Introduction
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made, thanks to its innovative open-world design, rich narrative, and challenging gameplay. As the player controls Link, the hero of Hyrule, they must explore a vast, beautifully designed world, solve puzzles, battle enemies, and uncover the secrets of the land in order to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and save Princess Zelda.
With its vast landscapes and numerous mechanics, it can be overwhelming for both new players and veterans alike. This guide will break down essential tips and strategies that will help you master Breath of the Wild, ensuring you get the most out of the game’s expansive world. Whether you’re struggling with the combat system, feeling lost in the wilds, or looking for advice on the game’s many puzzles, these tips will guide you to success.
1. Master the Basics: Understanding the Core Mechanics
Before you dive deep into Hyrule’s open world, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics of the game. From combat to inventory management, these elements are the foundation of your adventure.
Combat System
- Weapons and Durability: Weapons in Breath of the Wild have limited durability, so make sure to use them wisely. Always have a backup weapon in your inventory.
- Shield and Parrying: Mastering the shield can mean the difference between life and death. Use your shield to block enemy attacks or parry them for devastating counter-attacks.
- Bow and Arrows: Archery is crucial in many battles, especially when dealing with flying enemies or long-range attacks. Always keep a variety of arrows, including fire, ice, and bomb arrows.
Exploration Tips
- Climbing: Almost every surface in the game can be climbed. Use this to your advantage to reach high places, escape enemies, or find hidden items.
- Weather: Pay attention to the weather forecast. Rain can make climbing difficult, and thunderstorms will strike metal objects, so avoid using metal weapons and shields during storms.
2. Survival Skills: Managing Resources and Health
Survival is key to Link’s journey in Breath of the Wild. You will often find yourself in situations where you need to manage your health and resources carefully.
Health Management
- Heart Containers: Collect Heart Containers to increase your maximum health. These can be found by defeating bosses or completing certain shrines.
- Food and Elixirs: Cooked meals and elixirs are your best friends when it comes to healing. Prepare a variety of dishes to increase your stamina, health, or to grant buffs like increased defense or attack.
Resource Management
- Foraging: Gather materials like mushrooms, herbs, and meats, which can be used for cooking or upgrading your equipment. Make sure to have a supply of healing items at all times.
- Weapon Management: Since weapons degrade, it’s essential to always have a backup. Choose your weapons carefully depending on the situation, from swords to spears and clubs.
3. Shrines and Spirit Orbs: Unlocking New Powers
Shrines are essential in Breath of the Wild, serving as both puzzles and mini-dungeons that reward you with Spirit Orbs upon completion.
How Shrines Work
- Puzzle Solving: Each shrine has a unique puzzle or challenge. Use your wits to solve them, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the game’s physics engine.
- Combat Shrines: Some shrines are combat-based. You’ll face off against tough enemies and bosses to earn your reward.
Spirit Orbs and Upgrades
- Exchange for Heart Containers and Stamina: Collect Spirit Orbs from shrines and exchange them for Heart Containers or stamina upgrades at Goddess Statues.
- Focus on Stamina: Early on, upgrading stamina is just as important as health. Having more stamina allows Link to climb, swim, and run longer distances.
4. Exploring Hyrule: Finding Key Locations and Items
The world of Hyrule is vast, and knowing where to go and what to look for is essential to succeeding in Breath of the Wild.
Key Locations
- Kakariko Village: One of the first villages you’ll visit, Kakariko Village offers important story missions, side quests, and various resources.
- Hyrule Castle: Located at the center of the map, Hyrule Castle is filled with powerful weapons, armor, and dangerous enemies. It’s also home to Calamity Ganon.
- The Lost Woods: This confusing area can be tricky to navigate, but it contains valuable items and secrets.
Key Items to Collect
- Master Sword: The legendary Master Sword can be found deep within Korok Forest. It’s one of the most powerful weapons in the game and is essential for defeating Calamity Ganon.
- Shield of the Mind’s Eye: A powerful shield that offers protection from certain types of attacks. Look for it in specific locations as you explore.
5. Dealing with Combat: Advanced Fighting Strategies
Combat in Breath of the Wild can be intense, especially when facing off against larger enemies and bosses. The key to survival is mastering your fighting techniques and being adaptable.
Combat Techniques
- Flurry Rush: This special move can be triggered when you dodge an enemy attack at the last moment. It allows Link to unleash a devastating combo on his opponent.
- Use the Environment: Use bombs, fire, and arrows to your advantage. Lighting grass on fire or shooting an enemy with a bomb arrow can quickly turn the tide of battle.
