The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely celebrated for its revolutionary approach to open-world design, emphasizing player freedom and creative traversal. While it is considered a masterpiece by many for its 'system-driven' gameplay and sense of discovery, some players find the story secondary and the price point frustratingly high for an older title.
Pros
- Exceptional traversal mechanics including climbing, gliding, and a flexible fast-travel system
- Unparalleled player freedom to tackle objectives and the final boss in any order
- Engaging system-driven gameplay that provides a solid set of rules and tools for experimentation
- Beautiful and atmospheric world design that rewards exploration
- High replay value and a 'magical' sense of discovery for first-time players
Cons
- High price point remains static years after release, even for used copies
- Soundtrack is considered less memorable by some compared to previous Zelda titles
- Storytelling is often viewed as secondary to exploration and systems
- Completionist tasks, such as collecting all Korok seeds, can feel draining
Caveats
- Players who started with the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, may find it difficult to return to the more limited systems of this game
- Traditional Zelda fans may find the departure from linear dungeons and classic progression polarizing
- Performance is generally well-optimized for the hardware, but it remains a Nintendo Switch title with those inherent limitations
Best for
- Fans of open-world exploration and emergent gameplay
- Players who enjoy being 'set free' in a game without heavy hand-holding
- New Nintendo Switch owners looking for a definitive system-seller
Avoid if
- You prefer linear, story-heavy RPGs with structured progression
- You are looking for a budget-friendly title or one that frequently goes on deep sale
- You have already played Tears of the Kingdom and prefer its expanded mechanics
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 122-month half-life. The evidence is drawn from a wide range of discussions spanning 2025, reflecting the game's long-term status as a staple title.
Sentiment
66 positive (70%) · 17 mixed (18%) · 11 negative (12%)
Trust + time weighted score: +59% · raw score 59%
What redditors said (10 of 94)
Parent context: I think the big issue with open world games is just how boring traversal is. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom did it different because you could traverse the map on different ways. Reply: I think the big issue with open world games is just how boring traversal is. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom did it different because you could traverse the map on different ways. Easy fast travel system that can’t be triggered from anywhere instead of needing to go TO a fast travel point (like Cyberpunk, AC, etc). You can traverse on foot or by land vehicle (most if not all games do this), but you also have elevation, and a glider, which legit makes it fun.
As someone that played Tears first, it’s definitely hard to get into BoTW now lol. Tears just improves everything on an already nearly perfect game.
For BotW I took the overwhelmed-ness as a sign that the game might wear out its welcome, and did a sub-40 hour completion (one pro controller charge!), getting just enough hearts to get the Master Sword.
For *BotW* I took the overwhelmed-ness as a sign that the game might wear out its welcome, and did a sub-40 hour completion (one pro controller charge!), getting just enough hearts to get the Master Sword. *Breath of the Wild* was still a little too easy for me after finishing all the temples. The last boss was a little disappointing. Too easy for a powered-up Link!
The last boss was a little disappointing. Too easy for a powered-up Link!
It really is a unique game and when it clicks with people it REALLY clicks.
BotW is a game so packed with secrets, puzzles, and world challenges, that like you said above, it's hard to move in a straight line without being pulled into a fun distraction. The difference is the actual gameplay rewards given feel secondary to the joy of just having found a secret in the first place.
I was absolutely taken in by it and I think it's a special game. ... Exploring hyrule again which is largely the same map with some additions doesn't give me that same sense of exploring a different world I got when playing BOTW for the first time
I started Breath of the Wild around January 1 this year and beat it yesterday. I loved it. ... Breath of the Wild was so enjoyable.
Currently, I am taking it a few hours at a time and play it in a Breath of the Wild approach - just going where the wind blows me, pursue whatever side or main quest at my leisure
Compare
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