“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is a critically acclaimed open-world action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, the game quickly became a favorite among gamers for its expansive world, intricate puzzles, and freedom of exploration. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of the game to help you become a master adventurer in Hyrule.
Getting Started: Understanding the Basics
Setting Up Your Game
Before diving into the vast world of Hyrule, it’s essential to set up your game correctly. Make sure your Nintendo Switch is fully charged, or if you’re playing on the Wii U, ensure the console is ready. Insert the game cartridge or download the game from the Nintendo eShop and install any available updates.
Understanding the Controls
Familiarize yourself with the game controls. “Breath of the Wild” utilizes a range of buttons and joystick movements for various actions like attacking, defending, jumping, and using abilities. Spend some time in the starting area to get comfortable with the controls.
The Great Plateau: Your First Steps
The game begins in the Great Plateau, a tutorial area that introduces you to the basic mechanics. Here, you will learn to use the Sheikah Slate, a vital tool that provides map functionality, rune abilities, and more. Follow the prompts and complete the initial shrines to get a grasp of the game’s fundamental concepts.
Exploring Hyrule: Navigating the Open World
Using the Map and Markers
The world of Hyrule is vast, and navigating it effectively requires a good understanding of the in-game map. Use the Sheikah Slate to place markers on points of interest, such as shrines, towers, and enemy camps. This will help you keep track of important locations and plan your routes.
Unlocking Towers and Revealing the Map
To uncover more of Hyrule’s map, you must activate Sheikah Towers scattered across the land. Climbing these towers and scanning the area with your Sheikah Slate will reveal new portions of the map, making navigation easier.
Traveling and Fast Travel Points
As you progress, you will unlock fast travel points by completing shrines and activating towers. Use these points to quickly move around Hyrule, saving time and allowing you to focus on exploration and completing quests.
Combat Mastery: Techniques and Strategies
Basic Combat Mechanics
Combat in “Breath of the Wild” is both strategic and dynamic. Learn the basics of attacking, defending, and dodging to effectively handle enemies. Practice different weapon types, such as swords, bows, and spears, to find your preferred combat style.
Utilizing Runes in Combat
Runes are powerful abilities provided by the Sheikah Slate. Use the Bomb, Magnesis, Stasis, and Cryonis runes to gain an advantage in combat. For example, using Stasis to freeze enemies or objects can create opportunities for powerful attacks.
Advanced Combat Techniques
As you become more proficient, experiment with advanced combat techniques like parrying, perfect dodges, and flurry rushes. These moves can turn the tide of battle in your favor and are especially useful against tougher enemies.
Gathering Resources: Foraging and Hunting
Collecting Ingredients
Hyrule is teeming with resources that you can gather. Collect ingredients like herbs, mushrooms, fruits, and meat to use in cooking. These items are scattered throughout the world, so keep an eye out while exploring.
Hunting Wildlife
Hunting animals like deer, boars, and birds provides valuable meat and other resources. Use your bow and arrows for precision hunting. Remember to approach animals quietly to avoid scaring them away.
Mining and Collecting Materials
Mining ore deposits yields precious gems and minerals, which can be used for crafting and upgrading equipment. Use bombs or heavy weapons to break ore deposits. Additionally, gather materials like wood and flint for creating campfires and other necessities.
Cooking and Elixirs: Boosting Your Abilities
Basics of Cooking
Cooking in “Breath of the Wild” is essential for survival and boosting your abilities. Combine ingredients in a cooking pot to create meals that restore health, provide buffs, and grant other benefits. Experiment with different combinations to discover new recipes.
Creating Powerful Elixirs
Elixirs are potent concoctions made from monster parts and critters. These provide various buffs, such as increased stamina, attack power, and resistance to elements. Learn which ingredients produce the desired effects and keep a stock of elixirs for challenging situations.
Maximizing Cooking Efficiency
To make the most of your ingredients, cook in bulk and prepare for different scenarios. For example, cook meals that restore health, grant cold or heat resistance, and boost stamina. Keep a variety of dishes in your inventory to handle any situation Hyrule throws at you.