- Weapon Switching: Switching weapons mid-fight is a useful strategy, especially when your weapon is about to break. Make sure you always have a variety of weapons in your inventory.
Boss Battles
- Ganon’s Minions: As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter powerful enemies, like Lynels and Guardians. Learn their attack patterns to avoid getting hit.
- Divine Beasts: The four Divine Beasts are giant mechanical creatures that you need to free. They are crucial for weakening Calamity Ganon’s power, and defeating their bosses requires skillful use of the environment and weapons.
6. Staying Safe: Avoiding Enemies and Ambushes
Sometimes, the best way to handle an enemy is to avoid it. Stealth and strategy are crucial to surviving in Breath of the Wild.
Stealth Tactics
- Sneak and Hide: Use the crouch button to sneak up on enemies or avoid being detected. Sneaking is particularly effective when approaching Bokoblins or other low-level enemies.
- Distractions: Use items like apples or rocks to create distractions that can lure enemies away from your path, allowing you to slip by unnoticed.
Ambushes
- Watch for Enemy Camps: When traveling, be on the lookout for enemy camps. These often contain strong enemies and traps. It’s best to either sneak around them or take them out with careful planning.
- Nighttime Ambushes: At night, more dangerous enemies, like Lynels, can be found wandering the world. Be cautious, especially if you’re far from a safe location.
7. The Great Plateau: Starting Your Adventure
The Great Plateau serves as the game’s introduction zone and is a critical area for learning the basics of the game.
What to Do on the Great Plateau:
- Activate the Towers: Your first task is to activate the four towers scattered across the plateau. These towers will unlock the map, allowing you to explore Hyrule freely.
- Gather Resources: The Great Plateau is rich in resources, from food and materials to weapons. Make sure to gather these to prepare for your journey.
Key Tip:
- Stay Near the Shrine of Resurrection: The Shrine of Resurrection is your respawn point, so be sure to memorize its location. It will save you a lot of time if you die during your journey.
8. Weather and Environment: Adapting to Hyrule’s Changing Conditions
Hyrule’s weather system is dynamic, and it plays a significant role in how you navigate the world.
Weather Conditions:
- Rain: Rain makes climbing surfaces slippery and will also extinguish fire. Always wait for rain to stop before attempting a climb or using a fire-based weapon.
- Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms cause lightning to strike metal objects. Avoid using metal weapons or shields during storms to prevent being struck by lightning.
Environmental Hazards:
- Heat and Cold: Different regions of Hyrule feature extreme temperatures. Equip yourself with heat-resistant or cold-resistant gear to survive in harsh climates, like the Gerudo Desert or the Hebra Mountains.
9. Side Quests and Secret Locations
In Breath of the Wild, there are a wealth of side quests that will help you gain experience, valuable items, and even unique rewards.
How to Find Side Quests
- Talk to NPCs: Many of the game’s side quests are given by NPCs you meet in villages and towns. Talk to every NPC you can find to ensure you don’t miss any quests.
- Hidden Locations: Exploring the world thoroughly can lead you to hidden shrines, Korok seeds, and treasure chests that offer rare rewards.
Side Quest Tips:
- The Korok Seeds: Finding Korok seeds and giving them to Hestu will help you expand your inventory, allowing you to carry more weapons, shields, and bows.
- Treasure Hunts: Many quests involve searching for treasure or special items. These rewards are often worth the effort, as they unlock powerful gear or new abilities.
10. Concluding Your Adventure: Facing Calamity Ganon
After completing the main quests and freeing the Divine Beasts, you’ll need to face the final challenge: Calamity Ganon.
How to Prepare:
- Upgrade Your Gear: Before facing Ganon, make sure to upgrade your armor and weapons. The Master Sword and upgraded shields are crucial for the final battle.
- Divine Beasts’ Assistance: The Divine Beasts’ powers will help you in the final battle by weakening Ganon. Be sure to complete their quests to make the fight easier.
Final Boss Battle Tips:
- Use Everything You’ve Learned: The fight against Calamity Ganon is difficult, but by using all the combat skills, gear, and strategies you’ve mastered, you can defeat him.
- Patience: The battle may take some time, so be patient. Stay focused and use every opportunity to strike when Ganon is vulnerable.
Conclusion
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a rich and expansive world that rewards exploration, creativity, and persistence. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the many challenges Hyrule has to offer, from battling powerful enemies to solving complex puzzles. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned adventurer, these insights will help you make the most of your journey.
