Including the DLC makes an already essential game feel "complete." While the base game is about the journey of discovery, The Champion's Ballad is about the mastery of that world. It bridges the gap between the original story and the legendary status of the Champions, ending Link’s journey on a high note.
: It culminates in arguably the best boss fight and dungeon in the entire game, providing a mechanical complexity that some felt was missing from the base game's Divine Beasts. Verdict Including the DLC makes an already essential game
: The narrative is told through environmental cues and recovered memories, fitting the theme of a world recovering from a century-old apocalypse. Verdict : The narrative is told through environmental
: The ultimate reward—a mechanical horse—completely changes how you traverse Hyrule in the endgame, making cleanup and exploration faster and more stylish. This lack of "invisible walls" makes every mountain
: From the moment you leave the Great Plateau, you can go anywhere, including the final boss. This lack of "invisible walls" makes every mountain peak a genuine goal rather than just scenery.
The Champion's Ballad DLC acts as a rigorous "victory lap" for experienced players, focusing on high-level challenges and deeper character lore.