Gameplay Challenges

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Fans of The Legend of Zelda series have come up with alternative Gameplay Challenges, ways of playing and beating Zelda games that go beyond simply getting to and defeating the final boss while accomplishing some number of optional side quests.

Some of these modes of gameplay such as speed runs are not unique to the Zelda series, but a few are, and by playing the games these ways can provide an entirely new playing experience. Below is a summary of some of these different challenges:

General, Non Game-specific Challenges

Speed Runs

The object of a speed run is simply to time how long it takes to complete a game from start to finish. As a form of practice speed runners often break up the required milestones of the game into segments so that they can time, and improve upon their run through a specific required section of the game. Speed running can be conducted in a side-to-side marathon-like session, or simply recorded by an individual as a means to claim a speed run record. There are several variations on speed running, including:

Any% Run

Any% is a category often used in many speedruns. For most Zelda games, this allows the use of virtually any glitch that is available in the game, with a few exceptions. Timing begins at the start of the game and ends when the player completely loses control of the character and the credits begin to roll.

100% Run

See below

With Glitches/Exploits

Several Zelda games have a number of unintended bugs that can be taken advantage of to improve a speed running time. For instance, in Ocarina of Time there are several hidden portals, ways to access blocked areas, and in Twilight Princess it is possible to walk at normal speed with the Iron Boots on.

100% Run

Main article: 100% Completion

In a 100% run the player is required to complete all optional sidequests and obtain all items in the game, including heart pieces and other collectables. An 100% run can be completed as a speed run, or simply completed without any concern over how long it takes (this can require an extensive effort with some Zelda games)

Three Heart Challenge

Main article: Three Heart Challenge

This challenge requires that the player does not obtain any new full Heart Containers that results in Link's total number of hearts exceeding the number he started the game with. This means that the player must not pick up the Heart Containers traditionally left after defeating the dungeon boss. In a game such as The Adventure of Link or Skyward Sword, the player will end with Four Health Bars or Six Heart Containers, as that is what the player began with.

Game Specific Challenges

Six Day Cycle

This Majora's Mask challenge requires that the game is completed within two three-day cycles.

Applicable to:

Shieldless

This challenge can be attempted on any Zelda game which does not require use of the shield.

Applicable to:

Swordless

This challenge can be attempted on any Zelda game which does not require use of the sword.

Applicable to:

Boss Challenges

Ocarina of Time

Majora's Mask

The Wind Waker

Twilight Princess

  • Defeat Fyrus (Goron Mines) while wearing the [Iron Boots]], and with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat Deku Toad (Lakebed Temple) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat Darkhammer (Snowpeak Ruins) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat Blizzeta (Snowpeak Ruins) while wearing the Iron Boots and Zora Tunic, and with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat Phantom Zant using only the Spinner with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat King Bulblin (Hyrule Castle) with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, or other healing items
  • Defeat Ganon while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 Heart Containers and no fairies, potions, other healing items or chance attacks

Skyward Sword