The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Guide – How Long To Beat And How Many Main Quests?

Nintendo's long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild is finally here, but how massive is it? Here's how long it takes to beat.

Posted By | On 16th, May. 2023

the legend of zelda tears of the kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is finally available on Nintendo Switch and is already a massive hit. As the follow-up to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom is much bigger. Hyrule has changed significantly with new Sky Islands and the perilous Depths to explore. There is tons of optional content, including Shrines, side missions, and much more before finishing the story.

How Long to Beat The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

However, even for those only interested in the main quest, there is much to experience. It takes about 50 hours on average, which can balloon to over 60 hours by taking your time. Pursuing some of the side content increases that number even further, and it can take about 70 hours for the average player. Again that number varies, and given the number of distractions and secrets in Hyrule, it could easily take about 85 to 90 hours in addition to the main quest.

How Many Main Quests Are There in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

There are 23 main quests to complete. Though you’re initially constrained to the Great Sky Island to get three new abilities, returning to the surface opens things up significantly. You’re free to go just about anywhere, but it’s advised to stick to the main quests to unlock other useful abilities, tools and Sage summons.

Here are all the main quests in Tears of the Kingdom (spoilers abound, so beware):

  • Prologue
  • The Closed Door
  • To the Kingdom of Hyrule
  • Regional Phenomena
  • Crisis at Hyrule Castle
  • Camera Work in the Depths
  • Impa and the Geoglyphs
  • Tulin of Rito Village
  • A Mystery in the Depths
  • Yunobo of Goron City
  • Riju of Gerudo Town
  • The Sludge-Covered Statue
  • Sidon of the Zora
  • The Broken Slate
  • Restoring the Zora Armor
  • Clues to the Sky
  • Find the Fifth Sage
  • Trial of the Master Sword
  • Recovering the Hero’s Sword
  • Secret of the Ring Ruins
  • Guidance from Ages Past
  • Tears of the Dragon
  • Find Princess Zelda
  • Destroy Ganondorf

How Long To 100% The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

It’s been said already, but The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a massive game. It’s estimated to take 180 to 200 hours to complete everything. Here are all the different things you can do:

  • Collect all the armor sets
  • Complete all the Shrines
  • Increase your Zonai Battery capacity
  • Explore the Depths and light up all the Lightroots
  • Unlock all the Skyview Towers
  • Find all the Dragon’s Tears
  • Locate and land on the all the dragons
  • Find the Geoglyphs
  • Visit all the Great Faries and upgrade your armor
  • Complete all the Side Adventures
  • Collect all the Korok Seeds
  • Discover all recipes
  • Photograph everything, from enemies and animals to plants and people
  • Create all kinds of powerful vehicles and overwhelm your enemies

If you’re feeling brave, you can go straight to the final boss as soon as you get the Paraglider. You’ll find him in the Depths via the cavern below Hyrule Castle, though it’s advised not to do so, given all the tough enemies that abound. Work through the regions, get better armor and weapons, increase your max weapon slots, and finish the fight.

Check out our official review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You can also read our guide on getting all the new abilities and Sage Summons.


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