The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

 Switch
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20981 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17,830 out of 20981
  2. Mixed: 1,176 out of 20981
  3. Negative: 1,975 out of 20981
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  1. KoolWhip64
    Dec 29, 2017
    10
    This game is just incredible. Absolutely mind-blowing. By far the greatest Zelda game, and that's not easy to do. In fact, in my personal opinion, it's the best video game ever. By now, you've probably read a few reviews, and I'll bet you're aware of most of the things that make this game such a masterpiece (freedom of exploration, physics engine, content, cooking, attention to detail inThis game is just incredible. Absolutely mind-blowing. By far the greatest Zelda game, and that's not easy to do. In fact, in my personal opinion, it's the best video game ever. By now, you've probably read a few reviews, and I'll bet you're aware of most of the things that make this game such a masterpiece (freedom of exploration, physics engine, content, cooking, attention to detail in how the world works, ect. If you're not aware of these things, I suggest you read IGN's review). So, since there is a 5000 character limit, In this review, I am going to talk about the points brought up against this game. There are some mixed and even negative reviews here, so I'll discuss their points.

    Weapon durability: Any negative review for this game will almost certainly bring up the weapon durability system. In this game, weapons can break. This is not a new concept, Minecraft is probably the most popular example of weapons breaking in a video game. The main difference between games like Minecraft and Breath of the Wild is how long a weapon will last. In Breath of the Wild, weapons break very quickly. You'll be going through weapons all the time. While in some cases it is realistic, like the fact that a tree branch will break in about 3 strikes, most of the time, weapons break much faster than you would think. A shiny new metal sword will only last you a few minutes in combat. Is this a bad thing though? Absolutely not. You see, the point of this game is exploration. The main point is to explore, and the game rewards you for doing so. One of the possible rewards is weapons. Obviously, there is a limit to the amount of weapons you can carry, even as it is, you can carry an unrealistic amount of weapons, as with most games. So, if the weapons were to last a long time, your inventory would quickly fill up with great weapons, taking away much satisfaction that you would have received for completing tasks or exploring. If you're constantly full on weapons, there would be no reward for many tasks. The game would become incredibly dull. The idea of the weapon durability system is to keep things interesting. Instead of having some cool sword and taking out an enemy camp with it, you might have a club from the last monster you killed, and you use it to take out the scout, then you may pick up his bow and shoot it at someone, then pick up their weapon and throw it at someone else, then switch to your cool sword, which will break as finish off the last guy, and then you are rewarded with a new cool weapon in a chest, along with all your enemies' weapons. This game's weapon durability system is different because this game is different. It fits the game perfectly. It causes you to think, explore, and get satisfaction from the many tasks you will do. There is nothing wrong with it, and if it were to be any other way, it would hurt the game overall. Yes, it is sad when your favorite sword breaks, but people don't realize the implications it would have on the game if things were the way they think they should be.

    Story: Yes, sure, this isn't as major or emotional of a story-wise as some games out there. I think most people complaining about this game's story probably play a lot of JRPG's (Japanese Role-Playing Games), which are always heavy on story. To them, this game probably looks a bit like a JRPG, but it is not. It is an action-adventure open world game. The story probably could've been a bit better, but it is great as it is. It's not your average story. It is about some unknown dude who has lost all his memories, and wakes up in a post-apocalyptic world. You set off on your adventure, and slowly discover, not a story that is currently happening, but one that happened in your past, which you cannot remember. It is a pretty sad story actually. The point of the game is to discover that story at your own pace, then, at the end, resolve it, and repair the damage done to the world. That is all I will say, for fear of spoiling it.

    "Barren World": Give me a break! Please! Trust me, if you see that in a review, just know that that person has certainly either not played the game, or played it in such a way in which they absolutely ignored and missed everything (which the game will totally let you do, due to the freedom given you, you are not forced to do anything). Look online for IGN's interactive Hyrule map for this game, click "marker categories", then "all". It will show you every notable thing there is in the world. That is all that is needed to refute this ridiculous argument.

    Music: I find it humorous that anyone could say that this game lacks good music. For most of the game, there are ambient piano melodies and environmental sounds, which suits the game perfectly, and makes it so relaxing and mesmerizing. However, there is no lack of great musical pieces, go check them out online for yourself.

