Breath Of The Wild Post-Game What To Do After Beating BOTW

Beating The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) can be bittersweet. You've finally saved Hyrule from Calamity Ganon, but what do you do after the credits roll? The vast world of Hyrule is still there, waiting to be explored, and there's plenty to keep you occupied even after the main quest is complete. This is where the post-game blues can set in. You might feel a little lost, wondering what to do next in this expansive open-world adventure. Fear not, fellow adventurer! This guide will help you shake off those blues and discover the wealth of content waiting for you in the Breath of the Wild post-game.

Overcoming the Post-Game Blues in Breath of the Wild

The feeling of emptiness after completing a major game like Breath of the Wild is understandable. You've spent countless hours immersed in its world, following its story, and developing a deep connection with its characters. The post-game blues, as they're commonly called, stem from the sudden absence of that central narrative drive. However, BOTW's brilliance lies in its emergent gameplay and the sheer number of optional activities it offers. The game is designed to encourage exploration and experimentation, even after the main storyline concludes. The key to overcoming these post-game blues is to shift your focus from the linear narrative to the open-ended possibilities that Hyrule still holds. Think of it this way: you've saved the world, now it's time to truly experience it.

One of the most effective ways to combat the post-game blues is to set new goals for yourself. Maybe you want to complete all 120 Shrines, gather every piece of armor, or fully upgrade your inventory. Perhaps you want to perfect your combat skills, master cooking, or simply explore every nook and cranny of the map. The beauty of Breath of the Wild is that it empowers you to create your own adventures. Don't let the absence of the main quest discourage you; instead, view it as an opportunity to forge your own path and discover new aspects of the game you may have missed during your initial playthrough. This open-ended nature is a core part of the game's appeal, and it extends far beyond the final boss fight. You have the freedom to tackle challenges in any order, experiment with different playstyles, and truly immerse yourself in the world of Hyrule at your own pace.

Exploring Hyrule Post-Ganon: Unveiling the Hidden Gems

Once you've defeated Calamity Ganon, Hyrule doesn't magically transform. The world remains largely the same, but that's not a bad thing! It means you can continue to explore the vast landscapes, interact with its inhabitants, and uncover even more secrets. Now is the perfect time to revisit areas you may have rushed through during the main quest, or to venture into uncharted territories. The game world is rich with detail and hidden gems, and there's always something new to discover. Perhaps you missed a challenging side quest, a hidden Shrine, or a particularly scenic viewpoint. Now is your chance to find it all.

Consider revisiting the various towns and settlements throughout Hyrule. Talk to the NPCs, listen to their stories, and see if they have any new quests for you. Many of the game's most memorable moments come from these interactions, and they can provide a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants. You might also find new shops and services that weren't available earlier in the game, or discover new recipes and cooking ingredients. The world of Breath of the Wild feels truly alive, and the NPCs play a vital role in bringing it to life. Engaging with them can add another layer of depth to your post-game experience. Furthermore, exploring the world without the urgent need to defeat Ganon allows you to appreciate the game's stunning visuals and immersive sound design. Take your time to climb a mountain and enjoy the breathtaking view, or simply wander through a forest and listen to the birdsong. The game's world is a masterpiece of environmental storytelling, and there's always something new to appreciate, even after you've completed the main storyline.

Side Quests and Challenges: Extending Your Adventure

Breath of the Wild is brimming with side quests and challenges that offer hours of additional gameplay. Many of these quests are intricate and rewarding, providing unique insights into the game's lore and characters. Some quests involve helping the citizens of Hyrule with their daily struggles, while others require you to explore dangerous dungeons or solve challenging puzzles. Completing these side quests not only extends your playtime but also enriches your understanding of the world and its inhabitants. The game does an excellent job of seamlessly integrating side quests into the main gameplay loop, making them feel like a natural extension of your adventure. You might stumble upon a quest while exploring a new area, or hear about it from an NPC in a town. The variety of side quests is also impressive, ranging from simple fetch quests to elaborate multi-stage adventures. This ensures that there's always something new and engaging to do, regardless of your preferred playstyle.

Beyond side quests, there are also numerous challenges scattered throughout Hyrule. These challenges can take many forms, such as combat encounters, puzzle rooms, and environmental obstacles. Some challenges are hidden within Shrines, while others are found in the open world. Overcoming these challenges often requires you to think creatively and utilize your skills and abilities in new ways. This encourages experimentation and mastery of the game's mechanics. The rewards for completing these challenges are often significant, ranging from valuable items and equipment to new abilities and upgrades. The sense of accomplishment you feel after conquering a particularly difficult challenge is a key part of the Breath of the Wild experience, and it extends far beyond the main storyline. These challenges provide a constant source of motivation and encourage you to continue exploring and improving your skills, even after you've defeated Ganon.

Shrine Hunting: Mastering the Ancient Technology

The 120 Shrines in Breath of the Wild are more than just fast travel points; they're self-contained puzzles and challenges that test your problem-solving skills and mastery of Link's abilities. Completing all the Shrines is a significant undertaking, but it's also a rewarding one. Each Shrine offers a unique challenge, ranging from simple puzzles to complex combat scenarios. Some Shrines require you to manipulate the environment using Link's various abilities, while others test your reflexes and combat skills. The variety of Shrine designs is impressive, and each one offers a fresh and engaging experience. Shrine hunting is a great way to extend your playtime and deepen your understanding of the game's mechanics.

Furthermore, completing Shrines is essential for upgrading Link's health and stamina. Each Shrine completion rewards you with a Spirit Orb, and collecting four Spirit Orbs allows you to exchange them for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel. Upgrading your health and stamina is crucial for tackling the game's tougher challenges, such as the Master Mode and the Trial of the Sword. Shrine hunting is not just about completing puzzles; it's also about making Link stronger and more resilient. The process of exploring Hyrule in search of Shrines can also lead you to discover new areas, hidden treasures, and other secrets. The Shrines are often cleverly hidden, and finding them can be a challenge in itself. This encourages exploration and rewards you for paying attention to the environment. The sense of satisfaction you feel after discovering a hidden Shrine and solving its puzzles is a key part of the Breath of the Wild experience, and it's something that can be enjoyed long after you've defeated Ganon.

The Completionist's Quest: 100% and Beyond

For those who crave a true challenge, striving for 100% completion in Breath of the Wild can be an incredibly rewarding experience. This involves not only completing the main quest and all the Shrines but also finding all 900 Korok Seeds, filling the Hyrule Compendium, acquiring all armor and weapons, and completing every side quest. It's a massive undertaking that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and world. The journey to 100% completion is a true test of your skills and knowledge, and it will push you to explore every corner of Hyrule.

While 100% completion is a significant achievement, some players take it even further, setting their own challenges and goals beyond the standard definition of completion. This might involve mastering the game's combat system, speedrunning certain sections, or experimenting with different playstyles. The beauty of Breath of the Wild is that it allows you to play it in countless ways, and there's always something new to discover, even after you've