How Long Is Link’s Awakening on Switch? A Deep Dive into Completion Times
Link’s Awakening on Switch is a beloved remake, and the average completion time for the main story is around 15-20 hours. However, completionists aiming for 100% can expect to spend significantly longer.
The Enduring Appeal of Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Originally released for the Game Boy in 1993, its quirky story, charming characters, and ingenious dungeon design set it apart from other entries in the franchise. The 2019 remake on the Nintendo Switch beautifully reimagines the classic, retaining its original magic while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern gameplay enhancements. One of the most common questions asked by both newcomers and returning fans is: How Long Is Link’s Awakening on Switch? Understanding the playtime can help players decide if they have the time to dedicate to this memorable adventure.
Main Story vs. Completionist Run
The answer to “How Long Is Link’s Awakening on Switch?” depends entirely on your play style. Are you focused solely on experiencing the main story and defeating the final boss, or are you a completionist determined to find every secret, collect every item, and uncover every hidden corner of Koholint Island?
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Main Story: For players focusing on the essential quest to awaken the Wind Fish, the average playtime is typically between 15 and 20 hours. This involves completing all the dungeons, defeating the bosses, and progressing through the story at a reasonable pace.
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Completionist Run: If you aim for 100% completion, including finding all Heart Pieces, Secret Seashells, and other collectibles, you can expect to spend significantly more time, often extending to 25-30 hours, or even longer for more casual players. Some extremely thorough players have reported playthroughs exceeding 35 hours.
The following table summarizes these differences:
| Play Style | Average Playtime | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Main Story | 15-20 hours | Completing Dungeons, Defeating Bosses, Progressing Main Story |
| Completionist Run | 25-30+ hours | Finding all Collectibles, Exploring every area, Side Quests |
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors can influence how long Is Link’s Awakening on Switch?:
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Experience with Zelda Games: Players familiar with The Legend of Zelda series may find the puzzles and gameplay mechanics easier to grasp, allowing them to progress more quickly.
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Exploration Style: Methodical explorers who carefully examine every nook and cranny will naturally spend more time on the game than those who primarily stick to the main path.
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Use of Guides: Using a walkthrough or guide can significantly reduce playtime, especially for puzzle-heavy sections. Conversely, playing without any assistance can extend the experience considerably.
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Difficulty: The Switch remake allows you to choose between the standard difficulty mode or a Hero Mode, which makes the game more challenging. Hero Mode does not impact the overall length, but will likely cause more deaths and thus increase the amount of time played.
Post-Game Content and Replayability
While there isn’t extensive post-game content, Link’s Awakening on Switch offers some features that encourage replayability:
- Dungeon Creation: The Chamber Dungeon feature allows players to create and share their own dungeons, adding a unique and creative element to the gameplay experience.
- Hero Mode: As mentioned, this offers a more challenging experience for players seeking a greater test of their skills.
- Collectibles: The sheer number of collectibles provides ample reason to revisit areas and explore thoroughly.
- Nostalgia: For many players, the nostalgia factor alone is enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
How do you find Secret Seashells quickly?
There are several helpful guides and videos online that show the locations of all Secret Seashells. Also, pay close attention to the game’s dialogue and hints provided by characters – they often point you in the right direction. Remember to explore every corner of the map!
Is Link’s Awakening on Switch a difficult game?
The difficulty level is generally considered moderate. While some puzzles can be challenging, the game is not overly punishing. Hero Mode is available for those seeking a greater challenge, offering increased damage from enemies.
What’s the best way to beat the Eagle Tower dungeon?
The Eagle Tower dungeon requires strategic use of your items and careful observation of your surroundings. Focus on breaking the pillars supporting the upper levels in the correct order, as this is crucial to progressing through the dungeon.
Are there any missable items in Link’s Awakening on Switch?
No, there are no permanently missable items. You can always return to previous areas to collect anything you might have missed. This makes the game less stressful for completionists!
Does the Switch remake change the original story significantly?
No, the Switch remake faithfully recreates the original story. The core plot, characters, and events remain largely unchanged. It’s a faithful adaptation, not a reimagining.
What is the Chamber Dungeon feature?
The Chamber Dungeon feature allows you to create your own custom dungeons using chambers you unlock throughout the game. You can then share these dungeons with other players. It adds a whole new layer of creativity to the game.
What are the key differences between the original and the remake?
The Switch remake features updated graphics, improved controls, and some quality-of-life enhancements. The core gameplay and story, however, remain largely the same. The remake also removes some glitches that were present in the original game.
How many Heart Pieces are there to collect in Link’s Awakening on Switch?
There are 32 Heart Pieces to collect, which will give you eight additional Heart Containers. These are scattered throughout the island and are often found in hidden areas or after completing mini-games.
What’s the importance of the trading sequence in the game?
The trading sequence is an essential part of the main quest. You’ll need to trade various items with different characters to obtain the items needed to progress. Pay attention to the clues provided by each character.
Can I skip dungeons in Link’s Awakening on Switch?
No, you cannot skip any of the main dungeons. Each dungeon contains a necessary item that is required to progress further in the game. Completing all dungeons is essential for finishing the story.
Does the game have multiple endings?
No, Link’s Awakening on Switch has only one true ending. However, the ending sequence changes slightly depending on whether or not you have obtained all the Secret Seashells.
What is the most challenging boss fight in Link’s Awakening on Switch?
Many players consider the final boss, Nightmare, to be the most challenging. His ability to transform into previous bosses and adapt his attack patterns can make him a formidable opponent.