How Many Endings Does Zelda Have?
The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its complex storytelling, intricate world-building, and diverse gameplay mechanics. One aspect that adds to the series’ richness is its varied endings. But, just how many endings does Zelda have?
The Original Zelda’s Ending
The first installment in the Zelda series, released in 1986, had a relatively straightforward ending. The only ending is achieved when Link defeats Ganon, saving Princess Zelda and breaking the curse. The game then concludes with a simple scene of Link riding off into the sunset.
Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask Endings
Fast-forwarding to the 3D era, Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask introduced multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. In Ocarina of Time, the number of endings was limited, with only three possible scenarios:
- The typical ending: Link defeats Ganondorf, and peace is restored to Hyrule.
- The lost ending: Link fails to collect all the spiritual stones, resulting in Ganondorf’s victory.
- The Child Timeline: Link is transported to an alternate timeline, where Ganondorf’s evil intentions are foiled.
In Majora’s Mask, the game features a unique twist: the ending varies depending on the player’s actions. The default ending is achieved by beating the game normally, while other endings are unlocked through various means, such as:
- The Anju and Kafei ending: By completing a specific side quest, Anju and Kafei’s story concludes with a touching scene.
- The Happy Ending: Complete a series of tasks and challenges to earn a second, more optimistic ending.
- The Bad Ending: Fail to complete these tasks, leading to a bleak and despairing conclusion.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Endings
In Breath of the Wild, the final boss, Ganon, is defeated, and the game features a subtle twist: even though you’ve defeated the main villain, the world remains plagued by malice, a mysterious force that continues to affect the land. This is not a traditional ‘ending’ but rather a new beginning, opening up new possibilities for future games.
In Tears of the Kingdom, the latest installment in the series, the number of endings has increased exponentially. There are reportedly over 100 unique endings, depending on your choices throughout the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of endings in the Zelda series ranges from a single ending in the original game to numerous possibilities in recent titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The complexity and variety of endings have become an integral part of the series’ charm, offering a high replay value and inviting players to experiment with different choices and actions.
| Game | Number of Endings |
|---|---|
| The Original Zelda | 1 |
| Ocarina of Time | 3 |
| Majora’s Mask | 5+ (depending on player actions) |
| Breath of the Wild | 1 |
| Tears of the Kingdom | 100+ |
Key Takeaways:
- The original Zelda game had only one ending.
- Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask introduced multiple endings, depending on player choices.
- Breath of the Wild features a unique "ending" that sets up future games.
- Tears of the Kingdom boasts an impressive 100+ endings, depending on player decisions.
By exploring the numerous endings in the Zelda series, players can experience diverse storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics, ensuring that each playthrough remains engaging and unique.