BOTW vs TOTK | Players Weigh in on Which Zelda Title to Choose
Edited By
Marcus Chen
A growing debate has emerged among gamers about whether to play Breath of the Wild (BOTW) or Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). A player asked for advice on forums, as it's their first open-world adventure. Conflicting perspectives highlight significant gameplay differences.
A Fork in the Road
In a post from April 16, 2025, a player expressed a desire for a visually stunning open-world game where they can collect gear and tackle challenging bosses. While many recommend starting with BOTW, others argue TOTK stands on its own.
Key Themes from Player Insights
Story Independence: Players noted that TOTK features a self-contained narrative, stating, "You don’t need to play BOTW to play TOTK."
Gameplay Variation: While BOTW emphasizes survival elements like stamina management, TOTK simplifies some mechanics, enabling players to build vehicles early on. One player remarked, "I never even messed with the horses in TOTK because why bother when I can make a jet or a hoverbike?"
Focus on Exploration: Both games prioritize exploration over collecting gear and battling increasingly tough enemies. As one comment highlighted, "Both games are about exploration - if you're seeking relentless combat, try Soulslikes instead."
Opinion Split
The sentiment among players is mixed. Some prefer BOTW for its foundational aspects, while others lean towards the innovative features of TOTK. Both games appear to offer different appeals, leaving players torn on their choice.
"I personally like TOTK more because the map is relatively the same but the underground aspect is fun," one user stated.
Takeaways from the Discussion
🔍 BOTW is not necessary for understanding TOTK, but it sets the stage.
🚀 TOTK introduces fun mechanics like vehicle building early on.
⚔️ Players seeking hardcore battles might want to look elsewhere, like Soulslike games.
Curiously, the dialogue surrounding these games reflects a shift in gaming preferences as players seek innovation alongside storytelling. As Zelda continues to spark enthusiasm in the gaming community, the decision boils down to individual taste in gameplay mechanics and narrative styles.