The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild came to the Nintendo Switch almost five years ago, and when it first arrived, it was everything Zelda fans could have hoped for. A beautiful open-world game where you get to run around as Link exploring Hyrule was exactly what I needed in my life at the time.

Going back to experience Breath of the Wild again, I’ve found it is absolutely still worth playing in 2021. With rich, artistic landscapes and challenging gameplay, it’s still one of the best Switch games you can buy right now. If you’re on the fence about replaying the game or picking up a new copy, here are 5 reasons The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is worth playing.

1. It’s the Best Zelda Game

Sure, there have been quite a few other games like Breath of the Wild since it was first released, but none of them are based in Hyrule. While BotW is widely regarded as the best Zelda game you can play right now, there are many folks out there who would still argue previous titles in the series are still better. But that argument only strengthens the fact that Zelda games hold up years after their release.

What makes BotW so good is that it incorporates the same story you know and love into an epic survival adventure. It still feels like the games you grew up playing, but with the added benefit of endless exploration.

2. Breath of the Wild 2 is Coming

Is there a better time to play a game than just before the sequel comes out? I think not. Reportedly, Breath of the Wild 2’s release date is for some time in 2022. Considering it’s going to be in the same setting as the first game, it’s all the more reason to play through the original first. There’s a lot to explore and there will undoubtedly be plenty of references to spot later in the series.

While this is a great reason to play BotW in 2021, it’s important to note that the game will likely get deeply discounted right before the next title comes out. So if you’re hoping to get a copy for cheap, you should wait until we are deeper into 2022 to buy.

3. Gameplay Is Challenging but Rewarding

One of the most controversial aspects of BotW is that you die a lot. While it is an open-world adventure, it’s also a survival RPG. While you can defeat most of your opponents with skill, achieving such skill takes some effort. You can get better armor and better weapons, but unless you practice your dodges and timing, you are going to have problems in a fight. You also won’t be able to rely on weapons forever, because they tend to break down quickly.

The challenging gameplay is offset by rewarding victories and the ability to prepare. You can hunt, gather, and cook ingredients into useful dishes that will give you an advantage.

4. You Can Play at Your Own Pace

One of my favorite things about playing this game was that I could do whatever I wanted. While the main storyline is always present and there are some side quests, there’s no rush to finish anything. In fact, exploration and wandering are often rewarded. With various enemy camps, puzzles, and resources to encounter in every direction, you could spend hours just meandering through the wilds without ever saving anyone.

This kind of gameplay is very reminiscent of games like Skyrim and there are a lot of similarities between the two. Though one glaring difference is that you don’t get to tame your own horses in any Elder Scrolls games.

5. The Breath of The Wild Soundtrack

I am a sucker for good video game soundtracks, and BotW does not disappoint. With a mix of classic Zelda themes and nomadic undertones, the music perfectly matches the gameplay as you transition through different landscapes and situations. The soundtrack in this game alone almost makes it an RPG worth playing.

Where Can You Play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 2021?

BotW is only available on two Nintendo consoles: Nintendo Switch and Wii U. If you own a PC, Xbox, or Playstation console, you will not be able to play it. And while you may be able to find copies for the Wii U, we suggest you play it on the Nintendo Switch.

You should be able to find a hard copy of the game at stores or pretty much anywhere online. You can also find the digital version on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

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