Unveiling the Truth: What’s the Reward for 100% Completion in Zelda?
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The burning question that plagues completionists everywhere: What do you really get for achieving 100% completion in a Zelda game? The answer, frustratingly, isn’t always straightforward. While some games offer tangible rewards, others provide a sense of accomplishment and closure. Let’s dive into the specifics, focusing primarily on Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but touching on the broader Zelda universe as well.
In Breath of the Wild, achieving 100% on your map screen means uncovering every location, shrine, divine beast, and Korok Seed. However, the game doesn’t actually reward players for this 100% completion. While the Adventure Log tracks Main Quests, Side Quests, and Shrine Quests completion, there is no in-game reward for reaching 100% completion. The biggest reward in Breath of the Wild comes from collecting all 900 Korok Seeds which earns you Hestu’s Gift, a golden poop that serves no purpose other than to make Hestu dance.
Tears of the Kingdom follows a similar path. The displayed completion percentage is tied directly to map completion. Reaching 100% in Tears of the Kingdom will likely mean exploring every inch of the surface, sky islands, and depths, activating all lightroots, and discovering all named locations. Completing all 152 shrines unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a new armor item. There appears to be no reward for reaching 100% map completion.
Delving Deeper: What “Counts” Towards 100%?
It’s crucial to understand what contributes to the completion percentage displayed within the games.
- Breath of the Wild: The percentage shown on the map screen reflects the discovery of locations.
- Tears of the Kingdom: The completion rating only applies to map discoveries. Things like quest completion or activities completed do not factor into the completion percentage.
The Intangible Rewards: Why Bother?
While tangible rewards might be lacking, the journey itself offers significant value.
- Exploration and Discovery: Zelda games are built on exploration. Pursuing 100% completion forces you to see every corner of Hyrule, uncovering hidden secrets and breathtaking vistas.
- Mastery of Mechanics: Completing all shrines, quests, and challenges pushes you to understand the game’s mechanics deeply. You’ll become a true master of combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Let’s be honest, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing you’ve conquered everything a game has to offer. The feeling of having truly “finished” a massive world like Hyrule is its own reward.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About 100% Completion in Zelda
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the details of 100% completion in various Zelda titles:
Q1: Does completing all quests count towards 100% in Breath of the Wild?
No, quest completion doesn’t directly contribute to the percentage displayed on your map in Breath of the Wild.
Q2: What is included in 100% completion in BOTW?
100% completion in Breath of the Wild is achieved by discovering all locations, shrines, divine beasts, and Korok Seeds.
Q3: Is it worth getting all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild?
The reward for collecting all 900 Korok Seeds is Hestu’s Gift, a golden poop that has no in-game effect besides making Hestu dance. Whether it’s “worth it” is subjective. Completionists will enjoy the challenge, but the reward is mostly a gag.
Q4: How many hours does it take to 100% Breath of the Wild?
It generally takes around 190 hours to achieve 100% completion in Breath of the Wild.
Q5: Is there DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
As of now, Nintendo has stated that there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.
Q6: How many shrines are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom: 120 on the surface and 32 in the sky.
Q7: Do DLC shrines count toward 100% completion?
In Breath of the Wild, DLC shrines do not count towards the base game’s 100% completion. They are tracked separately.
Q8: What happens when you get all 1000 Korok Seeds in Tears of the Kingdom?
Finding all the Korok Seeds in Tears of the Kingdom gives you Hestu’s Gift, which is another golden poop.
Q9: Can you keep playing Tears of the Kingdom after defeating Ganondorf?
Yes, but it loads you to the last save state before the final boss, indicating you beat the game with a star.
Q10: What is the reward for completing all shrines in Tears of the Kingdom?
The reward for completing all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom is the Ancient Hero’s Aspect.
Q11: What activities DO NOT count toward 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom?
Quest completion and most other activities do not directly contribute to the completion percentage displayed on your map screen in Tears of the Kingdom.
Q12: What is considered 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom?
Completing every location on the surface, in the sky islands, and in the depths, activating all lightroots, and discovering all named locations.
Q13: How many hours does it take to 100% Tears of the Kingdom?
It takes approximately 236 hours to achieve 100% completion in Tears of the Kingdom.
Q14: Are there any hidden rewards for reaching 100% completion in older Zelda games?
Some older Zelda games unlock Hard Mode or other challenges upon completion, but this isn’t always tied to a specific 100% metric. These bonuses are rewards for beating the main game instead.
Q15: Is there any academic research about the value of gaming?
Yes! Researchers at the Games Learning Society are conducting important research on gaming and education. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts: The Value of the Journey
Ultimately, the “reward” for 100% completion in a Zelda game is often the experience itself. It’s about immersing yourself in the world, mastering the mechanics, and pushing your boundaries as a player. While a tangible prize might be nice, the satisfaction of knowing you’ve truly explored and conquered Hyrule is a reward in itself. So, grab your sword, shield, and paraglider, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you aim for 100% or not, the journey is what truly matters.