask.

• DLC Pack 2: The Champions’ Ballad: This pack adds significant story content and expands on the lore surrounding the four Champions. Highlights include:

  • The Champions’ Ballad Questline: A new story arc that focuses on the Champions and culminates in a new dungeon and boss fight.
  • The Master Cycle Zero: A motorcycle that Link can ride, fueled by materials.
  • New Armor and Equipment: This includes the Ancient Bridle and Saddle, which improve horse abilities, and the Island Lobster Shirt.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Breath of the Wild DLC

Is there a physical version of the Breath of the Wild DLC?

No, the Breath of the Wild DLC is only available digitally through the Nintendo eShop. You purchase the Expansion Pass, which then allows you to download both DLC packs.

Is there a free BotW DLC?

While there’s no official free DLC from Nintendo, the article mentions a fan-made mod called “The Legend of Zelda: Second Wind”. This is a free, large-scale DLC mod developed by a team of over 50 people, adding new quests, areas, weapons, NPCs, and enemies. However, this requires modding your Switch, which can void your warranty and potentially damage your system. This is not an officially supported Nintendo product.

Is it worth buying the Zelda Breath of the Wild DLC?

For most players, the Breath of the Wild DLC is definitely worth buying. The Master Trials provide a significant challenge for seasoned players, while the Champions’ Ballad adds meaningful story content and a useful vehicle in the Master Cycle Zero. The Travel Medallion is a game changer for exploration. It vastly expands the base game and provides much more content.

How much does each individual BotW DLC pack cost?

The two packs are only available as a bundle for a price of $19.99. You cannot purchase them separately.

What is the Master Cycle Zero and how do I get it?

The Master Cycle Zero is a motorcycle that Link can ride in Breath of the Wild. You unlock it by completing the entire Champions’ Ballad questline.

Do I need to beat Ganon before playing the DLC?

No, you do not need to beat Ganon before playing the DLC. In fact, you can start the DLC as soon as you leave the Great Plateau. However, some elements of the DLC, like the Champions’ Ballad, are best experienced after completing the Divine Beasts. Also, to do the Champion’s Ballad quest, you must beat all four divine beasts before you can access that DLC quest.

Are the Master Sword trials free?

No, the Master Sword trials are not free. They are part of the Master Trials DLC, which is included in the $19.99 Expansion Pass.

What happens when you 100% Breath of the Wild?

It is important to know that there is NO REWARD for a 100% completion rate. It exists for bragging rights. Also, the game doesn’t track the things that players might assume is involved with getting 100%, like enemy compendium and weapon count. The game only tracks locations, shrines and sidequests on the map for completion.

Is Breath of the Wild better than Ocarina of Time?

The answer to this question is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, Breath of the Wild offers a more intricate and modern adventure with more to discover, including new ways to play the game compared to Ocarina of Time.

Can you do the DLC after beating Ganon?

Yes, you can always go back and do all the DLC whenever you want, even after defeating Ganon. The game places you right before the final boss fight so you can continue exploring and completing content. There are some exceptions, like the Champion’s Ballad and Trial of the Sword, which require specific prerequisites (beating all 4 Divine Beasts and acquiring the Master Sword, respectively).

How many shrines are in Zelda Breath of the Wild without DLC?

There are a total of 120 shrines in the base game of Breath of the Wild. The DLC adds an additional 4 shrines, bringing the total to 124.

Why is the Master Sword trial so hard?

The Master Sword trials are designed to be a significant challenge. You start with no equipment and must rely on your skills and knowledge of the game mechanics to survive. The Final Trials are arguably the most difficult challenge you’ll face in Breath of the Wild. It makes players hone their fighting techniques.

Does the Trial of the Sword ever save?

There are three rounds, one consisting of 12 Beginning Trials, 16 Middle Trials, and 23 Final Trials — you can only save after completing each round. If you die halfway through a round, you start at the beginning with nothing.

Should I do the Trial of the Sword before or after Ganon?

The best time to tackle the Trial of the Sword is a matter of personal preference. The Trial is more difficult than Ganon, so fighting him afterwards might be underwhelming. There is no right or wrong way to experience the content, so players should decide for themselves on the order that the game should be played.

What animal is Link’s divine beast?

The Divine Beast Vah Ruta resembles an elephant, and its element is water.

Does the cost of the Breath of the Wild DLC vary between regions?

The price can vary slightly depending on your region and currency conversion rates. Always check the Nintendo eShop in your region for the most accurate pricing.

Final Thoughts: Is the Breath of the Wild DLC Right for You?

The Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass offers a compelling package for players looking to extend their Hyrule adventure. The additional challenges, story content, and quality-of-life improvements make it a worthwhile investment for most fans of the game. So, prepare your rupees and get ready to dive back into Hyrule! Consider that playing and learning about games and education can also be explored at the Games Learning Society, located at GamesLearningSociety.org, where the intersection of gameplay and learning becomes more clear.