    So, why on earth are there so many people bashing these things about this game? One word: Trolls.    … Expand
  2. RandomGuy102
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    This was one of the few games this year that made me enjoy gaming. The game offers so many things to do. I played for over 150 hours and enjoyed every bit of it. This game alone is worth getting a switch for imo.
  3. BlooperTanooki
    Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Intimidating and nothing like Zelda used to be. Maybe that is why many more people hold it in the highest of regards. Be prepared to die countless times and change your point of view on the franchise if you are a seasoned Zelda player, though.
  4. Timi7272
    Mar 4, 2018
    10
    I've been playing the game for 100 hours, so I think I can review it as well.
    Let's begin with the beginning of the game: Your adventure will start in a little cave, where link has slept for a long time. When you go outside the cave, you will see how huge and beautiful the world is. You will also see an old man who is standing by the fire. He will guide you at the beginning. But he    I've been playing the game for 100 hours, so I think I can review it as well.
    Let's begin with the beginning of the game: Your adventure will start in a little cave, where link has slept for a long time. When you go outside the cave, you will see how huge and beautiful the world is. You will also see an old man who is standing by the fire. He will guide you at the beginning. But he doesn't explain you everything, you have to explore the first area for your own. In the first shrines you will get the probably most important items in the game. For example the stasis rune, that you can use to stop the time for almost all objects in the world. Later in the game, also for enemies. An other example is the magnesis rune, to lift up magnetic objects like some chests.
    The tutorial is not long and annoying like in many other games, and the runes that you get at the beginning are gonna help you more than you think.
    The last thing I wanna say, is, that you can really see that the game has been in development for many years. The normal mode (not the hard mode in the DLC) is really well balanced. Only that the weapons are getting wrecked a bit too fast. Especially in the beginning of the game.    … Expand
  5. MootziIsABoss
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    Absolutely my favorite game I've played in a long time. Nintendo blew this one out of the park. The open world take and redoing the classic Legend of Zelda formula was a crazy risk, but Breath of the Wild passed with flying colors. I absolutely adore this game, it never gets boring.
  6. SlightedHand
    Mar 23, 2018
    10
    Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is legitimately refreshing. I know refreshing is such an overused word in the video game reviewing industry, but this game truly is. When I first started playing games 11 years ago, I first played Super Mario Galaxy, a game filled with creative dense environments. However after years of Nintendo Wii, I got an Xbox 360 and just like that I was sucked intoLegend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is legitimately refreshing. I know refreshing is such an overused word in the video game reviewing industry, but this game truly is. When I first started playing games 11 years ago, I first played Super Mario Galaxy, a game filled with creative dense environments. However after years of Nintendo Wii, I got an Xbox 360 and just like that I was sucked into the anti-consumer world of Triple A video games. COD, Assassins Creed, Fifa were all my top games and I was just waiting for each one to come out. And it wasn't until about two years ago when AC: Syndicate came out that I started drifting away. All of these games lacked the creativity, inventiveness and freedom that I really wanted to play with, and it wasn't until I bought the switch just to play this game that I felt that the video game market might actually still be fun. It is exactly like having a cold wet flannel rubbed on your face and then taken away. It is the game definition of refreshing. This game has almost no moments of repetition, every battle, every puzzle, and every bit of exploration is diverse and amazing. The shrines can be a bit of a grind but are still interesting enough individually to stay exciting. It's only if you try to tackle them all in one big rush like I did that they start to blur together. The divine beasts all are amazing, I honestly can't think of a criticism for them. The only point of this entire game that I felt should be changed or just removed completely was on of the Korok Trials which was a trailing mission that was just unpredictable and so monotonous. However that is a ten minute job in a game that was 100 hours for me. This game is revolutionary as an open world rpg as it condenses such a huge amount of mechanics, fights and puzzles into a big, beautiful map. Even the graphics are stunning with what you would imagine a 3D video game version of a Studio Ghibli would look like. This game deserves all the praise its getting and has hopefully redefined all of our opinions of what a Triple-A open world rpg looks like.… Expand
  7. Aus_CriticX
    Mar 26, 2018
    10
    Not perfect, doesn’t have the feel of other zelda games, You get wrecked by enemies randomly , Frame rate can be bad, but my god this game is STILL ABSOULTELY FANTASTICAL, STORY, GRAPHICS ETC ARE BRILLIANT 10/10 AND THIS IS IN MY TOP 10 VIDEOGAME EVER , but still there are better zelda games , but my gosh this is a beautiful as heaven game!
  8. quickarace
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    Zelda Breath of the wild is such a good game. I had a few frame rate drops when link was attacking a group of enemies. the Frame rate drops aren't that annoying it just slows you down. I think it dropped from 30 fps to 20 fps. Overall I like how the game is so open world because i always think to myself should i fight ganon or should i get all the shrines or finish divine beasts. There isZelda Breath of the wild is such a good game. I had a few frame rate drops when link was attacking a group of enemies. the Frame rate drops aren't that annoying it just slows you down. I think it dropped from 30 fps to 20 fps. Overall I like how the game is so open world because i always think to myself should i fight ganon or should i get all the shrines or finish divine beasts. There is so much things to do in the game which make me rate it 10 out of 10.… Expand
  9. fliflyx
    Apr 4, 2018
    10
    The game is one of the most significant I have ever played. Only things that could be improved in my opinion are the music, because there rarely is any, although the sounds of nature that usually surround in the game are also quite atmospheric.
    I spent 90h playing this game already and am far from running out of things to do.
    Great work!
  10. BaconHD
    Apr 12, 2018
    10
    No me gusta tanto pero para hacer media entre tontos que ponen 0 es excelente
  11. yasu_yagami