Solving Shrines: Puzzles and Challenges
Finding Shrines
Shrines are mini-dungeons scattered throughout Hyrule, each containing puzzles and challenges. Use the Sheikah Sensor to locate nearby shrines, and explore thoroughly to uncover hidden ones.
Completing Shrine Puzzles
Each shrine presents unique puzzles that test your problem-solving skills. Use your Sheikah Slate runes, environmental elements, and critical thinking to solve these puzzles. The rewards include Spirit Orbs, which are crucial for upgrading your health and stamina.
Conquering Shrine Combat Trials
Some shrines focus on combat trials rather than puzzles. These trials challenge your combat skills against powerful enemies. Prepare well with strong weapons, armor, and healing items before attempting these trials.
Taming and Riding Horses: Traversing Hyrule
Finding and Taming Wild Horses
Horses are a valuable means of transportation in Hyrule. Wild horses can be found in various regions, and taming them requires stealth and patience. Approach slowly, soothe the horse, and hop on to begin the taming process.
Registering and Naming Horses
Once you’ve tamed a horse, take it to a stable to register it. You can then name your horse and equip it with different saddles and bridles. Registered horses can be called upon from any stable, making travel more convenient.
Enhancing Horse Abilities
Some horses have better stats than others, including speed, stamina, and strength. Look for special horses with unique traits, such as the Giant Horse or the Lord of the Mountain, to gain additional advantages.
Defeating Divine Beasts: Major Questlines
Understanding Divine Beasts
Divine Beasts are colossal mechanical creatures that play a significant role in the game’s main questline. Each Divine Beast is controlled by a corrupted spirit, and freeing them requires completing a series of quests and challenges.
Preparing for Divine Beast Battles
Before tackling a Divine Beast, prepare thoroughly. Stock up on healing items, elixirs, and powerful weapons. Each Divine Beast has a unique set of challenges, so equip yourself accordingly and study their attack patterns.
Conquering the Divine Beasts
To conquer a Divine Beast, you must enter it, solve intricate puzzles, and defeat the boss inside. Successfully completing these tasks will free the spirit and provide you with powerful abilities to aid in your journey.
Unlocking Master Sword: Ultimate Weapon
Finding the Master Sword
The Master Sword, also known as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, is one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It is located in the Lost Woods, but accessing it requires meeting specific criteria, such as having a certain number of hearts.
Pulling the Master Sword
Once you locate the Master Sword, you must pull it from its pedestal. This requires a significant amount of health, so ensure you have enough hearts to avoid being overwhelmed by the sword’s draining effect.
Upgrading the Master Sword
After obtaining the Master Sword, you can further enhance its power through quests and trials. The Trial of the Sword, accessible in the game’s DLC, increases the sword’s attack power and durability, making it an even more formidable weapon.
Defeating Calamity Ganon: Final Showdown
Preparing for the Final Battle
The ultimate goal in “Breath of the Wild” is to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Princess Zelda. Preparation is key; ensure you have the best weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. Complete as many side quests and Divine Beasts as possible to weaken Ganon.
Navigating Hyrule Castle
Hyrule Castle is Ganon’s stronghold and is filled with powerful enemies and challenging puzzles. Use stealth and strategy to navigate the castle’s treacherous corridors and reach the final confrontation.
Defeating Calamity Ganon
The battle against Calamity Ganon is multi-phased and requires quick reflexes and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Use all your skills, abilities, and knowledge to defeat Ganon and bring peace to Hyrule once more.
Conclusion
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is an expansive and rewarding game that offers countless hours of exploration, adventure, and challenges. By understanding the basics, mastering combat, gathering resources, solving puzzles, and preparing for epic battles, you can fully enjoy everything Hyrule has to offer. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, this guide provides the knowledge and strategies needed to become a true hero in “Breath of the Wild.”
