Should I do Champions’ Ballad Before or After Ganon? The Definitive Answer
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The burning question for any seasoned Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild adventurer: should you tackle the Champions’ Ballad DLC before or after defeating Calamity Ganon? The short answer, and the one I wholeheartedly recommend, is BEFORE. While the game allows you to technically play the Champions’ Ballad content at any point after completing the four Divine Beasts, its narrative and gameplay impact are best experienced before facing the final boss.
Let’s delve into why this is the optimal approach. The Champions’ Ballad provides crucial backstory and character development for the four Champions: Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa. The DLC allows you to understand their struggles, triumphs, and personal connections to Link and Zelda on a much deeper level. This emotional investment significantly enhances the impact of the final confrontation with Ganon. Imagine knowing the full weight of what you are fighting for, understanding the legacy and sacrifice of those who paved the way for you. It’s a far more powerful experience than simply triggering the DLC as an afterthought.
Furthermore, the Champions’ Ballad grants you the Master Cycle Zero, a powerful and incredibly fun vehicle. Having access to this motorcycle before facing Ganon offers a significant advantage in exploring Hyrule and reaching challenging locations. The Master Cycle Zero is much more than a convenience; it’s another tool in your arsenal, enabling faster traversal and tactical advantages in the open world. Why deprive yourself of this unique asset during your primary quest to defeat Ganon?
Finally, from a narrative perspective, the Champions’ Ballad feels like a natural extension of the main storyline. It expands upon the world, adds depth to the characters, and enhances the overall sense of completion. It’s a chapter that enriches the central narrative, not an epilogue tacked on after the fact. Breath of the Wild lacks a true “post-game.” After defeating Ganon, the game reverts to a state right before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring and completing side quests. Because of this reset, the Champions’ Ballad feels much more impactful when completed beforehand.
In essence, experiencing the Champions’ Ballad before confronting Calamity Ganon offers a richer narrative, a gameplay advantage, and a greater sense of fulfillment. It’s the way the game was implicitly designed to be played.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Champions’ Ballad and how it relates to the main game:
1. What are the prerequisites for starting the Champions’ Ballad?
You must complete all four Divine Beasts – Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris – as part of the main questline. After that, the quest will become available.
2. Will doing the Champions’ Ballad make the Ganon fight easier?
Indirectly, yes. The Champions’ Ballad rewards you with the Master Cycle Zero, which can make traversing Hyrule and reaching advantageous positions easier. The enhanced understanding of the Champions and their abilities also gives you a psychological boost.
3. Does the order in which I do the Champions’ Ballad affect the story?
No, not directly. However, experiencing the DLC before defeating Ganon enhances the emotional impact of the main story and provides a sense of closure for the Champions’ storylines.
4. Can I still do the Champions’ Ballad after beating Ganon?
Yes, technically you can. The game will revert to a save point before the Ganon fight, allowing you to play the DLC. However, as mentioned earlier, it’s best experienced before, to maximize its narrative impact.
5. Is the Champions’ Ballad difficult?
Yes, the Champions’ Ballad is significantly more challenging than the main game. It features tougher enemies, more complex puzzles, and demanding boss fights. The challenges will test your understanding of the game mechanics.
6. What rewards do I get from completing the Champions’ Ballad?
Besides the story and character development, the primary reward is the Master Cycle Zero. You also gain enhanced abilities from the Champions, which reduce the cooldown time on their respective powers.
7. Does the Champions’ Ballad introduce new areas to explore?
Yes, the Champions’ Ballad unlocks a new dungeon to explore after completing all the initial trials. This dungeon provides a unique challenge and culminates in a final boss fight.
8. Does the Champions’ Ballad affect the main questline in any way?
No, the Champions’ Ballad is a self-contained DLC that does not alter the main questline or its ending. It’s designed to complement the core experience, not replace it.
9. How long does it take to complete the Champions’ Ballad?
The Champions’ Ballad can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to complete, depending on your play style, skill level, and how thoroughly you explore.
10. Is the Master Cycle Zero worth the effort of completing the Champions’ Ballad?
Absolutely! The Master Cycle Zero is an invaluable asset for exploring Hyrule. It is fast, maneuverable, and can traverse almost any terrain, making it a game-changer for exploration and combat.
11. Should I complete all the shrines before doing the Champions’ Ballad?
While not required, completing as many shrines as possible is recommended. More shrines mean more Spirit Orbs, which can be traded for heart containers or stamina upgrades, making you better prepared for the DLC’s challenges.
12. Can I use the Master Cycle Zero to fight Ganon?
While you can theoretically ride the Master Cycle Zero to Hyrule Castle, it’s not directly useful in the final battle. The fight primarily takes place within the castle and Hyrule Field, where the motorcycle’s mobility is limited.
13. Does the Champions’ Ballad explain any of the lore of Breath of the Wild?
Yes, the Champions’ Ballad provides further insight into the history of Hyrule and the roles of the Champions in the fight against Calamity Ganon. It adds depth and context to the world and its characters.
14. Is the Champions’ Ballad fun?
In my opinion, absolutely. The Champions’ Ballad offers challenging gameplay, engaging story content, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The Master Cycle Zero is also incredibly fun to use. It’s a worthwhile addition to Breath of the Wild.
15. Does completing the Champions’ Ballad give me a different ending?
No, completing the Champions’ Ballad does not alter the main ending of Breath of the Wild. However, if you’ve also found all the memories, you will unlock an extended cutscene. The DLC enhances the overall experience and adds a layer of depth to the game’s conclusion.
Final Thoughts
The Champions’ Ballad is more than just extra content; it’s an integral part of the Breath of the Wild experience. Doing it before tackling Ganon is highly recommended.
If you are passionate about the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the educational potential of games and fosters a community of educators, researchers, and game developers.
In conclusion, the decision is ultimately yours, but for the most immersive and rewarding experience, answer the Champions’ call before confronting Calamity Ganon. Happy adventuring!