    May 3, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. gran juego me encanto mucho el gameplay es maravilloso ojala salgan mas juegos como este le falta un poco de dificultad pero a pesar de eso es maravilloso lo mejor los trajes d e link… Expand
  12. thatoneguy_
    Apr 21, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As someone who has capped over 140+ hours of my time into this game, I can say that this game is a masterpiece in it's own regard. First, you can't compare this title to games like Ocarina of Time or Majora's Mask because of how different it is from those games genre-wise. Comparing this game to the last 5 home console entries in the series is like comparing first-person shooters to puzzle games. This game is a callback to the original formula that was shown in the original Zelda on the NES, which I though was great. The game itself has a good combat system and focuses heavily on exploration, unlike the previous linear entries on Nintendo's last three home consoles. You are also given a lot of freedom when it comes to how you want to do things and where you want to go, which is refreshing for this series. There were a few problems (like durability on weapons :/), but I mostly got over those over time. The game's story was not a big deal, as it just gives an almost generic story of good vs evil in the world of Hyrule. The story doesn't go all too deep either, with the cutscenes giving you an adequate amount of information on what is going on. But that isn't the point; Nintendo themselves said "to forget everything you know about the Zelda series", as it is more similar to the non-linear format shown in the original NES title. But despite not having a stellar story, the art style of the game is beautiful and exploring what Hyrule has to offer is really fun. It is a must-have for any Switch or Wii U owner and I would recommend playing it.… Expand
  13. sowestcoast22
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Wow!! This game....this is the reason you buy a Switch. This game is a true masterpiece from the opening scenes and throughout the entire game (DLC included) . I can't begin to tell you how many hours I sunk into this game, but it is truly remarkable what Nintendo did to mold this game specifically for the Switch. And the fact that you can seamlessly take Link on the go, and back to theWow!! This game....this is the reason you buy a Switch. This game is a true masterpiece from the opening scenes and throughout the entire game (DLC included) . I can't begin to tell you how many hours I sunk into this game, but it is truly remarkable what Nintendo did to mold this game specifically for the Switch. And the fact that you can seamlessly take Link on the go, and back to the comfort of your own home puts this game in the pantheons of one of the greatest games of all time.… Expand
  14. Javi1183
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Simplemente hermosos la verdad el mundo abierto es una maravilla junto con las misiones,las tribus y el solo hecho que de verdad puedes ir a todos lados, el apartado artistico es impresionante aunque no hace gala de potencia ese tono que tiene le queda perfecto al mundo que tiene pero ¿por que? es muy simple transmite la vida que tiene el mundo en general las montañas etc lo que voy aSimplemente hermosos la verdad el mundo abierto es una maravilla junto con las misiones,las tribus y el solo hecho que de verdad puedes ir a todos lados, el apartado artistico es impresionante aunque no hace gala de potencia ese tono que tiene le queda perfecto al mundo que tiene pero ¿por que? es muy simple transmite la vida que tiene el mundo en general las montañas etc lo que voy a decir es algo que me gusto mucho es que el propio juego te incita a usar tu imaginacion para resolver los puzzles… Expand
  15. yoqsetio
    Apr 25, 2018
    10
    Why am I not surprised? The Metacritic user score is the single least credible resource to tell how good a game is. Metacritic users are incapable of nuance
  16. Carndolla
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    What an experience, simply amazing. Maybe for the next episode just profoundize a little more about the story.
  17. TheProphet1
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    best game of the universe! never playd better game than this. much more funny then horizon!
  18. MaKSi
    Apr 30, 2018
    9
    I did not think that someday I would love the game with pure game-play. Stunning game, I played 200 hours. I advise everyone.
  19. GlowFire
    May 1, 2018
    9
    Zelda Breath Of The Wild starts with your first mission. This mission took me a while to complete, as I was still new the the controls of the Nintendo switch console. After completing your first quest you unlock some more abilities in the game. I was definitely impressed with the overall quality and creativity of the story the game told just in the first 30 minutes of playing. The cutZelda Breath Of The Wild starts with your first mission. This mission took me a while to complete, as I was still new the the controls of the Nintendo switch console. After completing your first quest you unlock some more abilities in the game. I was definitely impressed with the overall quality and creativity of the story the game told just in the first 30 minutes of playing. The cut scenes are unlike any other Zelda game I have seen and/or played. To get to the final battle , you have to fight your way through 4 dungeons and one boss each for every one dungeon. Getting to each dungeon is very tough, but also fun, and entertaining. Each dungeon has a different style, and different types of challenges and puzzles to complete. there is also a different type of boss each dungeon you enter. Each boss and dungeon correspond to a different element of the game as well. Fire, water, air, and earth.
    Overall, this game impressed me. I would highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a thrilling yet challenging video game experience.    … Expand
  20. robertlop54
    May 1, 2018
    10
    Un diamante en bruto **** juego, los gráficos, la historia, la banda sonora, los personajes, TODO es perfecto en este videojuego. Imprescindible para quien tenga una Switch.
  21. LoomBoom
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Breath of the Wild is one of the finest games I've ever played. I've been a Zelda fan since I was 4, and I've played all the games, but this is the Zelda game I've wanted ever since Wind Waker. The Zelda series was always been fantastic, but Skyward Sword is when I started to realize that the series' formula was reaching its limits and it needed change. Breath of the Wild brought theBreath of the Wild is one of the finest games I've ever played. I've been a Zelda fan since I was 4, and I've played all the games, but this is the Zelda game I've wanted ever since Wind Waker. The Zelda series was always been fantastic, but Skyward Sword is when I started to realize that the series' formula was reaching its limits and it needed change. Breath of the Wild brought the change the series needed. And it didn't just change how we think of Zelda games, but also how we think of open world games in general.

