Since the launch of Tears of the Kingdom, the community of Zelda enthusiasts has become increasingly divided. Fans are passionately debating whether Breath of the Wild reigns supreme or if its sequel deserves the crown.
The choice between the two games is subjective and often based on individual preferences for gameplay mechanics, especially in terms of crafting and creative freedom in open-world environments. Fortunately, both titles showcase the franchise’s excellence and are worthy of your time.
Breath of the Wild made waves in 2017, ultimately securing the prestigious Game of the Year award.Tears of the Kingdom followed suit in 2023, emerging as a contender but ultimately losing to Baldur’s Gate 3.
It is essential to recognize that both experiences stand amongst the finest in gaming history, not merely within their own series. If you cross paths with either, don’t miss out on their adventures.
Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Tears of the Kingdom likely wouldn’t exist without the foundational elements introduced in Breath of the Wild. However, we must also reflect on the advancements and fixes that the sequel applies to its predecessor.
1. Visuals
Tie
The visual experience remains consistent between both titles, allowing them to feel like distinct yet familiar adventures. While Tears of the Kingdom has marginally improved details, the differences are most noticeable only when played in direct comparison.
Players moving back to Breath of the Wild after Tears of the Kingdom will find that it does not feel starkly outdated, whether they’re galloping across Hyrule’s vast fields, scaling colossal mountains, or combatting groups of Bokoblins.
2. Open World
Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom introduces notable enhancements in its open-world design by expanding beyond the surface of Hyrule to unveil the Sky and the Depths.
However, while exploring the Depths can enrich the experience, its repetitive nature may detract from the exploration thrill, requiring players to gather brightbloom seeds to illuminate the darker sections.
On a positive note, the surface landscape is significantly more vibrant than before, offering dynamic encounters, while the Sky Islands present engaging puzzles for players to solve.
Thus, Tears of the Kingdom clearly emerges victorious in this aspect.
3. Shrines
Breath of the Wild
For those who relish a challenge, the Shrines in Breath of the Wild present formidable puzzles that trend toward complexity. Many players deem the challenges in Tears of the Kingdom too simplistic.
This ease stems from how players can leverage abilities creatively, resulting in straightforward solutions that reduce the thrill of discovery. In contrast, Breath of the Wild’s Shrines proffer a healthier mix of difficulty and creativity.
Additionally, the aesthetic design of the Breath of the Wild Shrines boasts greater appeal compared to the more monotonous rock structures introduced in the sequel, further solidifying its triumph in this category.
4. Temples
Tears of the Kingdom
The dungeons in Breath of the Wild were frequently criticized as its weakest aspect. Compared to the beloved dungeons of past titles in the franchise, the Divine Beasts lacked challenge and depth.
In contrast, while Tears of the Kingdom retains some simplicity (as seen in its Water Temple), the overall design and complexity of its temples represent a notable advancement.
The developers appear more intent on recapturing the essence of traditional Zelda temples, providing a richer experience, especially concerning pre-dungeon challenges and boss encounters.
As a result, this category goes to Tears of the Kingdom.
5. Link’s Abilities
Tears of the Kingdom
Link’s abilities in Tears of the Kingdom provide an enhanced gameplay experience, particularly with the introduction of the Ultrahand ability. It surpasses the capabilities of Magnesis, allowing players greater creative potential when manipulating objects.
Moreover, Ultrahand facilitates the attachment of different items together, enabling inventive constructions ranging from simple bridges to elaborate traps against foes.
While players may miss the utility of Cryosis, Ascend simplifies traversal. Moreover, Fuse opens new strategic avenues for weapon enhancement and encourages resourceful use of materials.
The overall versatility of Link’s abilities in Tears of the Kingdom secures it a leading position in this category.
6. Champions’ Powers
Breath of the Wild
Interestingly, the transition to Sages’ powers in Tears of the Kingdom feels less impactful compared to the original Champions’ powers in Breath of the Wild.
In the previous game, activating these powers was straightforward and invigorating, allowing players full control. Conversely, in the sequel, the summon mechanic can feel cumbersome and less engaging.
The intuitive design of powers like Revali’s Gale and Mipha’s Grace stands out in Breath of the Wild, making it challenging for Tears of the Kingdom to compete in this realm.
7. Creative Ways To Play
Tears of the Kingdom
Upon its release, Breath of the Wild inspired players to devise inventive methods for combat and exploration. From using Magnesis to manipulate environmental elements to unique traversal techniques like Bullet Time Bounce, the game encouraged creativity.
However, Tears of the Kingdom takes innovation to a new level with Ultrahand, giving players endless opportunities for invention. Each playthrough yields fresh possibilities—whether it’s crafting a simple vehicle or engineering a complex contraption to defeat foes.
The flexibility allows for play styles ranging from the fun and whimsical to the strategic, establishing Tears of the Kingdom as a frontrunner in this category.
8. Memories Hunt
Breath of the Wild
Both games intricately weave memories into their narratives; however, in terms of engaging exploration, Breath of the Wild takes a slight edge with its innovative photo clue system.
Through the Sheikah slate, Princess Zelda’s photographs serve as clues, enticing players to discover the locations for themselves, heightening the satisfaction of exploration.
On the other hand, the memory system in Tears of the Kingdom relies on dragon tears and Geoglyphs, which can inadvertently spoil moments for players. Due to its interactive and challenging execution, Breath of the Wild secures the win here.
9. Final Boss Fight
Tears of the Kingdom
Both games feature memorable final boss encounters, drawing on familiar forms of Ganon while also introducing new designs to maintain freshness.
In Breath of the Wild, players face Calamity Ganon—though the experience can feel anticlimactic due to a health reduction upon completing Divine Beasts.
Tears of the Kingdom rectifies these issues, presenting a multi-phase battle with a more engaging initial encounter, ultimately enhancing the overall experience.
This thoughtful evolution earns Tears of the Kingdom the win in this category.
10. Winner
Tears of the Kingdom
Upon preparing for this comparison, I initially believed there would be a clear winner in Tears of the Kingdom. However, revisiting both titles proved that Breath of the Wild holds its ground remarkably well.
Ultimately, if I had to recommend one, my inclination would still be toward Tears of the Kingdom for its refinements and innovative gameplay. Yet, it’s worth noting that Breath of the Wild is nothing short of exceptional.
With features like the Ultrahand ability and Zonai Devices, Tears of the Kingdom may represent some of the finest advancements in the franchise. Crafting and creativity draw players into an experience that remains captivating.
While Tears of the Kingdom may not dethrone Ocarina of Time in my heart, it undoubtedly stands as a strong contender for the second-best Zelda game of all time.
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