The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is renowned for its vast open-world design, encouraging players to step off the main path and immerse themselves in the living kingdom of Hyrule. Beyond the central storyline and Shrine Quests, the game offers a wealth of secondary objectives that reward curiosity and diligent exploration. For completionists aiming to clear their adventure log, knowing the total number of side quests and how to track them effectively is essential.
Understanding the Total Side Quest Count in BOTW
In the base game of Breath of the Wild, there are exactly 76 side quests for Link to discover and complete across the open world. If you have acquired The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad DLC expansions, that count expands to include an additional 14 DLC-exclusive side quests, bringing the ultimate total to 90. These tasks range from simple item deliveries to multi-stage building projects that reshape parts of Hyrule.
Unlike main story missions or Shrine Quests, side quests focus heavily on the personal stories of Hyrule's remaining residents. Engaging with these NPCs provides valuable materials, unique armor pieces, and essential rupees while building a deeper connection to the game world. Checking out daily gaming news often highlights how community guides continue to help new players discover easily missed side objectives years after release.
Essential Tips for Tracking Down Every Side Quest
Finding all 76 base side quests requires visiting populated hubs like Kakariko Village, Hateno Village, and the various stables scattered along main thoroughfares. NPCs who offer quests are easily identified by a small red exclamation mark icon hovering above their heads when you speak with them. Keep in mind that certain characters only appear at specific times of day or during particular weather conditions, making time management a key factor.
It is also helpful to speak with traveling merchants along roads and rest at inns to trigger new conversation options. Some side quests are gated behind main story progression, so returning to previous towns after completing major milestones can reveal new requests. Paying attention to dialogue clues will often point you toward the exact region or item required without needing explicit map markers.
High-Value Side Quests Worth Prioritizing
While some requests only reward cooking ingredients or small sums of money, several side quests offer game-changing benefits. The quest titled From the Ground Up is widely considered one of the best in the game, requiring you to help build Tarrey Town from scratch. Completing this lengthy line unlocks access to rare armor sets, valuable merchant stocks, and a vibrant new settlement.
Another vital quest is Hylian Homeowner, which allows Link to purchase and furnish his own house in Hateno Village. This quest not only unlocks Tarrey Town's prerequisite but also grants you safe storage mounts for rare weapons, bows, and shields. Prioritizing these expansive side quests enriches your overall journey across Hyrule while providing immense long-term utility.
