Is There a Post-Game in Tears of the Kingdom? Exploring Hyrule After Ganondorf’s Defeat
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The question on many players’ minds after completing the epic journey of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is: is there a true post-game? The answer, in short, is no, not in the traditional sense of a new storyline or gameplay mode that progresses beyond the final boss battle. Instead of a completely different world or gameplay structure, Tears of the Kingdom allows you to reload your save file before the final confrontation with Ganondorf, but with some changes to reflect your achievement. This means the game reverts you to a point before the ending, but now with a completion percentage tracking your progress and a star on your save file to indicate your victory. This allows you to pursue any unfinished quests, explore areas you missed, or hunt down all the collectibles that Hyrule has to offer, with the knowledge that you have saved the kingdom. So while there isn’t an experience after the game’s story ends, you can continue playing with the acknowledgment of your final victory.
What Happens After Beating Tears of the Kingdom?
The Starred Save File and Completion Percentage
After watching the credits roll and returning to the title screen, you’ll find your most recent save file has a star beside it, marking your completion of the main story. Loading this save places you back in Hyrule, ready to explore. This is not a post-game in the usual sense, as the world doesn’t change to reflect Link’s victory over Ganondorf. Instead, the game provides a way for you to wrap up any lingering tasks you may have had before facing Ganondorf, with the bonus of having accomplished the main goal of the story.
The biggest addition to your in-game interface is the completion percentage. This is shown on your map and reflects all areas visited, collectibles found, side quests completed, and more. This feature allows players to strive for 100% completion of the game if they so wish. If you’re a completionist, this is a great way to extend your time in Hyrule.
Limited Post-Game Content
While Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t offer a full-fledged new post-game experience, it does encourage players to explore the vast world and find its hidden secrets. This includes finishing the last remaining side quests, finding and completing all 152 shrines, locating all of the armor sets, or taking the time to cook every recipe. This is where much of the “post-game” experience is found. Essentially, it’s less about a post-game story and more about utilizing the freedom to explore and complete everything that Hyrule has to offer with the knowledge that you’ve saved the kingdom.
What About a New Game Plus Mode or DLC?
No New Game Plus Mode
Many players were hoping for a New Game Plus mode, which would allow them to restart the game with their previous gear and stats. However, at launch, there is no New Game Plus mode for Tears of the Kingdom. This means that after completing the main quest, you can’t replay the story with your powered-up Link.
No Planned DLC
In an email response, Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Zelda series, stated that there would be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. He indicated that the team was able to implement everything they wanted in the game, suggesting that there isn’t any extra content planned for the future. This is a somewhat controversial decision as many players were hoping for expansions and more story content. However, Nintendo seems to be standing by their decision to conclude the story here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help further clarify what to expect after finishing the game:
1. Can I Play After Defeating Ganondorf?
Yes, you can continue to play after defeating Ganondorf. The game reloads to before the final battle, allowing you to explore and complete any unfinished tasks. Your save file will feature a star indicating your completion, and your map will now show a completion percentage.
2. What Counts as 100% Completion?
100% completion is not explicitly defined, however, it encompasses: uncovering all map locations, completing all main and side quests, discovering all 152 shrines, all armor sets, finding all Korok seeds (if you wish), discovering all caves, and defeating all bosses in the world. Essentially, every element that adds to the completion percentage on your map.
3. Is There a Way to Continue the Story?
No. While you can continue playing, there isn’t any continuation of the main story past the final battle with Ganondorf. You are free to explore the world but the story does not continue from there.
4. Where Can I Find All the Shrines?
There are 152 shrines scattered across Hyrule. 120 of them are on the surface, and 32 are on the Sky Islands. The shrines contain a variety of puzzles and challenges that will test your wits and abilities.
5. How Many Lightroots Are There?
There are 120 Lightroots located in the Depths of Hyrule, each corresponding to a shrine on the surface. Activating all Lightroots will not result in an in-game reward but it does count towards your overall exploration percentage.
6. Can I Still Find All the Armor?
Yes! You can still find all of the various armor sets available within the game. These armor pieces can be found in chests or as rewards for completing side quests.
7. How Do I Get Epona?
If you have a save file for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the same Switch, Epona will be automatically registered to you at a stable. Epona is the horse from previous Zelda titles and is a fun addition to the game, but it isn’t needed for 100% completion.
8. Is There a Majora’s Mask in the Game?
Yes, Majora’s Mask can be found in the Floating Coliseum in the Depths. You will have to defeat all the enemies there to claim it.
9. Where Can I Find Midna’s Helmet?
Midna’s Helmet is located in a locked chest within the Lone Island Coliseum in the Depths. To get there, you’ll need to jump into the Eventide Island Chasm.
10. Is Ravio’s Hood in the Game?
Yes, Ravio’s Hood is available and located in the Depths and like many other special armors it will require you to fight to claim it.
11. Is the Twilight Armor Set in TOTK?
Yes, the Twilight Armor set is available for players to obtain in the game, paying homage to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
12. How Many Lynels Are There?
There are 34 Lynels in Tears of the Kingdom, scattered across different parts of Hyrule. The color (and difficulty) of the Lynel may change based on game progress, providing a challenge for players of all skill levels.
13. Where Can I Find The First Memory?
The first memory can be triggered in Korok Forest. To get there for the first time, players will have to enter The Depths at coordinates 0436, 2095, -0588 to get there safely.
14. Does Zelda Turn Back Into a Human?
Yes, after you defeat Ganondorf, Zelda returns to her human form. However, Mineru does tell Zelda that her dragon form is irreversible, the final battle allows her to return.
15. Why Is There No Mention of the Triforce?
The Triforce is not directly mentioned in Tears of the Kingdom, although some theorize that it may be in Zelda’s possession. The developers seem to have moved away from the Triforce as a central plot element in more recent titles.
Conclusion
While Tears of the Kingdom lacks a traditional post-game with new story content or a New Game Plus mode, it doesn’t leave players with nothing to do after defeating Ganondorf. The vast world, numerous side quests, and a completion percentage provide ample opportunities for players to continue exploring and discovering all of the secrets within Hyrule. If you enjoy exploring the world and completing everything Hyrule has to offer, you’ll find the “post-game” in Tears of the Kingdom to be more than satisfactory, even if it doesn’t give a continuation of the story.