Is There a Secret Ending in Breath of the Wild? Unveiling Hyrule’s Hidden Conclusion

Yes, there is a “secret” or true ending in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW). However, it’s less of a completely different cinematic and more of an extended scene tagged onto the end of the standard ending you receive after defeating Calamity Ganon. To unlock this, you must first collect all of Link’s recovered memories. This provides additional context and closure to the story, offering a deeper understanding of Zelda and Link’s relationship, and hinting at the future of Hyrule.

Understanding the Endings of Breath of the Wild

While both endings culminate in the defeat of Ganon, the true ending is triggered only after you have successfully found all of Link’s 18 recoverable memories scattered throughout Hyrule. These memories are crucial for understanding the events that transpired 100 years before the game’s main storyline and provide essential character development for both Link and Zelda.

The Standard Ending: Victory with a Question Mark

In the standard ending, after defeating Ganon, Zelda addresses the player with a rather vague statement about sealing Ganon away. While satisfactory, it lacks the emotional depth and clarity found in the alternate ending.

The True Ending: Emotional Closure and a Glimpse of the Future

The true ending builds upon the standard ending by adding a short cutscene. In this scene, Link and Zelda are reunited and embark on a journey to rebuild Hyrule, emphasizing their partnership and the hope for a brighter future. It gives fans a more satisfying conclusion to the game’s narrative and offers a greater sense of closure. This ending is more than just an easter egg; it’s the complete picture of what Nintendo intended for Link’s journey.

How to Unlock the True Ending

Unlocking the true ending in Breath of the Wild requires a commitment to exploration and narrative discovery. It’s more than simply rushing to the final boss; it’s about fully immersing yourself in the world of Hyrule and uncovering its secrets.

Finding the Memories

The primary requirement for unlocking the true ending is to collect all 18 of Link’s memories. To do this, you must:

1. Speak to Impa in Kakariko Village: After completing the initial quests on the Great Plateau, Impa will direct you to locate the memories.
2. Visit the Locations: Impa will provide you with images corresponding to specific locations throughout Hyrule. You must travel to these locations and find the shimmering spot to trigger the memory.
3. Kass’s Guidance: Interacting with Kass, the Rito musician found at various stables and locations, can provide hints about memory locations through his songs.
4. Photographs: You can find photographs given by Impa to Link in his Hateno Ancient Tech Lab home. Each photo helps you learn more about the memories.
5. “Captured Memories” Quest: Actively pursue the “Captured Memories” quest, keeping track of the memories you’ve found and those you still need to locate.

Beyond the Memories: Defeating Ganon

Once you have collected all 18 memories, you can proceed to defeat Calamity Ganon at Hyrule Castle. After the credits roll, you will be treated to the extended scene that completes the true ending.

Why Pursue the True Ending?

The true ending is more than just a minor addition to the game; it provides a significant payoff for players who invest time in exploring the world of Hyrule and uncovering its rich lore. The recovered memories give essential context to the story, helping to understand the bond between Link and Zelda, the tragedy of the past, and the hope for the future. For those who truly want to experience the complete Breath of the Wild narrative, collecting all the memories is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Breath of the Wild Endings

Here are 15 FAQs about the endings and other related aspects of Breath of the Wild:

1. How many endings does Breath of the Wild have?

   Technically, Breath of the Wild has two endings: the standard ending and the true ending. The true ending is unlocked by finding all of Link’s recovered memories before defeating Calamity Ganon.

2. Is there a post-credit scene in BotW?

   Yes, there are two stingers after the credits in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The first one is triggered after completing the game without getting all the memories. You will see Link and Zelda together at the castle after defeating Ganon.

3. What is the true ending of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

   In Tears of the Kingdom, the true ending is essentially a post-credits scene. After defeating the final boss, Rauru and Sonia’s spirits appear and return Zelda to her human form.

4. Can you still play Zelda BotW after defeating Ganon?

   Yes, you can still play Zelda: Breath of the Wild after defeating Ganon. The game will load from the save point right before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring Hyrule, completing side quests, and finding collectibles.

5. Does anything happen if you complete the Hyrule Compendium?

   Completing the Hyrule Compendium in Tears of the Kingdom grants you Robbie’s Fabric, an exclusive paraglider material designed by the researcher Robbie himself.

6. Where is the Yiga Mask located?

   The Yiga Mask is located in the Yiga Outpost on the Great Plateau, south of the Temple of Time Ruins and east of Tadarok Shrine.

7. Who is the real villain in Zelda?

   The primary antagonist of the Legend of Zelda series is Ganon, who often appears in his humanoid Gerudo form as Ganondorf.

8. How is Zelda alive after 100 years in Breath of the Wild?

   Zelda’s agelessness in Breath of the Wild is attributed to the magical barrier she created around Hyrule Castle and the Great Plateau to contain Calamity Ganon, which effectively separated that area from the normal flow of time.

9. Why does Zelda ask if you remember her?

   Zelda asks, “Do you remember me?” to signify whether the player has fully explored and engaged with the world of Hyrule and understood the depths of the characters’ experiences.

10. Does Zelda turn back into a human in Tears of the Kingdom?

    Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda is restored to her human form after Link defeats Ganondorf, thanks to the intervention of Rauru and Sonia’s spirits.

11. Are Link and Zelda in love?

    The relationship between Link and Zelda varies across the games. In most instances, they maintain a platonic or professional bond. However, there are a few cases where their relationship evolves into a romantic one.

12. Why is Ganon a Gerudo?

    Ganondorf is born to the Gerudo people due to Demise’s curse, which dictates the cyclical appearance of evil in Hyrule.

13. What is the secret password in Breath of the Wild?

    The secret password to enter the Gerudo Secret Club is “GSC♦”. You can learn this by eavesdropping on a group of Gerudo in The Noble Canteen during “The Secret Club’s Secret” side quest.

14. What does the Korok Mask do?

    The Korok Mask shakes and lights up when a Korok is hiding nearby, making it easier to find these collectibles.

15. How to join Games Learning Society?

    To get the most out of video games, you can join Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education.

Final Thoughts

The true ending of Breath of the Wild offers a richer, more satisfying conclusion to Link’s journey. By collecting all of the memories, players gain a deeper appreciation for the characters and the world of Hyrule, enriching their overall gaming experience. So, take the time to explore, uncover the past, and unlock the complete story of Breath of the Wild.