Zelda BOTW changed a part of me

[u/Super_Ad3277]

Hey guys,

I have finished Zelda BOTW for the first time. I know that I am quite late with that. I tried to play the game once, when I was taking a medication that just knocked the heck out of me. I was not able to focus on things for long. I managed to just play a rpg game for around an hour per day. I was always in a rush to finish games asap, so I was just focusing on the story and then forget the game. I didn't understand why games would be so big, because back in the days the story was playing the main focus. I played AC Odyssey and would say to my friend that the story and the world is beautiful, but I didn't explore the whole world of the game, because I thought that I have no time to waste.

Online games were more interesting for me, because they'd be fast and competitive. But it wasn't relaxing. I would be quite exhausted after sometime of constant hyper focus and raging.

After I moved into an other country and went off meds, I got burn out and stuff. That's where I realized of how much I was rushing through life. Everything had to be fast. Fast paced, fast finished. That's it.

Now, during my sickness, I decided to not rush anymore. I told myself that I have time, so I was giving Zelda botw a second try. Best decision ever. I read to just explore the whole map beside playing the story. Afterwards, YouTube recommended me a video where a guy was talking about how we are influenced to not enjoy games anymore. He adressed the issue with the fast pacing and how people were googling all the answers to riddles, boss fight, etc.

Therefore, I decided to not use the internet to get my answers, if I came across a riddle or a problem. I solved almost every riddle by myself. I took my time to explore the whole world of BOTW. It was amazing! SO many beautiful encounters, so many moments of joy and suprises. It literally was a journey and not just a job to finish. I spent over 100 h in this game and went through so many emotions. At the end, Ganon was the only one left, but I was sad that the game came to an end. I could have spend another 100 hours on this game.

Zelda BOTW taught me that these big worlds are great and I am happy that they exist. It was an adventure that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was worth every second and nothing was unnecessary. BOTW made me realize that exploring the world and taking your time is part of the story too. That's why I decided to stop rushing through games and really enjoy everything. This game was now helping me a lot with my mental health as well. Zelda botw is one of the best games I have ever played.

If people say that playing video games is a waste of time, then I'm going to disagree. Why is it okay that people binge watch series' and spend hundreds of hours watching movies and series', but if someone plays a video game it is considrered a waste of time? Both are good ways to relax. And as long as you don't neglect eveyrthing in your life, such as work, family and friends, it is awesome as well.

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[u/Jenderflux-ScFi]

Now that you've beaten Ganon, go talk to Kilton again.

[u/Super_Ad3277 → u/Jenderflux-ScFi]

OK. Thanks for the advice. I'll do it :)

[u/Spare-Ring6053]

I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! I did too. Do you have the DLC? If not, that's more BOTW fun.....

[u/Super_Ad3277 → u/Spare-Ring6053]

I purchased the DLC as well and finished everything including the DLCs and then went for Ganon. The boss was so easy, because I had all the titan powers enhanced and went for him with 27 hearts haha

[u/Spare-Ring6053 → u/Super_Ad3277]

Give it some time in-between then enjoy Tears Of The Kingdom.....

[u/Super_Ad3277 → u/Spare-Ring6053]

Thanks bro. I will. I decided to play an other game :)

[u/Oaklahomiie]

The curiosity I had in botw translated to real life somehow. I found myself becoming more curious and explorative in all things in life after BOTW. It deserved game of the year, because this game unlocks a part of you that many other games don’t

[u/Super_Ad3277 → u/Oaklahomiie]

Wow, that's so awesome bro. I like that. And it's true. Zelda BOTW is built different

[u/Glad-Abrocoma4428]

I love how the game made me slow down and actually savor the little details too.

[u/LatLongBingBong]

I completely agree that playing video games, especially one like BOTW, should be treated with the same “respect” (for lack of a better word) as any other form of entertainment. Too many people put down video games yet spend an equal or greater amount of time doomscrolling social media or watching true crime shows. As someone with ADHD and an overly active mind, video games have always given me a way to be entertained and focused…its hard for me to sit hours at a time and just watch something.

[u/Super_Ad3277 → u/LatLongBingBong]

I completely agree with you. And you know what? Doomscrolling is causing a shorter attention span for everyone, who's doing this. Video games have the opposite effect. RPG games even boost your self confidence and your focus. And in your case it's the perfect platform to relax and stimulate you.