The Longest Journey: Which Zelda Game Takes the Longest to Beat?
The question that has plagued Hyrule historians and adventurers alike: Which The Legend of Zelda game will steal the most hours from your life? The answer, based on average completion times, is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, clocking in at roughly 55 hours for a standard playthrough. But, like any good quest, the true answer is far more nuanced than a simple number. Let’s delve into why Tears of the Kingdom claims the crown and explore the factors that influence play time across the Zelda universe.
Why Tears of the Kingdom Reigns Supreme
Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the already expansive foundation of Breath of the Wild, offering an even larger world to explore. The addition of the Sky Islands and the Depths beneath Hyrule significantly increases the game’s sheer size. Furthermore, the innovative Fuse, Ultrahand, and Recall abilities encourage experimentation and creativity, leading players down countless rabbit holes of crafting and discovery. While some players might rush through the main story, the allure of side quests, shrine hunts, and simply messing around with the game’s physics can easily double or even triple the playtime. The freedom afforded to the player makes the gameplay longer for completion.
The Runners-Up: A Look at Long-Lasting Adventures
While Tears of the Kingdom takes the top spot, several other Zelda titles offer substantial playtime:
- Breath of the Wild (Roughly 50 Hours): Its sheer scope and freedom of exploration put it right behind its sequel.
- Skyward Sword (Roughly 38 Hours): Despite its more linear structure, the lengthy story and numerous side quests contribute to a respectable playtime.
- Twilight Princess (Roughly 37 Hours): A sprawling adventure with a compelling story and plenty of optional content.
- The Wind Waker (Roughly 30 Hours): While initially shorter, the HD remake features added content that extends the game’s length.
Factors Influencing Playtime
It’s crucial to understand that the estimated completion times are averages. Several factors can significantly impact how long it takes to beat a Zelda game:
- Playstyle: Are you a completionist who strives to find every secret and complete every side quest? Or are you a speedrunner focused solely on reaching the end credits as quickly as possible?
- Skill Level: Experience with Zelda games, familiarity with puzzle mechanics, and combat proficiency can all affect how efficiently you progress.
- Exploration Habits: Do you meticulously explore every nook and cranny, or do you stick primarily to the main path?
- Difficulty Setting: Some Zelda games offer different difficulty modes, which can impact the length of the game.
- Distractions: Let’s be honest, it’s easy to get sidetracked in Hyrule!
Beyond Main Story: The 100% Completion Factor
For dedicated fans, simply beating the main story isn’t enough. Achieving 100% completion in a Zelda game can add dozens, even hundreds, of hours to the playtime. This often involves:
- Collecting all heart containers.
- Completing all side quests.
- Finding all collectibles.
- Unlocking all upgrades.
- Mastering all combat techniques.
For instance, reaching 100% completion in Breath of the Wild can take upwards of 190 hours, while some estimate Tears of the Kingdom can easily exceed 200 hours.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Zelda Playtime
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Zelda game length, offering further insights into this fascinating topic:
What is the quickest Zelda game to speedrun?
According to the provided information, A Link to the Past has the fastest speedrun time at just 1 hour and 31 minutes.
What is the hardest Zelda game to complete?
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is widely considered the hardest Zelda game to complete due to its high difficulty and challenging learning curve.
What is the hardest Zelda game to speedrun?
The Wind Waker is considered the hardest Zelda game to speedrun, due to its complex and ever-evolving speedrunning strategies.
What Zelda game has the hardest bosses?
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is mentioned as having some of the hardest boss fights, particularly Thunderbird.
Which Zelda game has the easiest dungeons?
Ocarina of Time is said to have the easiest dungeon, specifically Inside the Deku Tree.
Which Zelda game is the best to start with?
For new players, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is recommended as a good entry point due to its open world and accessible gameplay.
What is the darkest Zelda game?
Majora’s Mask is frequently cited as the darkest Zelda game due to its themes of impending doom and nihilism.
What is the scariest Zelda game?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) features the frightening Dead Hand enemy, making it the scariest Zelda game.
Does it matter what Zelda game you play first?
Most Zelda games are accessible and can function as a good entry point, though A Link to the Past is recommended because it is fairly basic and sets a good foundation for what later games do.
Can you keep playing Zelda after you beat it?
In Tears of the Kingdom, you can return to the game to tie up any loose ends after beating the final boss.
How old is Link in Zelda?
Link is generally on the younger side and under the age of 18, regardless of his incarnation. In the first game, The Legend of Zelda, Link is 10 years old.
What Zelda game has the hardest dungeons?
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Water Temple has long been considered one of the most challenging dungeons in the Zelda franchise.
What is the most annoying Zelda enemy?
According to the source, the Like Like is the most annoying Zelda enemy.
What is the weirdest Legend of Zelda game?
The Wand of Gamelon is best known for its poor script and confusing interpretation of Zelda and Link.
Which is better, Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild?
Tears of the Kingdom is considered the better game in terms of gameplay, size, and creative mechanics.
The Enduring Appeal of the Zelda Time Sink
Ultimately, the length of a Zelda game is a testament to its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re a speedrunner, a completionist, or somewhere in between, the Zelda franchise offers an experience that can be tailored to your individual preferences and time commitments. And as we continue to explore the dynamics of video games and learning, organizations like the Games Learning Society provide valuable insights into the educational potential and impact of these interactive experiences. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information. So, grab your sword and shield, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure – just be sure to clear your schedule!