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What is the Hardest Zelda Game to 100%?

The burning question that has plagued Hyrule Warriors, Hylian historians, and casual gamers alike: What is the absolute, undisputed hardest Zelda game to 100% complete? While difficulty is subjective, several contenders consistently rise to the top. However, weighing factors such as sheer time commitment, obtuse requirements, required skill, and availability of guides, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild emerges as the most challenging Zelda game to fully complete. Its massive open world and staggering number of collectibles, particularly the 900 Korok Seeds, set it apart from the rest.

Why Breath of the Wild Takes the Crown

Several elements contribute to Breath of the Wild’s imposing 100% completion challenge:

Korok Seeds: Collecting all 900 Korok Seeds is a monumental task, requiring meticulous exploration and puzzle-solving. Many seeds are hidden in incredibly obscure locations, demanding patience and perseverance. While not strictly necessary to beat the game, achieving 100% requires hunting down every single one.
Vast Open World: Hyrule in Breath of the Wild is immense. Fully exploring every nook and cranny, discovering all named locations, and uncovering all secrets takes an extraordinary amount of time.
Shrines and Divine Beasts: While completing the 120 Shrines and four Divine Beasts is vital for character progression and story advancement, they are also necessary for 100% completion. Some shrines require unique puzzle-solving skills or combat proficiency.
Limited Fast Travel (Early Game): Initially, fast travel points are scarce, requiring players to traverse significant distances on foot or horseback. This further increases the time investment required for exploration.
No In-Game Completion Tracker: The game doesn’t provide a comprehensive checklist of all tasks required for 100% completion. Players must rely on external resources and meticulous record-keeping.

Other Contenders for Hardest 100%

While Breath of the Wild reigns supreme in terms of sheer grind, other Zelda games present their own unique challenges for completionists:

Majora’s Mask: While shorter in length, Majora’s Mask features a complex web of side quests and collectibles tied to the game’s three-day cycle. Collecting all masks, especially the Fierce Deity Mask, requires skillful manipulation of time and intricate knowledge of NPC schedules. The time-sensitive nature of many quests adds a layer of pressure.
Ocarina of Time: Finding all 100 Gold Skulltulas in Ocarina of Time requires solving challenging puzzles and exploring every corner of Hyrule. Some skulltulas are hidden in obscure locations or require specific items and strategies to obtain. Master Quest makes the game even more challenging.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: This side-scrolling adventure is notorious for its brutal difficulty and unforgiving gameplay. Mastering the combat mechanics, navigating treacherous environments, and defeating formidable enemies is essential for survival. Completing Zelda II requires patience, skill, and a willingness to learn from repeated failures.
Oracle of Seasons/Ages: These games feature intricate puzzles, demanding dungeons, and a linked game mechanic that adds complexity. Collecting all rings, mastering the essences, and completing both games requires significant effort and coordination.

Comparing the Challenges

Ultimately, the “hardest” Zelda game to 100% depends on individual preferences and playstyles.

Breath of the Wild: Favored for its massive scope and sheer volume of content, challenging exploration, and the ultimate Korok Seed grind.
Majora’s Mask: Favored for its complex sidequests, time sensitive nature, and requirement of a high knowledge of the game’s systems.
Ocarina of Time: Favored for its puzzle-solving requirement and collection challenges.
Zelda II: Favored for its requirement of mastering complex combat.
Oracle of Seasons/Ages: Favored for its complex puzzles and requiring completion of two entire games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)