    "The Wild", that's the big draw to this game. BotW's open world is probably my favorite open world I've ever experience. It's filled with life, wonder, mystery, and beauty, and it's up to you how much you want to explore it all. To make exploring this open world even more fun is the tools you have at your disposal. From the start of the game you pretty much have access to all the necessary skills you need. You can jump, run, walk, glide, crouch, and climb, and best of you all, you can climb pretty much everywhere. Not to mention all the skills you can perform with your weapons and shields, you have it all from the beginning. Also shortly after playing, you gain access to using runes that give you additional abilities. Having all the necessary skills and weapons you need right from the start may seem strange, but it's actually liberating. BotW does not hold your hand and tell you how to use everything, you must get creative, learn how to use the environment to your advantage, and adapt. BotW encourages experimentation with your abilities and skills, and while everything is easy to learn, even after 200+ hours of playing I'm still amazed on how fresh everything feels and I never do one thing the same way every time.

    BotW has a sense of freedom that I haven't experienced in any game ever. I can run around for hours pretty much doing nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it's a blast. BotW let's you take your time and explore. You can do any little task you want and complete the game in any order you feel like. You get to decide what type of journey you have. Every time I pick up and play Breath of the Wild it never feels boring or that its over stayed its welcome because you just get lost in its world. Anything that you see you can get to and anything you can think of doing, you can pretty much do thanks to the psychics engine. In this game, the physics engine is absolutely incredible. You'll play around with all the different possibilities you can do with the environment and you'll find interesting ways to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. I find fighting enemies so much fun in this game because I can defeat them in almost infinite different ways, it just never gets old.

    Now, as for the characters, I'd say this version of Zelda is by far the best Zelda we've ever had. She has a great personality and is relatable . Someone who is burdened by her duty and has doubts in herself, but also someone who works tirelessly to achieve her goal. Plus her personality is very fun and sweet, she's extremely likable. Also Link is probably one of my favorite Links as well. He gets a bit of development too (and we even learn why he doesn't talk). His design and personality he gives in any given situation makes him pretty appealing, and he has the most emotion since Toon Link in Wind Waker. I think he's won the hearts of many is probably going to be the face of the franchise for some time, just as OoT and TP Link were. Outside of those two, the rest of the champions are intriguing and full of personality (Revali being my favorite), but we just didn't get to see a lot from them! Also the other side characters aren't too memorable besides some of the Zoras like Sidon and the Gerudo chief Riju. This also means there isn't as many side quests that really stand out. There are some fun ones for sure, but the ones that stick with you, just not too many. The Gerudo side quests I'd say were the most fun and memorable of the bunch though, I really liked the Gerudo region in general. But this game still hasn't been able to touch Majora's Mask with having the best side characters and side quests in the franchise. Wind Waker would be the runner-up.

