“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a critically acclaimed open-world adventure game developed by Nintendo. Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, it revolutionized the Zelda series with its vast, immersive world and innovative gameplay mechanics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various aspects of the game to help you master the challenges of Hyrule, from the basics of survival to advanced combat techniques and exploration tips.
Starting Your Journey: The Great Plateau
Awakening in the Shrine of Resurrection
Your adventure begins in the Shrine of Resurrection, where Link awakens from a long slumber. Follow the initial prompts to find the Sheikah Slate, which will be your essential tool throughout the game. The Sheikah Slate acts as a map, compass, and multi-functional device that will aid you in your journey.
Collecting Essential Gear
As you explore the Great Plateau, you’ll find basic weapons, shields, and clothing. These initial items are crucial for your survival. Don’t forget to collect any food and materials you come across, as they will be necessary for cooking and crafting. The early part of the game emphasizes scavenging and resource management.
Completing the Initial Shrines
The Great Plateau contains four shrines, each granting you a new rune for the Sheikah Slate. These runes—Magnesis, Remote Bombs, Cryonis, and Stasis—are essential for solving puzzles and navigating the world. Completing these shrines also rewards you with Spirit Orbs, which can be used to upgrade your health and stamina.
Surviving the Wilderness: Basic Tips
Cooking and Eating
Cooking is vital for survival in “Breath of the Wild.” Collect ingredients like apples, mushrooms, and meat, and cook them over a fire to create meals that restore health and provide buffs. Experiment with different combinations to discover recipes that increase your stamina, grant cold resistance, or boost attack power.
Managing Weather Conditions
Hyrule’s weather can change rapidly, affecting your health and abilities. Carry clothing and elixirs that provide resistance to heat, cold, and electricity. Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the bottom right corner of the screen to prepare for sudden changes.
Navigating Dangerous Terrain
The world of Hyrule is filled with treacherous terrain, from steep mountains to deep bodies of water. Use the stamina wheel wisely when climbing or swimming to avoid falling or drowning. Utilize your runes creatively to overcome obstacles and find hidden paths.
Engaging in Combat: Basic Strategies
Understanding Enemy Types
Hyrule is inhabited by various enemies, each with unique behaviors and weaknesses. Learn to recognize different types of enemies and their attack patterns. Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos are common foes, while larger enemies like Hinox and Lynels pose significant challenges.
Mastering Basic Combat Techniques
Combat in “Breath of the Wild” relies on timing and precision. Practice dodging and parrying enemy attacks to create opportunities for counterattacks. Perfect dodges trigger a Flurry Rush, allowing Link to unleash a rapid series of strikes.
Utilizing Weapons and Shields
Weapons and shields in “Breath of the Wild” have limited durability and will break after extensive use. Always carry a variety of weapons and shields, and be prepared to switch between them during combat. Use weaker weapons against common enemies and save powerful ones for tougher foes.
Exploring Hyrule: Discovering Landmarks
Unlocking Towers
Towers are scattered throughout Hyrule and serve as vantage points to reveal portions of the map. Climbing and activating towers not only expands your map but also provides fast travel points. Be prepared for challenges while climbing, such as enemy ambushes or difficult terrain.
Finding Korok Seeds
Korok Seeds are hidden collectibles that can be found by solving small puzzles or discovering hidden objects. These seeds are used to expand your inventory, allowing you to carry more weapons, shields, and bows. Look for suspicious rock formations, patterns, or interactable objects to find Korok Seeds.
Visiting Stables and Villages
Stables and villages are safe havens where you can rest, interact with NPCs, and access various services. Stables offer horse boarding, while villages provide shops, inns, and quests. Key locations include Kakariko Village, Hateno Village, and Tarrey Town, each offering unique quests and upgrades.
Completing Shrines: Advanced Puzzles and Combat
Solving Shrine Puzzles
Shrines are mini-dungeons that challenge your problem-solving skills and combat abilities. Each shrine contains puzzles that require the use of your Sheikah Slate runes, physics, and creativity. Take your time to analyze each puzzle and experiment with different solutions.
Overcoming Combat Trials
Some shrines feature combat trials where you’ll face off against Guardian Scouts. These trials test your combat skills and reward you with powerful weapons and items. Use your knowledge of enemy attack patterns and your strongest weapons to defeat these formidable foes.
Maximizing Shrine Rewards
Completing shrines grants Spirit Orbs, which can be exchanged for heart containers or stamina vessels. Prioritize your upgrades based on your playstyle—more hearts for combat durability or increased stamina for exploration and climbing. Balance both aspects to create a well-rounded Link.
