When it comes to open-world games that provide an immersive experience, few can compete with the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, the game has captured the hearts of millions with its compelling story, intuitive gameplay, and of course, its vast world. Fans even tried to emulate Breath of the Wild on PC, so they can explore that vast and rich world and maybe get more frame rates and use RTX technology. That begs the question – just how big is Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the game’s expansive landscape and answer the frequently asked question: “How big is Breath of the Wild map?”
Decoding the Scale: How Big is Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Map?
One of the most commonly discussed aspects of the game is the size of its map. To put it in numbers, the world of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild spans approximately 24 square miles (or around 61.9 square kilometers), making it one of the largest game worlds ever created by Nintendo.
Biomes, Landmarks, and More
This colossal size doesn’t just mean empty spaces and filler content. The map is densely packed with a variety of biomes, landmarks, and interactive elements. From the chilling peaks of the Hebra Mountains to the scorching heat of the Gerudo Desert, every corner of this vast world has something unique to offer.
Quests and Side Missions
What makes the game world feel even larger are the hundreds of quests and side missions scattered throughout the map. Whether it’s fighting off Lynels to save a village or solving intricate puzzles in one of the game’s 120 shrines, Breath of the Wild keeps you invested in its gigantic world through meaningful interactions.
When it comes to comparing the size of Breath of the Wild with other open-world titles, you’ll find that it’s not the largest out there but certainly one of the most densely packed. To put this in perspective, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a game world that’s roughly 52 square miles, while Skyrim’s map size is approximately 14.3 square miles. Even newer titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla boast a map size of around 90 square miles.
Sheer Diversity and Interactivity: Breath of the Wild’s Unique Strength
What sets Breath of the Wild apart, however, is not just its size, but the sheer diversity and interactivity of its map. Each area in Breath of the Wild feels uniquely handcrafted, with an attention to detail that makes every hill, valley, and river feel distinct. There is an intrinsic value in exploring the map because every location offers something different—whether it’s a new type of creature to battle, a mini-game to play, or a hidden shrine to discover.
Emergent Gameplay: The Soul of Breath of the Wild
The concept of emergent gameplay—where the game mechanics and world allow for players to create their own unique experiences—is where Breath of the Wild truly shines and is superior vs its main competitor Genshin Impact. The game doesn’t just offer a large sandbox; it gives players the tools to interact with that sandbox in creative and unexpected ways. From using metal objects to conduct electricity and solve puzzles, to creating updrafts to reach higher altitudes, the world of Hyrule is your playground.
Community Comparisons: What Players Are Saying
In fan forums and social media discussions, Breath of the Wild often tops the list of favorite open-world experiences, even when it’s up against larger game worlds. The general consensus is that it’s not about how many square miles a map covers, but how those miles are used. In Breath of the Wild, no space feels wasted. Every location has a purpose, whether it’s to challenge the player, tell a piece of the overarching story, or simply provide breathtaking views.
Time Required to Explore
Given its enormous scale, you might wonder how long it takes to explore the entirety of the map. While the time can vary depending on your playstyle, it’s not uncommon for players to invest over 100 hours into the game just to explore and complete main quests and side missions. Some completionists have even spent upwards of 300 hours to cover every inch of the game!
Final Thoughts
In summary, the question of how big is Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a multi-faceted answer. As one of the most popular games of all time, Breath of the Wild is an impressive game, where its magnitude lies in its rich, diverse, and interactive world that keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated fan, the vast realm of Hyrule promises endless adventures that you won’t soon forget.
So, the next time someone asks, “how big is Breath of the Wild map?”, you’ll have a comprehensive answer that speaks not only to its scale but also to the incredible depth and variety that make it one of the most compelling games in modern history.
