Post-Game Challenges

Finish The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker by tackling post-game challenges such as the Triforce Shard Hunt and combat mastery. Reward your perseverance.

Congratulations, hero! You've vanquished Ganondorf and brought peace back to the Great Sea. But your adventure doesn't have to end there! For the truly dedicated Link, a wealth of post-game challenges and secrets await. From completing your collection to mastering combat, these tasks will test your mettle and reward your perseverance.

1. The Triforce Shard Hunt (If Not Completed)

While technically part of the main quest, many players opt to use the Triforce Charts to skip the arduous process of deciphering them. If you haven't already, completing the Triforce Shard hunt by finding all eight charts, having Tingle decipher them, and then retrieving the shards themselves is a significant post-game endeavor. This involves:

• Finding all eight Triforce Charts: These are scattered across various islands and dungeons. Refer to the "Triforce Charts" section of this guide for specific locations.
• Paying Tingle to decipher them: Each deciphering costs a hefty 398 Rupees. You'll need a total of 3184 Rupees to decipher all eight. Make sure your Wallet is upgraded!
• Retrieving the Triforce Shards: Each deciphered chart leads to a specific location on the Great Sea where a Triforce Shard is hidden. You'll often need to use items like the Grappling Hook or Power Bracelets to access these areas.

2. Heart Piece and Treasure Chart Completion

There are a total of 44 Heart Pieces to collect, and many players will finish the main story without finding them all. Each four Heart Pieces combine to form a full Heart Container, boosting your maximum health. Similarly, there are 49 Treasure Charts to find, each leading to a valuable treasure chest containing Rupees, rare items, or even more Heart Pieces!

• Heart Piece Strategy: Systematically revisit every island and dungeon. Many Heart Pieces are hidden in plain sight, behind puzzles, or as rewards for mini-games. The "Heart Piece Locations" section of this guide provides a comprehensive list.
• Treasure Chart Strategy: Use your Tingle Tuner (if playing the GameCube version with a GBA) or the Picto Box to mark uncharted islands. Many charts are found in sunken treasure chests, requiring the use of the Grappling Hook from your boat.
• Key Locations for Treasure: check the following:
  • Submarines: Many contain Treasure Charts or Heart Pieces.
  • Lookout Platforms: Often have chests or enemies guarding them.
  • Mailbox: Occasionally, the Postman will deliver a Heart Piece or other reward.

3. The Nintendo Gallery

For the true completionist, the Nintendo Gallery offers a unique and time-consuming challenge. Located on Windfall Island, this gallery houses figurines of nearly every character and enemy in the game. To complete it, you'll need to use the Deluxe Picto Box to take pictures of every subject.

• Obtaining the Deluxe Picto Box:
  1. First, acquire the standard Picto Box from Tingle's Cell on Windfall Island after completing the "Tingle's Chart" quest.
  2. Then, find the Forest Fireflies on Forest Haven. Capture one in an Empty Bottle.
  3. Return to the Picto Box shop on Windfall Island and give the Firefly to the shopkeeper. He will upgrade your Picto Box to the Deluxe Picto Box, allowing you to take color photos.
• Photographing Subjects:
  • You must take a clear, well-composed picture of each character and enemy.
  • Some enemies only appear in specific dungeons or at certain times of day.
  • Bosses can only be photographed during their respective battles, so if you missed one, you'll need to play through a New Game+ to get another chance.
  • Deliver your photos to the sculptor on Windfall Island. He will create a figurine for each successful photo.
  • Tip: Keep a running checklist of subjects you've photographed to avoid duplicates and ensure you don't miss any.

4. Savage Labyrinth Challenge

Located on Outset Island, the Savage Labyrinth is a multi-floor combat gauntlet that tests your fighting skills against waves of increasingly difficult enemies. Completing all floors is a significant achievement and offers valuable rewards.

• Location: On Outset Island, look for a cave entrance on the cliffside near your grandmother's house. You'll need the Power Bracelets to move the large stone blocking the entrance.
• Floors and Enemies: The labyrinth has 50 floors, each presenting a different combination of enemies. Expect to face Darknuts, Moblins, Wizzrobes, and more.
• Rewards:
  • Floor 10: A Heart Piece.
  • Floor 20: A Heart Piece.
  • Floor 30: A Heart Piece.
  • Floor 40: A Heart Piece.
  • Floor 50 (Completion): The Hero's Charm, an accessory that allows you to see enemy health bars.
• Strategy:
  • Bring a full stock of Fairies and Potions.
  • Master your combat techniques, especially parrying and counter-attacking.
  • Utilize your full arsenal of items, such as the Hookshot for stunning, the Bombs for groups, and the Bow for ranged threats.
  • Take breaks between sets of floors if you need to resupply or save your progress.

5. New Game+ (Second Quest)

After completing the game, you'll have the option to start a "Second Quest." This isn't just a simple replay; it offers unique differences and challenges:

• Link's starting outfit: You'll begin the game in your casual clothes, not your green tunic.
• Pictograph Album: Any figurines you collected in the Nintendo Gallery will carry over, allowing you to complete the collection more easily.
• Hylian Text: All Hylian text in the game will be translated into English, providing additional lore and insights.
• Difficulty: While not explicitly harder, the early game can feel slightly more challenging without the immediate access to the Hero's Clothes.
• Purpose: This is the perfect opportunity to complete any missed collectibles, photograph bosses you couldn't capture before, or simply re-experience the adventure with a fresh perspective.

Embrace these post-game challenges to truly master The Wind Waker and prove yourself as the legendary hero of the Great Sea!