Breath of the Wild guide
Breath of the Wild lets you run straight at Ganon from the first hour, but the story is richer if you take the long way. This walkthrough lays out the main quest in order, from the Great Plateau to Hyrule Castle, with a full guide for every step.
The Divine Beasts can be done in any order. This is the route we recommend for a first playthrough.
| Unlock | Where you get it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Paraglider | The Old Man on the Great Plateau | You cannot leave the plateau without it |
| Sheikah Towers | One in every region | Each tower reveals that region's map |
| Camera | Purah in Hateno Village | Needed for the Hyrule Compendium and the memories |
| Great Fairies | Fountains across Hyrule | Upgrade your armor for more defense |
| Pouch upgrades | Hestu, for Korok Seeds | More room for weapons, bows and shields |
| Horse | Tame a wild one, register it at a stable | Fast travel across open plains |
Towers reveal the map and give you a high point to glide from and spot shrines.
Each shrine you finish adds up to more hearts or stamina, which makes the Divine Beasts easier.
Zora's Domain is close to Kakariko and Hateno, and Mipha's Grace is a lifesaver.
Hearty dishes and attack-up meals make boss fights far more forgiving.
Weapons break, but there are always more. Use your good ones instead of hoarding them.
There is no penalty for waiting. More hearts and freed beasts make Ganon much easier.
Follow the main quest east to Kakariko Village to meet Impa, then head to Hateno Village for the camera.
Yes, the game lets you fight Ganon at any time after the Great Plateau. It is very hard without extra hearts and freed Divine Beasts.
You need 13 permanent heart containers. Yellow hearts from food don’t count, but you can trade stamina for hearts at the Horned Statue in Hateno Village and swap back afterwards.
Finding every Captured Memory unlocks an extra scene after the credits.
Any order works. See our Divine Beasts guide for the order we recommend.
