What Happens When You 100% Breath of the Wild? The Ultimate Completionist’s Guide
So, you’re staring down the barrel of a 100% completion run of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You’ve probably already sunk hundreds of hours into Hyrule, scaling every mountain, battling every monster, and deciphering every Sheikah puzzle. But what’s at the end of that long, arduous road?
The truth is, Breath of the Wild doesn’t offer a grand, earth-shattering reward for hitting 100% completion. There’s no secret cutscene, no new game mode, and no tangible in-game bonus that fundamentally alters the experience. Instead, the reward is intrinsic: the satisfaction of conquering every facet of this vast and complex world, the mastery of its mechanics, and the accumulation of stories and memories along the way.
Think of it this way: The journey is the reward. Breath of the Wild isn’t a game designed to be “beaten” in the traditional sense. It’s an experience to be savored, explored, and, ultimately, defined by the player.
Reaching 100% map completion in Breath of the Wild officially only requires you to visit every named location and collect all 900 Korok Seeds. The percentage displayed on your map tracks only these two factors.
Beyond the map percentage, the game tracks your progress in other ways. Completing all 120 Shrines, finishing all Main Quests, Side Quests, and Shrine Quests, upgrading all available armor to its maximum potential, and filling the Hyrule Compendium (photographing every creature, plant, and weapon) all contribute to the feeling of truly experiencing everything the game has to offer.
While the game itself doesn’t shower you with fanfare for these accomplishments, the community certainly recognizes and celebrates those who achieve them. It’s a badge of honor for dedicated Zelda fans. You’ll know that you have reached 100% when there is nothing else to do.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue 100% completion is a personal one. For some, it’s a testament to their dedication and love for the game. For others, it’s an exercise in patience and perseverance. But for everyone who undertakes it, it’s a journey that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions About 100% Completion in Breath of the Wild
Here are some common questions aspiring Breath of the Wild completionists often ask:
Is there an in-game reward for getting 100% map completion?
No. Completing the map 100% only rewards you with a star on your save file indicating that you have defeated Ganon. All the rest of the rewards come along the way.
What counts towards the map completion percentage?
The map completion percentage only tracks the named locations discovered and Korok Seeds collected. Everything else is up to you to track.
Is it worth collecting all 900 Korok Seeds?
That depends. The only reward for getting all 900 Korok Seeds is Hestu’s Gift, often referred to as a “golden poop.” It has no practical purpose other than to witness Hestu’s dance whenever you want. However, collecting the necessary Korok Seeds to max out your inventory slots is highly recommended for gameplay convenience.
Do I need the DLC to achieve 100% completion?
Yes, if you want to experience absolutely everything the game has to offer. The DLC adds new quests, shrines, and challenges that contribute to the overall experience and add to the feeling of comprehensive exploration. However, you can get 100% map completion without the DLC.
How long does it typically take to 100% complete Breath of the Wild?
Expect to spend upwards of 189 hours on a 100% completion run. This can vary greatly depending on your playstyle, familiarity with the game, and how efficiently you tackle each task.
Does defeating Ganon count towards 100% completion?
Yes, defeating Ganon is an essential step in fully experiencing the game, and it unlocks a few post-game elements, such as the ability to track which side quests you have completed. It also adds a star to your save file, showing that you have beaten him.
What happens after I defeat Ganon?
After defeating Ganon, you’re returned to your last save point before the final battle. You can then continue exploring Hyrule, completing any remaining quests, shrines, or challenges. Kilton also begins offering medals for defeating all Hinox, Stone Talus, and Moldugas.
Are there missable items or quests that can prevent me from achieving 100% completion?
No. All items and quests are always available.
Does upgrading all armor count toward 100% completion?
While upgrading all armor isn’t directly tracked in the game’s completion percentage, it’s a worthwhile goal for dedicated players. Fully upgraded armor provides significant defensive advantages and unlocks unique set bonuses.
Is there a “true ending” in Breath of the Wild?
Yes. Collecting all the memories unlocks a slightly extended ending cutscene. While the difference is minor, many consider this the “true” ending of the game.
What are some tips for finding Korok Seeds?
Use the Korok Mask (obtained from the DLC) to help locate hidden Koroks. Consult online maps and guides to pinpoint the locations of Koroks. Pay attention to your surroundings, as Korok puzzles are often cleverly integrated into the environment.
What’s the best way to track my progress toward 100% completion?
Use a combination of the in-game map, your Adventure Log, and external resources like online checklists and trackers. A physical notebook or spreadsheet can also be helpful for organizing your progress.
What is the difference between a Side Quest and a Shrine Quest?
Side Quests are general tasks given by NPCs around Hyrule, often involving exploration, gathering items, or defeating enemies. Shrine Quests, on the other hand, are specific quests that lead you to hidden shrines, often requiring you to solve a puzzle or overcome a challenge.
Does filling the Hyrule Compendium count toward 100% completion?
Filling the Hyrule Compendium doesn’t affect the map completion percentage, but it’s considered an important achievement for completionists. You can purchase entries from Symin in the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab if you’re struggling to find certain items or creatures.
Is Breath of the Wild a good game for learning?
Absolutely! Breath of the Wild, like many games, can foster problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking. Exploring its vast world and overcoming its challenges encourages players to think creatively and learn through experimentation. As the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org advocate, video games can be powerful tools for education and personal growth.
Ultimately, aiming for 100% completion in Breath of the Wild is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about embracing the journey, immersing yourself in the world, and creating your own Legend of Zelda. Happy exploring!