Shooting Stars
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
Hyrule is an absolute treat to explore whether it’s daylight or nighttime, thanks to the beautiful carefree visuals that feel synonymous with the tone of the game. However, that carefree nature doesn’t mean there aren’t some marvelous, tiny details to be found within the world. Here are just a few that really help bring Breath of the Wild’s world to life.
When you’re exploring at night, the vibrant colors of the environment are dimmed under the ambient lighting of the stars. This starlight ushers in a new sense of calm across the realm of Hyrule… until enemies start coming after you. Yet, if you look up into the night sky and keep your eyes peeled, it’s possible to see shooting stars darting across the sky leaving a trail of light in their stead across the sky.
It’s nothing huge, and it doesn’t always happen, but it’s these kinds of tiny details that help to make Breath of the Wild’s world feel alive and dynamic. Next time you’re Shrine hunting in the dark, do a bit of stargazing and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Pretty Lightning Strikes
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
Now, this one comes with a bit of a warning: Don’t head out into the middle of Hyrule Field during a storm with a ton of metal on your back or you will get fried. Nevertheless, if you keep your distance, you can catch some pretty stunning elemental effects as lightning strikes singe the ground.
Lightning isn’t a single bolt flashing through the sky. As it reaches the ground you’ll see the bolt forking off and wispy lines of electricity fire off in all angles. If you’re nearby any metallic structure or objects, you’ll also be able to see electricity rising from the metal to meet the lightning striking down. Breath of the Wild’s lightning is a real threat, and thanks to these details, just its appearance is enough to strike fear into the soul of any adventurer.
Water Droplets
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
It’s not always sunny in Hyrule, and as such Link will spend a fair amount of time running around in the rain. Other times he’ll have to dive into some water to reach his destination, leaving him soaked to the core.
As a result of being caught in torrential downpours or going for a quick swim, Link will remain wet for some time afterwards and will drip dry. If you head indoors, you’ll be able to see the water dripping off Link more clearly. After a while, Link will be all dry and ready to take on evil once again. After all, nobody wants wet pants when they’re trying to save the world, right?
Weapons in the Sunlight
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
While getting up close and personal with the weapons in Breath of the Wild won’t reward you with being able to see the grain of the wood or the fine details in the metalwork, there’s still some impressive details to be found if you take a moment to admire your blades in the sunlight.
Standing out in the sun as we are in the above image, moving the camera around results in the sunlight catching the metal end of our spear. Sunlight glistened off different areas as we moved the camera, shining intensely where the sun beat down on it the most. It’s not something you’ll notice often, but it’s satisfying to play around with all the same.
The Sound of Weaponry Clinking Around
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
If you’ve got a shield and melee weapon strapped to your back, keep an ear out when you next set Link off sprinting to his next destination. If you listen carefully, you’ll be able to hear the weaponry clinking and bashing around on Link’s back with each step that he takes.
This isn’t just a generic noise that you’ll hear for every weapon combination, though. A spear’s wooden pole will clunk against your shield, while the steel blade of a sword will have a higher-pitched ringing undertone accompanying it. Though many fans will likely be so enthralled in the world they’re exploring that they won’t even notice the sound effect, it’s impressive all the same.
Animals Being Animals
Incredible, Tiny Details in Breath of the Wild
Whether it’s your trusty steed, a flock of birds, or a lonely fox out in Hyrule’s sprawling fields, Breath of the Wild’s animals all feel and act like their real-life counterparts. Horses shake their manes in the rain, and rear onto the hind legs when spooked. Birds often stick together in groups, taking to the skies if you get too close, their loose feathers your only souvenir of the brief encounter, and foxes skittishly search woodland areas in the hope of finding their next meal.
All of these small traits and characteristics of the animals in Breath of the Wild come together to make the world feel inhabited and lived in. Oh, and don’t expect your horse to hear your whistle from the other side of the map, either. They don’t have magical supersonic hearing, y’know.
What are your favorite tiny details in Breath of the Wild. Share them with us down in the comments below.
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