Overcoming Post Breath Of The Wild Depression What To Do After Beating The Game
It's a feeling many gamers experience: the bittersweet moment when the credits roll on a truly exceptional game. For me, that game was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. After countless hours exploring Hyrule's vast landscapes, battling formidable foes, and unraveling the mysteries of the Calamity, I finally faced Ganon and restored peace to the kingdom. But in the aftermath of this epic journey, a strange sense of emptiness washed over me. What now? The world that had consumed my thoughts and free time for weeks, months even, was now… conquered. The main quest, the driving force behind my every action, was complete. This feeling, this post-Breath of the Wild depression, is a real phenomenon for many players, and I'm here to explore why it happens and what you can do to cope with it.
The Allure of Hyrule: Why We Get So Invested
Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience. From the moment Link awakens on the Great Plateau, players are thrust into a world teeming with possibilities. The sheer freedom of exploration is unparalleled. You can climb any surface, travel to any point on the map (provided you can survive the journey), and tackle challenges in almost any order. This open-world design fosters a deep sense of immersion. We're not just following a linear storyline; we're forging our own path, making our own discoveries, and creating our own adventures. The game also boasts a rich and compelling narrative, filled with memorable characters and poignant moments. We grow attached to Link, Zelda, and the Champions, investing in their struggles and triumphs. The fate of Hyrule rests on our shoulders, and this responsibility adds weight to our actions. Furthermore, the gameplay itself is incredibly engaging. The combat system is fluid and challenging, encouraging experimentation and strategic thinking. The puzzles are clever and rewarding, often requiring creative use of Link's abilities and the environment. The constant sense of discovery, whether it's finding a hidden shrine, uncovering a breathtaking vista, or mastering a new combat technique, keeps us hooked.
Breath of the Wild masterfully creates a sense of escapism. The vibrant world, the compelling characters, and the engaging gameplay provide a welcome respite from the stresses and anxieties of everyday life. We can lose ourselves in Hyrule, becoming Link and embarking on a grand adventure. This escapism is a powerful draw, and it's easy to see why we become so invested in the game. The beautiful landscapes of Hyrule, from the snow-capped peaks of the Hebra Mountains to the sun-drenched beaches of Lurelin Village, beckon us to explore. The dynamic weather system adds another layer of immersion, with rainstorms, blizzards, and thunderstorms all impacting gameplay. The world feels alive and reactive, making us feel like a part of it. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every nook and cranny of the map holding some sort of interest, whether it's a hidden treasure chest, a unique enemy encounter, or a stunning view. This level of detail encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. We feel a sense of accomplishment every time we overcome a challenge, whether it's defeating a powerful enemy or solving a complex puzzle. This sense of accomplishment is addictive, driving us to keep playing and pushing our limits. The game also fosters a sense of community. Sharing our experiences and discoveries with other players online creates a bond and reinforces our love for the game. We feel like we're part of something bigger, a shared journey through Hyrule.
The Post-Hyrule Blues: Why Finishing the Game Can Feel Empty
After dedicating so much time and energy to Breath of the Wild, it's natural to feel a void when the game is over. We've spent countless hours exploring Hyrule, becoming intimately familiar with its landscapes, its inhabitants, and its secrets. We've forged a connection with Link, Zelda, and the Champions, and we've become invested in their quest to defeat Ganon. When that quest is complete, it's like saying goodbye to old friends and leaving a place we've come to love. The sudden cessation of this immersive experience can be jarring. We go from having a clear goal and a world to explore to…nothing. The main quest is finished, the map is cleared (or mostly cleared), and the sense of urgency is gone. This can lead to a feeling of listlessness and a lack of motivation. We've lost the driving force that propelled us through Hyrule, and we're left wondering what to do next.
The feeling of emptiness after finishing Breath of the Wild can also be attributed to the loss of routine and structure. For many players, the game becomes a daily ritual, a way to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life. We set goals for ourselves, whether it's completing a certain number of shrines, upgrading our armor, or simply exploring a new region of the map. This routine provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When the game is over, this routine is disrupted, and we may feel lost without it. The game's open-ended nature can also contribute to the post-game blues. Unlike games with a more linear structure, Breath of the Wild offers a vast array of side quests and optional challenges. Even after completing the main quest, there's still plenty to do in Hyrule. However, without the driving force of the main story, these optional activities may feel less compelling. We may feel like we're just going through the motions, ticking off items on a checklist, rather than embarking on a grand adventure. The feeling of emptiness can be exacerbated by the sheer length of the game. Breath of the Wild is a massive game, and completing it can take hundreds of hours. This extended period of immersion makes the transition back to reality even more difficult. We've spent so much time in Hyrule that it feels like a part of us, and leaving it behind can be a painful experience.
