The Ultimate Showdown: Zelda vs Skyrim Map Sizes
The world of open-world games is constantly evolving, and two of the most beloved franchises, The Legend of Zelda and The Elder Scrolls, have given us massive maps to explore. With the release of Breath of the Wild and Skyrim, gamers have been left wondering: which map is bigger? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore the ins and outs of these gargantuan worlds.
Direct Answer: Which Map is Bigger Zelda or Skyrim?
According to various sources, the answer is clear: the Zelda map is significantly larger. While Skyrim’s map has a size of around 36.72 square kilometers, Breath of the Wild’s map clocks in at 61.2 square kilometers. That’s a whopping 1.66 times larger!
Map Comparison
To visualize the scale, let’s break down the dimensions:
| Game | Length (miles) | Width (miles) | Area (square miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyrim | 12.7 | 7.4 | 14.5 |
| Zelda (Breath of the Wild) | 12.4 | 6.9 | 28.7 |
Fast Facts: Map Sizes Compared
- Breath of the Wild’s map is approximately 40% larger than Ocarina of Time’s Hyrule.
- The largest settlement in Breath of the Wild, Great Plateau, is 30 miles long and 25 miles wide.
- Skyrim’s world is relatively small compared to other RPGs, with some reports suggesting it’s only a single-hexcel space game world.
Map Complexity and Detail
While both games boast massive maps, it’s essential to note that the complexity and level of detail can vary. Breath of the Wild’s map, for example, features 360 square km of explorable terrain, including forests, mountains, and even weather patterns that change seasonally.
In comparison, Skyrim’s map has 15 square miles of explorable terrain, with more focused environments, such as cities, mountains, and forests. Skyrim’s world feels huge, but the scope is not as vast as Zelda’s.
What’s Considered a ‘Big’ Map?
For the uninitiated, maps in games are typically represented by square cells, ranging from a few meters to a few kilometers in length. In Skyrim, an exterior cell is 192 feet (58 meters) on a side. As we scale up, our expectations for a ‘big’ map grow. Anything over 10-20 square miles can be considered substantial, with the bigger maps rivaling real-life city sizes.
Fun Facts: Other Map Comparison
- Assassin’s Creed Unity’s map is about 1.3 square miles.
- Red Dead Redemption 2’s map is around 90.7 square miles.
- The Witcher 3’s map is approximately 20 square miles.
In conclusion, while both franchises offer enormous worlds to explore, Breath of the Wild’s map stands out for its sheer scale and vast, explorable terrain. As the world of open-world games continues to grow, it’s essential to consider not only the area covered but also the depth of detail, complexity, and gameplay that each game offers.