How to Play Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on PC (2024)

Admit it: The lure of Zelda calls even when you’re away from your Nintendo console. But guess what? You can bridge the gap between your PC gaming rig and this iconic title. Dsive into our guide and bring the magic of Hyrule to your computer!

TL;DR:

• The desire to play Zelda on PC is widespread.
• Emulators, especially CEMU, offer the golden bridge.
• Legal considerations are paramount.
• A step-by-step guide to make your PC Zelda-ready!
• Insider tips for the best gaming experience.

The PC Gaming Evolution Meets Zelda

With the increasing sophistication of PC gaming, an unexpected twist has emerged: a surge in emulated console games.

According to a survey conducted by PC Gamer in 2020, almost 15% of their readership enjoyed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on PC through a Nintendo Switch emulator. Remarkable, right?

The Emulation Route

Surprisingly, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild wasn’t ever released for PC. The magic potion? A Nintendo Switch emulator like CEMU.

Your legal homework

But before you plunge into the world of Hyrule, there’s some serious stuff to consider. Different countries have varied stances on game emulation. While it’s cool in some places, it can land you in hot waters in others. Always do your research!

Picking the perfect emulator

Got the green signal on the legal front? Awesome! Now:

• Decide which Zelda game tickles your fancy and the console it’s for.
• Seek out emulators for that console.
• Find the emulator with the highest compatibility for your chosen game.

For our purposes, we’re going with Breath of the Wild on the Wii U. Why? Simple: Wii U emulation is stable, and using CEMU is almost a dream come true.

Finding your game copy

You’d need an original game copy and a custom Wii U console for game dumping. With CEMU and Breath of the Wild, the process is straightforward, thanks to their detailed game dumping guide.

Setting up emulator with CEMU

Embarking on the journey of emulating Breath of the Wild might seem intimidating, but with CEMU and our step-by-step guide, the path becomes a walk in the park. Let’s dive into the detailed breakdown:

1. Downloading and Extracting CEMU

Begin by visiting the official CEMU website. Always ensure you’re downloading the software from trusted sources to prevent any malicious software from harming your PC. Once you have the ZIP file, extract it to a directory of your choice. This will be your main CEMU folder, so make sure it’s accessible.

2. Running Cemu.exe

Locate and run the Cemu.exe from the folder where you extracted the files. On your first run, you’ll be introduced to a setup screen to configure the initial settings.

3. Specifying the “mlc path”

The ‘mlc path’ is essentially the directory where your emulator will store vital data like saves, DLCs, and updates. Think of it as the emulator’s save space. It’s crucial to set this path in a location with enough storage space, especially if you plan on emulating multiple games.

4. Selecting the Game Folder

Here, you point the emulator to where your games are stored. Click on “Options” and then “General settings.” Under the “Games” tab, add the directory where your Breath of the Wild game is located. This will allow CEMU to recognize and list the game in its interface.

5. Configuring Inputs

Emulation gives you flexibility. Whether you’re using a keyboard, mouse, or an external controller, CEMU has got you covered. Under “Options,” select “Input settings.” Here, you can set up your preferred device and map the game controls as desired.

6. Loading Your Game

Now, the exciting part! With everything set up, go back to the main CEMU window. Your game should be listed there. Double-click on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, wait for it to load, and you’re all set to venture into the vast landscapes of Hyrule on your PC.

In conclusion, while setting up an emulator like CEMU may seem like a daunting task, breaking it down step-by-step makes the process manageable. Once done, the world of Hyrule is at your fingertips, offering endless hours of exploration and fun.

Insider Tips for the Ultimate Experience

Jack Miller, our experienced gaming journalist, has some juicy tips for you:

• Regularly update your emulator for bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Opt for a good PC game controller to mimic the console experience.
• Ensure your PC specs meet the game and emulator requirements for a seamless experience.

A Few Parting Words

Stepping into the realm of Breath of the Wild on your PC is more than just gaming; it’s an experience, a journey, a tale waiting to unfold. Just ensure you’re on the right side of the law and have the proper setup, and the world of Zelda is yours to explore.

FAQs:

Is it legal to emulate Breath of the Wild on PC?

Legal considerations vary by country. Always research local laws before emulating any game.

Why choose CEMU for Zelda?

CEMU offers stable and optimized emulation for Wii U games, including Breath of the Wild.

Can I play other Zelda titles on PC?

Yes, provided you find the right emulator and game copy.

Do I need a powerful PC for emulation?

Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements of both the emulator and the game for optimal performance.

Can I use my console’s game disc on PC?

No, for Wii U games like Breath of the Wild, game dumping is necessary as it uses a proprietary disc format.

Sources:

• PC Gamer – Emulation Survey 2020
• GameSpot – Interviews with Robert Handlery
• CEMU Official Documentation

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