When Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released, it quickly became one of the most anticipated games of 2023. With its extensive world and complex gameplay, it offered players a vast landscape to explore and numerous challenges to overcome. One of the primary goals for many players was to defeat the infamous antagonist, Ganondorf. However, as we hit the one-year mark since its release, there is a mix of experiences and progress among the players.
Alana Hagues, the deputy editor, had a unique journey with the game owing to her role in its review. She completed her confrontation with Ganondorf quite early, although not without its challenges. Her initial attempt at battling Ganondorf proved underwhelmingly prepared as she faced the harsh reality of his strength and resilience. Unlike in previous games like Breath of the Wild where guides were readily available post-launch, in Tears of the Kingdom, Alana found herself on her own. Despite multiple attempts and adjusting her strategy by gathering specific resources such as Sundelions and Gloom-resistant armor, she finally managed to defeat Ganondorf. Additional dedication to fully mastering the game, however, seems unlikely for her, as the sheer quantity of content looms large, and she sits comfortable at around 60% completion.
On the other hand, Ollie Reynolds, a staff writer, tells a different story. Despite his efforts with the game amounting 60-70 hours, the charm of Tears of the Kingdom didn’t hold him as much as Breath of the Wild did. After completing two of the game's temples, Ollie stepped away, overwhelmed by the prospect of how much more there was to tackle to truly finish the game. The feeling of potentially never completing it has led him to resign Zelda to a figurative drawer, possibly never to return to its expansive world.
Gavin Lane, editor, enjoys taking a more relaxed approach to his playthrough. Without the burden of urgency to beat the game and mild concern for spoilers, his exploration of Hyrule is leisurely, appreciating the game's depth without rushing to its conclusion. Gavin has completed all dungeons and reached the threshold of Ganondorf's lair, opting to save the game instead of proceeding with the final battle. His completion percentage remains a mystery to him, and he’s content with that, not under any pressure to rush his experience.
Jim Norman, another staff writer, had a more straightforward path. Keen to avoid spoilers, he swiftly moved through the main storyline, tackling Ganondorf with a semblance of urgency. Like many, his first encounter with Ganondorf was less successful, underestimating the challenge. However, equipped with meals made from Sundelions for his second attempt, he found the encounter much more manageable and ultimately satisfying. Despite the thrilling victory, his return to Hyrule has been sparse, admitting that there’s much more to see and do—a testament to the game’s expansive nature.
From these narratives, it’s clear that Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom presents a diverse array of experiences tailored to the player's pace and preference. While some have conquered Ganondorf and moved on, others linger in the vast realms of Hyrule, savoring every side quest and exploration opportunity. Then there are those who’ve placed their adventures on indefinite hiatus, possibly deterred by the sheer scale of the task or pulled away by other gaming interests.
The game remains a complex and rich experience, offering each player a unique journey through its magical and challenging world, with many deciding for themselves when, if ever, they feel their journey is complete. Whether players return to attempt to conquer Ganondorf or not, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom continues to be a significant entry in the franchise, celebrated by many for its depth and intricate design, even as it offers a daunting challenge to others.
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