is a seminal open-world action-adventure game released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. Renowned for reinventing the established Zelda formula, it emphasizes player freedom, emergent gameplay, and a vast, interactive environment. Core Gameplay & Features
: Link uses a prehistoric-style tablet that grants "Runes"—special abilities like Magnesis (moving metal), Stasis (freezing objects in time), and Cryonis (creating ice blocks on water).
: Rather than traditional massive dungeons, the game features over 100 mini-dungeons called Shrines, which focus on specific puzzles and reward players with Spirit Orbs to upgrade health and stamina. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild SWITCH ...
: A robust chemistry and physics engine allows for creative problem-solving, such as using metallic objects during lightning storms to strike enemies or setting grass on fire to create updrafts.
: Reviewers from Nintendo Life and other publications consider it a landmark that defined the open-world genre for years to come. is a seminal open-world action-adventure game released in
: Players can go anywhere visible on the map, including climbing almost any surface and gliding from peaks using a paraglider.
: Players must scavenge for weapons that break over time (Durability system) and cook various ingredients to create meals or elixirs that provide health and stat boosts. Critical & Commercial Impact : Rather than traditional massive dungeons, the game
: It has sold over 34 million copies globally as of March 2025, making it the bestselling title in the Zelda franchise.