    The story works for this type of game and I like that you have to piece together everything that's happened, but its definitely not up there with some of Zelda's top stories. The relationship between Link and Zelda and the Champions are definitely the highlight.

    But at the end of the day, BotW isn't that type of game that has a lot of emphasis on characters and story. You make your own journey and your own story, and the focus here is the world and your main objective. The pros far out weight the cons, and the cons are minuscule in comparison. BotW is one of the greatest games I've ever played and it's refreshing to play a game with so much freedom and trust in the player. Its one of the few open world games that keeps its core promise: "open".    … Expand
  22. ZUKHA
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Nuevas ideas que revolucionan
    Una nueva leyenda que sobrevive la prueba del tiempo
    exploración gratificante y adictiva Navegación e historia excelente sistema de combate muy pulido y desafiante La ambientación es muy envolvente La trama es muy buena y está bien narrada esquema de armamento es ingenioso y bien implementado Despierta emociones intensas, de curiosidad, angustia, y    Nuevas ideas que revolucionan
    Una nueva leyenda que sobrevive la prueba del tiempo
    exploración gratificante y adictiva
    Navegación e historia excelente
    sistema de combate muy pulido y desafiante
    La ambientación es muy envolvente
    La trama es muy buena y está bien narrada
    esquema de armamento es ingenioso y bien implementado
    Despierta emociones intensas, de curiosidad, angustia, y asombro
    Diseño magistral en todos sus aspectos    … Expand
  23. Yigit14
    May 4, 2018
    10
    It's not like any The Legend Of Zelda game, but that doesn't make it a bad game, It's actually one of the best games I ever played. And some people don't like open world but I don't actually think It's bad, It's actually good.
  24. Dantemercer
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Simply put , this game is incredible! beautiful design , interesting story and a lot of stuff to be explored. This masterpiece will keep you busy for some time , it made me even want to go back and replay some of the old games ( Ocarina of Time , Majora's Mask ) and even try some other games from the series ( Twilight Princess , Wind Waker ). Money well spent and i totally recommend it!
  25. Grunty
    May 5, 2018
    8
    It is indeed a very good game and the reason I bought the switch from the start. Not disappointed but a bit lost by the open world and the difficulty of the fights (which is not what I'm fond of). I like exploring / discovering things, and I still have a lot to do.
    My only complaint : I properly hate the rain system which is pointless and make you wait for nothing.
  26. mrcnx
    May 6, 2018
    10
    Jesus christ

    This game is MINDBLOWING where do i even begin. I think the biggest pro is that it is just so fun and
    immersive to explore. I litteraly put more than 130 hours in this game and I'm not feeling like putting it down
  27. Emmanuel1243
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Gran juego grandisima durabilidad, muy divertido se siente muy vivo,buena historia, un gran DLC que vale totalmente la pena, no veo baja de fps o de calidad de imagen.Un gran juego de mundo abierto y un gran cambio en la saga Zelda. Me encanto llevo 350 horas de juego.
  28. Kirby6502376507
    May 6, 2018
    10
    This game is just amazing. the story is great, the visuals are unique and look great in they're own way.
    If you have a Switch or Wii U you need this game. I don't recommend getting a switch just to get this game. But if you don't have a switch, you should get one.
  29. KaOoZ
    May 7, 2018
    10
    No hay mas que decir, que no se haya dicho en otros lados, este juego es perfecto en todos los sentidos!!
    Una experiencia inolvidable y uno de los mejores videojuegos que e tenido la suerte de tener y jugar.
    Si cuentas con una switch no te lo puedes perder.
    100% recomendable!
  30. Jaimeastur
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    El mejor juego de la historia, una verdadera obra de arte.

    Nunca olvidarás una experiencia como esta y si encima eres fan de la saga zelda... simplemente lo mejor hasta el momento.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Switch Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 109 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 109
  3. Negative: 0 out of 109
  1. GameGrin
    Dec 12, 2017
    100
    Where it takes mechanics from others in the industry, it improves upon them; where it introduces new ones, you slap your forehead in amazement that it hasn’t been done before. Breath of the Wild is development done right, and damn near the best game you’ll play all year.
    Read full review
  2. Wired UK
    Aug 30, 2017
    100
    Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    May 19, 2017
    96
    Up there with the finest Zelda games, Breath of the Wild is bold, liberating, and utterly astonishing. [Apr 2017, p.60]
See all critic reviews »