When to Embark on The Champions’ Ballad: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Champions’ Ballad DLC for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a compelling extension to an already epic adventure. The definitive answer to when you should start the Champions’ Ballad is: after you’ve defeated all four Divine Beasts. This is the only hard requirement to trigger the questline. While you can technically glitch your way into the DLC early, the game is designed and balanced for you to experience it after freeing the Divine Beasts. Doing so unlocks the quest, adds significant challenge, and, crucially, slots beautifully into the game’s narrative flow. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the optimal timing and address some common questions.
Why Wait Until After the Divine Beasts?
The Champion’s Ballad feels like a natural continuation of Link’s journey after liberating the Divine Beasts. Here’s why:
- Narrative Cohesion: The DLC provides more background on the Champions – Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa – deepening your connection with them and their stories. These stories hit harder and resonate more profoundly after you’ve seen the impact of their loss and restored their spirits to the Divine Beasts. The DLC essentially fills in the gaps and adds emotional weight to the main narrative.
- Difficulty Curve: The challenges presented in the Champions’ Ballad are significantly more demanding than many of the base game’s encounters. Facing these trials with a fully upgraded Link, equipped with Champion abilities and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics, will ensure a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience. Trying to tackle it early can lead to frustration.
- Champion Abilities: You need the Champion Abilities to efficiently and fully enjoy the DLC. These abilities gained from completing the Divine Beasts offer strategic advantage and even some are required for navigation.
- Unlocking the Master Cycle Zero: The ultimate reward for completing the Champions’ Ballad is the Master Cycle Zero, a powerful and versatile motorcycle. Obtaining this vehicle earlier rather than later allows you to utilize it throughout the rest of your explorations of Hyrule.
- World State: With the Divine Beasts liberated, Hyrule is already significantly less dangerous. This provides a more stable environment in which to tackle the Champions’ Ballad’s challenges, allowing you to focus on the unique trials it presents rather than simply surviving.
- Impa’s Advice: While not a direct requirement, visiting Impa in Kakariko Village before venturing too far into the world is highly recommended. She provides crucial context and information about the Calamity and the Divine Beasts, which sets the stage for the entire narrative, including the Champions’ Ballad. She essentially directs you toward the Divine Beasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting the Champions’ Ballad
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about when and how to start the Champions’ Ballad DLC:
When can you start Champions Ballad?
The only strict requirement is having completed the main quests “Free the Divine Beast” for all four Divine Beasts. Make sure you also talk to the village elders after freeing each beast; otherwise, the quests might not register as complete.
Should you do Champions Ballad before or after Ganon?
Chronologically, the events of the Champions’ Ballad take place before the final battle with Calamity Ganon. It’s recommended to complete the DLC beforehand. Nothing in the game actually takes place after Ganon. He is the definitive end.
What order should I do the Champions ballad?
The order of the initial challenges is fixed:
- Starting The DLC And The Tamer’s Trial.
- Mipha’s Song.
- Daruk’s Song.
- Revali’s Song.
- Urbosa’s Song.
- The Divine Trial And Unlocking The Master Cycle Zero.
Can you do Champions ballad before Divine Beasts?
While there are glitches that allow you to start the Champion’s Ballad and its EX quests before completing all four Divine Beasts, it’s not recommended for the intended gameplay experience. The DLC is balanced assuming you have access to Champion abilities.
In what order should I get the Divine Beasts?
While there is no mandatory order, many players find this progression path easiest:
- Vah Ruta (Zora’s Domain): Located closest to the starting area and offers a valuable ability early on, Mipha’s Grace.
- Vah Rudania (Death Mountain): Provides protection from fire and a powerful offensive ability.
- Vah Medoh (Hebra Mountains): Grants aerial mobility and long-range attacks.
- Vah Naboris (Gerudo Desert): The most challenging Divine Beast, requiring heat resistance and offering a powerful lightning attack.
Which of the 4 divine beast should I do first?
Most players recommend Vah Ruta or Vah Medoh first. Vah Ruta is closer and Mipha’s Grace is invaluable.
Who is the final boss in the Champions ballad?
The final boss of the Champions’ Ballad is Monk Maz Koshia, who offers a formidable challenge.
How hard is the champions ballad?
The Champions’ Ballad is significantly harder than the main game. Expect tougher enemies, more challenging puzzles, and demanding combat trials. You will definitely “get gud.”
Is Champions Ballad fun?
Yes, the Champions’ Ballad is widely considered to be a fun and engaging addition to Breath of the Wild. It offers new challenges, expands the story, and provides valuable rewards. It’s an excellent excuse to revisit Hyrule.
How many hours is the Champions ballad?
Completing the main objectives of the Champions’ Ballad will take around 10 hours. Completionists aiming for 100% can expect to spend around 13 hours.
What does Champions Ballad give you?
Completing the Champions’ Ballad provides several rewards:
- Picture of the Champions: A momento to hang in Link’s House.
- Four Additional Spirit Orbs: For upgrading Link’s Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels.
- The Master Cycle Zero: A powerful motorcycle for traversing Hyrule.
Should you beat Ganon before DLC?
While you can beat Ganon before the DLC, it’s generally recommended to complete the DLC first to enhance the story and gain valuable items like the Master Cycle Zero, Korok Mask and Hero’s Path.
Can you keep playing Zelda after beating Ganon?
Yes, you can continue playing after defeating Ganon. The game saves a star on your file to indicate completion, but the world remains unchanged. You can continue exploring, completing shrines, and doing side quests.
What happens if you beat Ganon early?
The game puts a star next to your save to indicate you’ve beaten Ganon, allowing you to finish the rest of the game. This preserves the game’s narrative structure and sense of urgency.
What happens if you leave Great Plateau with One-Hit Obliterator?
If you leave the Great Plateau before completing the initial trials with the One-Hit Obliterator, it will disappear and return to its pedestal in the Shrine of Resurrection.
This information should help you decide when to begin the Champions’ Ballad DLC. Consider joining the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discuss your gaming decisions with other players and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on game design and learning!