Coping Mechanisms: What to Do After Saving Hyrule
So, you've finished Breath of the Wild and you're feeling lost. What can you do? The good news is that there are several ways to cope with the post-Hyrule blues and find new adventures to embark on. First and foremost, allow yourself to feel the emotions. It's okay to feel sad, empty, or even a little bit lost after finishing a game you've invested so much time and energy into. Don't try to suppress these feelings; acknowledge them and allow yourself to process them. Talk to other players who have experienced the same thing. Share your thoughts and feelings online, and you'll find that you're not alone. Many players have gone through the same experience, and they can offer support and advice.
Another helpful coping mechanism is to explore the remaining content in the game. Even after completing the main quest, there's still plenty to do in Hyrule. You can focus on completing side quests, finding all the shrines, upgrading your armor, or collecting all the Korok seeds. These activities can provide a sense of closure and allow you to spend more time in the world you've come to love. You can also try challenging yourself in new ways. Play the game on Master Mode, which offers a significantly increased difficulty level. Try completing the game with minimal equipment or without using certain abilities. These challenges can reignite your passion for the game and provide a new sense of accomplishment. Consider starting a new game plus run. This allows you to start the game again with all your equipment and upgrades from your previous playthrough. This can be a fun way to experience the game again and tackle challenges you may have missed the first time around. Beyond the game itself, immerse yourself in the Zelda community. Watch videos, read articles, and participate in online discussions. This can help you stay connected to the world of Hyrule and share your experiences with other fans. The Legend of Zelda franchise has a rich history and there are many great titles to explore. If you enjoyed Breath of the Wild, consider playing other games in the series. Each game offers a unique experience, with its own story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
Finally, remember that it's just a game. While it's okay to feel sad about finishing it, don't let it consume you. There are many other great games out there waiting to be discovered, and there are plenty of other things to do in life. Breath of the Wild was an incredible experience, but it's just one chapter in your gaming journey. The feeling of emptiness will fade with time, and you'll eventually find new games and activities to fill the void. So, take a deep breath, embrace the post-Hyrule blues, and get ready for your next adventure.
Looking Ahead: New Games and New Adventures
While the post-Breath of the Wild blues can be tough, it's important to remember that there are always new adventures on the horizon. The gaming world is constantly evolving, with new and exciting titles being released all the time. Take some time to explore different genres and franchises. You might be surprised at what you discover. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. There are many other open-world games that offer a similar sense of freedom and exploration as Breath of the Wild. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Elden Ring are all excellent choices. These games offer vast and immersive worlds to explore, compelling stories, and engaging gameplay.
If you enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspects of Breath of the Wild, consider playing other puzzle games. Games like The Witness, Portal 2, and Baba Is You are all highly acclaimed and offer unique challenges. These games will test your problem-solving skills and provide a sense of accomplishment when you finally crack the code. If you're looking for a game with a strong narrative and memorable characters, there are many great story-driven games to choose from. Games like The Last of Us Part II, God of War, and Horizon Zero Dawn are all critically acclaimed and offer compelling narratives. These games will immerse you in their worlds and make you care about the characters and their journeys. Beyond gaming, explore other hobbies and interests. This is a great opportunity to rediscover old passions or try something new. Spend time with friends and family, get some exercise, or pursue a creative outlet. Remember that life is full of possibilities, and there's always something new to explore. The feeling of emptiness after finishing a game is temporary. With time, you'll find new ways to fill the void and new adventures to embark on. Breath of the Wild was an amazing experience, but it's just one chapter in your life. Embrace the future, and get ready for the next chapter.
Conclusion: The End of One Journey, the Beginning of Another
Finishing Breath of the Wild can be a bittersweet experience. The sense of accomplishment is undeniable, but the feeling of emptiness that follows can be difficult to cope with. However, it's important to remember that this feeling is normal and temporary. By acknowledging your emotions, exploring remaining content, and looking ahead to new adventures, you can overcome the post-Hyrule blues and move on to new gaming experiences. Breath of the Wild will always hold a special place in your heart, but it's just one game in a vast and ever-expanding world of interactive entertainment. The memories you made in Hyrule will stay with you, but it's time to embark on new journeys and create new memories. So, take a deep breath, dust off your console (or PC), and get ready for your next adventure. The gaming world is waiting!
