Unlocking Hyrule’s Heart: Discovering the True Ending of Breath of the Wild
The true ending of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn’t just about defeating Calamity Ganon. It’s about fully experiencing Hyrule’s past and present. To unlock it, you must collect all of Link’s thirteen missing memories scattered throughout the kingdom. Once Ganon is defeated and all memories recovered, an additional cutscene plays, depicting Link and Zelda, now more deeply connected by their shared experiences and struggles, contemplating the future of a recovering Hyrule. This extended ending provides a more nuanced and hopeful resolution to their journey.
The Path to Remembering: Unveiling the Lost Memories
The core mechanic of accessing the true ending revolves around recovering Link’s memories. These are not just arbitrary collectibles; they are fragments of the past that reveal the dynamics between Link, Zelda, and the other Champions, as well as Zelda’s struggles to unlock her own power. Finding these memories deepens the player’s understanding of the narrative and adds emotional weight to the final confrontation with Ganon.
Each memory is triggered at a specific location that corresponds to a picture found within the Sheikah Slate. The Slate’s pictures act as clues, challenging players to use their observational skills and knowledge of Hyrule’s geography to pinpoint the exact spots. This treasure hunt encourages exploration and allows players to connect more profoundly with the environment.
Beyond the Boss Fight: What the True Ending Adds
The true ending builds upon the standard conclusion by adding a layer of emotional closure. It confirms the strengthening bond between Link and Zelda and suggests a future where they work together to rebuild Hyrule. While the game mechanics remain unchanged after either ending (allowing continued exploration and quest completion), the true ending offers a more satisfying narrative conclusion.
It’s crucial to understand that even with the true ending, the gameplay loop of Breath of the Wild persists. There is no true post-game world in the traditional sense. Instead, players are returned to the world before the final boss fight, free to continue exploring, completing side quests, and discovering the many secrets Hyrule still holds. The star on your save file simply signifies that you have defeated Ganon at least once.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Breath of the Wild’s Endings and Beyond
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Breath of the Wild‘s ending, gameplay mechanics, and lore:
What happens if I don’t find all the memories before defeating Ganon?
You will still see an ending, but it will be the standard ending. You can continue playing afterward and collect the remaining memories, then defeat Ganon again to trigger the true ending cutscene. The game saves your progress, even after defeating Ganon, so no need to worry about losing progress.
Can I still play after beating Ganon?
Yes! This is a core design element of Breath of the Wild. Your save file will be marked with a star, indicating you’ve beaten Ganon, but you’ll be placed back in the world before the final battle. This allows you to complete any remaining quests, shrines, or exploration goals.
What changes after defeating Ganon?
Beyond the star on your save file and the ability to purchase pictures of bosses from Robbie, the in-game world remains largely the same. Monsters will still roam, Blood Moons will still rise, and NPCs will still task you with defeating Ganon. You also unlock a percentage tracker on your map to show how much of the game you’ve completed.
Is there a reward for 100% completing Breath of the Wild?
Unfortunately, no. There is no in-game reward for achieving 100% completion (finding all 900 Korok Seeds, completing all quests, unlocking all map locations, etc.). Completion is primarily for personal satisfaction and bragging rights.
What counts towards 100% completion in Breath of the Wild?
100% completion is calculated based on map completion which is measured by the proportion of map names that have been revealed. A map name will only be added towards the percentage when the area is visited. Korok Seeds account for a large percentage of the completion. Other tasks such as completing all side quests and getting all armor upgrades do not count.
Why does Link not speak in Breath of the Wild?
The game provides an in-universe explanation: Link bears a tremendous burden and feels compelled to remain silent to shoulder the pressure. This silence symbolizes his stoicism and unwavering dedication. The official explanation is that Link must remain silent so that the player can project themself onto him.
Is “Destroy Ganondorf” the last quest?
In Tears of the Kingdom, “Destroy Ganondorf” is the final main quest. It requires you to find and defeat the Demon King, and getting to him is challenging in itself.
How old is Link in Breath of the Wild?
Link is approximately 117 years old in Breath of the Wild. He was around 17 during the Great Calamity 100 years prior and was placed in a deep sleep within the Shrine of Resurrection.
Has Link kissed Zelda in any Zelda games?
While romantic tension is often present, there is no explicit kiss between Link and Zelda in any canon Zelda game. The closest depiction is the hand-holding scene at the end of Spirit Tracks.
What is the hardest fight in Breath of the Wild?
Many players consider Monk Maz Koshia, from The Champion’s Ballad DLC, to be the most challenging boss fight due to his varied attacks and the multi-stage nature of the battle.
Do Blood Moons stop after defeating Ganon?
No, Blood Moons will continue to occur even after you defeat Ganon. They are a core game mechanic for respawning enemies and resources, and defeating Ganon does not change this.
Can you beat Calamity Ganon twice?
Yes, you can beat Calamity Ganon as many times as you like. The game will always revert to a save point before the final boss fight.
What is the scariest thing in Breath of the Wild?
Many players find the Blood Moons themselves to be unsettling, especially when they occur unexpectedly. The Typhlo Ruins are another contender.
Is Link LGBTQ?
Nintendo officially maintains that Link is straight and cisgender. However, the character’s design and open-ended nature have led to much fan interpretation and the creation of LGBTQIA+ characters within the Zelda universe.
Does Link love Zelda or Mipha?
The game strongly suggests that Link develops romantic feelings for Zelda, particularly by the end of Breath of the Wild. While Mipha clearly harbored feelings for Link, the reciprocal feelings appear to be of friendship and respect rather than romantic love.
Learning Through the Game: Beyond Entertainment
The appeal of Breath of the Wild goes beyond its engaging gameplay and intriguing story. The game encourages exploration, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. It promotes learning through discovery and rewards curiosity, demonstrating how games can be powerful tools for education and engagement. For further insights into learning through gaming, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the educational potential of video games. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the true ending of Breath of the Wild is not just about a cutscene; it’s about the journey. It’s about the bonds formed, the memories recovered, and the hope for a brighter future in a land scarred by Calamity. It’s about the player’s individual experience and their connection to the world of Hyrule.