I remember the first time I set foot in the vast, open world of Hyrule in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The sense of freedom was exhilarating, but also a bit daunting. I found myself asking, “How long will it take me to conquer this game?” As I delved deeper into the game, I realized that I wasn’t alone in this quest for knowledge. Many fellow gamers were also seeking answers to the same questions. That’s when I knew a comprehensive guide would be a treasure chest of information for adventurers like us.
In this guide, we’ll embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s playtime. We’ll explore:
- The average playtime for Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The time it takes to complete the main quests only
- The journey to 100% completion
- Factors that can affect your playtime
- The impact of skipping side quests on your journey
- The fastest time to beat the game
So, grab your controller, put on your favorite gaming headset, and get comfortable. We’re about to embark on an epic journey through the land of Hyrule. Ready? Let’s dive in!
What is the Average Playtime for Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
As you embark on your journey through the vast and beautiful world of Hyrule, you might be wondering how long it will take to conquer the challenges that await. According to HowLongToBeat, the average playtime for Zelda: Breath of the Wild is around 50 hours. This is the time it takes for most players to complete the main objectives and experience the core storyline.
However, like any epic adventure, the time it takes to reach the end can vary greatly depending on your playstyle.
If you’re the type of player who likes to take their time, soaking in the scenery, and exploring every nook and cranny, your playtime could easily double or even triple. On the other hand, if you’re a speedrunner, you might be able to finish the game in a fraction of that time.
After reviewing my own time spent in Hyrule and the average time of other players who complete some side quests and collect items, it typically takes between 75-100 hours to finish the game. According to my Nintendo account, I spent more than 200 hours playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Though keep in mind, this isn’t 100% complete.
The beauty of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is that it allows you to play at your own pace. Whether you’re a casual gamer who enjoys leisurely strolls through Hyrule or a hardcore gamer who relishes the thrill of combat, there’s no right or wrong way to play. So, grab your Sheikah Slate, hop on your trusty steed, and set off on your adventure. Remember, it’s not about the destination, but the journey.
As we move on to the next section, let’s delve deeper into the time it takes to complete the main quests only.
How Much Time Does it Take to Complete the Main Quests Only?
The main quests in Zelda: Breath of the Wild form the backbone of your adventure. They guide you through the game’s narrative, introducing you to key characters, and leading you to epic boss battles. According to the same source, focusing solely on the main quests will take you around 50 hours.
However, this time can vary depending on your familiarity with the game mechanics and your skill level. If you’re a seasoned Zelda veteran, you might be able to breeze through the main quests in less time. Conversely, if you’re new to the series, it might take you a bit longer as you learn the ropes.
The main quests are like the main road on your journey through Hyrule. They’re the quickest and most direct route to the end of the game. But just like any road trip, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. So don’t be afraid to take a detour and explore the side quests, which we’ll discuss in a later section.
As we wrap up this section, let’s move on to the next topic: How long does it take to 100% complete Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
How Long Does it Take to 100% Complete Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
If you’re a completionist, you might be wondering how long it takes to achieve 100% completion in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. According to HowLongToBeat, you’re looking at around 190 hours, and that’s if you rush. This includes completing all side quests, finding all collectibles, and exploring every corner of the game’s vast world.
Some of my friends, who are casual completionists, took well over 500 hours to 100% the game. That’s all side mission, side adventures, korok seeds, upgraded all armors, the works.
Achieving 100% completion in Zelda: Breath of the Wild is like climbing to the top of Mount Everest. It’s a monumental task that requires time, patience, and determination. But the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you reach the summit is unparalleled.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the factors that can affect your playtime in Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
What Factors Can Affect the Playtime of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
Several factors can affect your playtime in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Your familiarity with the game mechanics, your skill level, and your playstyle can all influence how long it takes you to complete the game.
For example, if you’re a seasoned Zelda veteran, you might be able to navigate the world of Hyrule more efficiently, reducing your playtime. On the other hand, if you’re new to the series, it might take you longer to get the hang of the game mechanics.
Your playstyle can also have a significant impact on your playtime. If you’re a completionist who strives to find every collectible and complete every side quest, your playtime will be significantly longer than someone who focuses solely on the main quests.
For example, I love to play my games slowly. As in life, I hate rushing through games. i love to savour all aspects of the game’s world and design. Therefor, I spend a lot of my time in game meditatively strolling from point-of-interest to point-of-interest. Playing this way isn’t for everybody. But it means that my play through time is drastically higher than other gamers, simply because I take things slower.
In the next section, we’ll explore whether the game can be completed faster by skipping side quests.
Can the Game be Completed Faster by Skipping Side Quests?
Side quests in Zelda: Breath of the Wild are like the scenic route on your journey through Hyrule. They offer additional challenges, rewards, and opportunities to delve deeper into the game’s lore. However, they also add to your overall playtime.
According to Game Rant, if you choose to skip the side quests and focus solely on the main quests, you can complete the game in around 50 hours. However, by doing so, you’ll miss out on the full breadth of what the game has to offer.
I personally, wouldn’t recommend rushing through Breath of the Wild. It is, quit simply, a genuine GOAT contender. This game deserves your time and attention.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the fastest time to beat Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
What is the Fastest Time to Beat Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
Speedrunning is a unique form of gameplay where the goal is to complete a game or a specific part of a game as quickly as possible.
At the time of writing, the fastest any% speed run to complete Zelda Breath of the Wild was 23 minutes and 50 seconds. This absurdly fast speed run was completed by PLAYER5 on 9th of April 2023. You can check it out below. But please keep in mind it is spoiler heavy:
However, speedrunning requires a high level of skill and a deep understanding of the game mechanics. It’s like running a marathon at a sprinter’s pace. It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the thrill of the chase, it can be an exhilarating challenge.
In the next section, we’ll compare the playtime of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to other games in the Zelda series.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the vast landscape of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it’s clear that the time it takes to conquer this game can vary greatly depending on your playstyle, skill level, and how much of the game you wish to explore. Just like my own journey through Hyrule, the adventure is as unique as the player holding the controller.
Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve discovered:
- The average playtime for Zelda: Breath of the Wild is around 75-100 hours.
- Focusing solely on the main quests will also take you around 50 hours.
- Achieving 100% completion in the game can take up to 190 hours.
- Your playtime can be influenced by factors such as your familiarity with the game mechanics, your skill level, and your playstyle.
- Skipping side quests can reduce your playtime, but you’ll miss out on additional challenges and rewards.
- Some speedrunners have managed to beat the game in less than half an hour.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your own adventure in Hyrule. So, what’s next? Let’s find out!
What Next?
I always believe in leaving you with something actionable to do after reading an article. So, here are some tasks you can take on after finishing this article:
- Start your own journey in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and see how your playtime compares to the averages.
- Try focusing solely on the main quests in your next playthrough and see how it affects your playtime.
- Challenge yourself to achieve 100% completion in the game.
- Experiment with different playstyles and see how they influence your playtime.
- If you’re up for a real challenge, try speedrunning the game and see how fast you can beat it.
Remember, the journey through Hyrule is not a race, but an adventure. So take your time, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!