Sailing to Completion: A Deep Dive into 100%ing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
What does it truly mean to 100% a game? For some, it’s about seeing the credits roll. For others, it’s about experiencing every nook and cranny, uncovering every secret, and mastering every challenge. In The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, achieving full completion is a rewarding journey that goes far beyond simply defeating Ganon. Here’s what you need to do to claim true 100% status:
You’ll need to achieve the following:
- All Hearts: Collect every Heart Container and Piece of Heart to maximize Link’s health.
- All Items: Gather every single item in the game, from the Boomerang to the Hero’s Shield.
- All Songs: Learn all the songs on the Wind Waker, including the Ballad of Gales and the Command Melody.
- All Equipment Upgrades: Maximize the power of Link’s arsenal with every possible upgrade, including his wallet size and arrow capacity.
- Hurricane Spin: Master the powerful Hurricane Spin attack.
- Double Magic Meter: Obtain the Magic Armor and double your magic capacity.
- All Treasure Chests: Open each and every treasure chest scattered across the Great Sea.
- Defeat Ganondorf: Naturally, you must defeat Ganondorf in the final showdown.
That’s the core of what constitutes a 100% run in Wind Waker. However, many factors are involved to accomplish all these goals. It is not just about beating the game; it’s about mastering it. This requires significant time investment and thorough exploration of the game’s world.
Delving Deeper: The Path to Perfection
Achieving true 100% completion in Wind Waker requires a meticulous approach. It’s not just about finding items; it’s about understanding the intricate web of interconnected tasks. From charting the Great Sea to tackling every side quest, your journey will be long and fulfilling.
The Importance of Exploration and Side Quests
A big part of the 100% journey is the exploration aspect. The Great Sea is vast and full of secrets. You must thoroughly comb the ocean and discover all the islands, and the secrets they hold. Side quests are also essential, not just for the rewards they provide, but for the extra context and world building they offer. Many side quests lead to hidden heart pieces, upgrades, and treasure charts, so they’re indispensable for a full completion.
Utilizing Treasure Charts
Treasure Charts in Wind Waker are crucial to obtaining all the items and rupees needed for a 100% completion. These charts lead you to many chests that are not otherwise discoverable. Locating all of these chests is a major component of 100%ing the game. You can obtain these treasure charts via trading sequences, mini-games, and other side quests. The use of a guide is usually necessary to find them all effectively.
Maxing Out Equipment
Ensuring that you’ve fully upgraded Link’s inventory is crucial. This includes getting the biggest wallet, which is necessary for purchasing certain items and completing all side quests. You also need to upgrade your quiver and bomb bag to maximize their capacity, along with the various other equipment upgrades available in the game.
Achieving 100%: A Time Commitment
The average playtime for a 100% run of Wind Waker is approximately 59 ½ hours, almost double the time it takes to just beat the game. This demonstrates the significant effort required to achieve true completion. This is due to the amount of exploration and puzzle-solving needed, along with navigating the vast Great Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 100%ing Wind Waker
To further aid your journey towards full completion, here are some common questions that players often have when trying to 100% The Wind Waker:
1. How long does it take to 100% Wind Waker?
As mentioned, a complete 100% run typically takes around 59.5 hours, which is significantly longer than just completing the main story.
2. How do I get the biggest wallet in Wind Waker?
The Biggest Wallet, which allows you to hold up to 5000 rupees, is obtained by sailing to Northern Fairy Island and speaking to the fairy inside the shell.
3. Do I need to get all the figurines to 100% Wind Waker?
No, you do not need to get all the figurines in the game for 100% completion. While they’re fun to collect, they’re not required for a full completion.
4. What is the most expensive item in Wind Waker?
The most expensive item in the game is the Shop Guru Statue, which is the last item in the trading sequence and a coveted item by businessmen.
5. How do I get the Hurricane Spin?
The Hurricane Spin is taught by Orca on Outset Island after defeating certain bosses and finding some of the heart containers.
6. How many Skull Necklaces do I need in Wind Waker?
You’ll need 20 Skull Necklaces to give to the rich man on Windfall Island to receive Treasure Chart #2. You’ll also need to give 3 to the man by the potion shop to do the Pig Catching challenge.
7. What is the best weapon in Wind Waker?
While the Master Sword is essential, the Light Arrows are incredibly powerful and efficient against regular enemies, making them great for completing areas faster.
8. Is Wind Waker a difficult Zelda game?
Compared to other titles, The Wind Waker is considered to be on the easier side, especially after you understand the combat mechanics.
9. How do I get the Double Magic Meter in Wind Waker?
The Double Magic Meter is obtained by acquiring the Magic Armor from the Dragon Roost Island shop. This will double your magic capacity.
10. Do I need all the Treasure Charts for 100%?
Yes, you need to find all of the Treasure Charts and dig up all the chests they lead to in order to truly 100% the game. Many key items and heart pieces are buried in these locations.
11. What is the most important thing to focus on for 100%?
Focusing on collecting all of the Heart Pieces is very important. There are many hidden around the game. Using guides and tracking them as you progress is essential.
12. Are there missable items in Wind Waker that prevent 100% completion?
While most items are accessible throughout the game, there is one missable item that may prevent a complete 100% run; the Picto Box. If you obtain the Deluxe Picto Box first before getting the regular Picto Box, it will be permanently inaccessible. This makes it impossible to complete the Nintendo Gallery sidequest and acquire all of the figurines.
13. What are some of the best mini-games for farming Rupees?
The Boating Course, Spectacle Island, and the mini-game in Windfall Island are great spots to gather rupees if you are skilled at them.
14. Can I get to 100% without a guide?
While it’s possible, it’s very difficult to achieve 100% in Wind Waker without a guide due to the hidden nature of many items, chests, and heart pieces.
15. What is the most essential item for a 100% run of Wind Waker?
Arguably, the Grappling Hook is the most essential item for a 100% run of Wind Waker as it’s needed to access many hidden areas, along with being very important for exploration.
Conclusion: The Rewarding Journey to 100%
100% completion in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is more than just a checklist. It’s about embracing the spirit of adventure, exploring every island, and conquering every challenge the Great Sea throws your way. It’s a truly rewarding experience for players who want to see everything the game has to offer, and truly become a legend of the seas. While it requires significant time and dedication, the feeling of achieving full completion is incredibly satisfying. Good luck on your 100% journey!