Taming and Riding Horses: A Trusted Companion
Finding and Taming Wild Horses
Wild horses roam the fields and plains of Hyrule. Approach them quietly and press the “soothe” button to calm them down. Once tamed, horses become loyal companions that make travel faster and more enjoyable. Each horse has unique stats for speed, stamina, and strength.
Registering and Naming Your Horse
After taming a horse, visit a stable to register and name it. Stables provide services like boarding, feeding, and changing gear. Registered horses can be summoned from any stable, making them reliable travel companions.
Upgrading Horse Gear
Equip your horse with various gear to enhance its abilities. Saddles and bridles can be found through quests, exploration, or as rewards. Special gear like the Ancient Saddle allows you to teleport your horse to your location, while others improve speed or stamina.
Mastering Advanced Combat Techniques
Perfect Parry and Shield Surfing
Perfect parrying allows you to deflect enemy attacks with your shield, creating openings for counterattacks. Practice timing your parries to master this technique. Shield surfing is another advanced skill that lets you glide down slopes quickly. Combine shield surfing with bow attacks for dynamic combat maneuvers.
Utilizing Elemental Weapons
Elemental weapons, such as fire, ice, and electric swords, have unique effects on enemies and the environment. Use fire weapons to burn wooden objects and enemies, ice weapons to freeze foes, and electric weapons to shock and disarm opponents. Switch between elemental weapons to exploit enemy weaknesses.
Sneaking and Stealth Attacks
Stealth is a valuable tactic in “Breath of the Wild.” Crouch to move silently and avoid detection by enemies. Sneak up behind foes to perform powerful sneak attacks. Use stealth armor, such as the Sheikah Set, to enhance your sneaking abilities.
Solving Divine Beasts: Major Dungeons
Preparing for Divine Beasts
Divine Beasts are colossal mechanical dungeons that require thorough preparation. Stock up on healing items, elixirs, and powerful weapons before attempting to enter. Study the environment and the Beasts’ mechanics to devise a strategy for each encounter.
Navigating Divine Beast Puzzles
Each Divine Beast features intricate puzzles that require the use of your Sheikah Slate runes and environmental manipulation. Rotate sections of the Beasts, redirect energy flows, and solve complex puzzles to progress. Patience and observation are key to overcoming these challenges.
Defeating Divine Beast Bosses
Each Divine Beast is guarded by a formidable boss known as a Blight Ganon. These bosses have unique attack patterns and weaknesses. Learn their moves, use your strongest weapons, and exploit their vulnerabilities to defeat them. Conquering a Divine Beast grants powerful abilities that aid you in your quest.
Upgrading Armor and Equipment
Finding and Upgrading Armor Sets
Armor sets provide various benefits, such as increased defense, resistance to elements, and special abilities. Seek out and collect different armor sets by exploring hidden locations, completing quests, and visiting shops. Great Fairies scattered across Hyrule can upgrade your armor, enhancing its stats and unlocking set bonuses.
Crafting and Enhancing Equipment
Crafting and enhancing equipment is essential for surviving tougher enemies and environments. Collect materials like monster parts, gems, and plants to upgrade your gear. Visit Great Fairy Fountains to enhance your armor and increase its effectiveness.
Mixing and Matching Armor Pieces
While full armor sets offer set bonuses, mixing and matching different pieces can provide unique advantages. Experiment with different combinations to find the optimal setup for your playstyle and the challenges you face. Customizing your armor allows for a tailored approach to combat and exploration.
Conquering Hyrule Castle: The Final Showdown
Preparing for the Final Battle
Before confronting Calamity Ganon, ensure you’re fully prepared. Complete as many side quests as possible, gather powerful weapons and armor, and stock up on healing items and elixirs. Every advantage counts in this ultimate battle.
Navigating Hyrule Castle
Hyrule Castle is a labyrinth filled with powerful enemies and hidden secrets. Use stealth, strategy, and all your acquired skills to navigate its treacherous halls. Locate valuable items and shortcuts to aid in your approach to Ganon.
Defeating Calamity Ganon
The battle against Calamity Ganon is the culmination of your journey. Utilize everything you’ve learned, from combat techniques to environmental strategies, to defeat him. This multi-phase battle requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and perseverance.
Conclusion
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” offers a rich, expansive world filled with challenges and adventures. This guide provides the knowledge and strategies needed to master the game’s many aspects, from basic survival to advanced combat and exploration. Embrace the freedom to explore, experiment, and create your own path in the vast land of Hyrule. Happy adventuring!
