You’re standing on the edge of the Great Plateau, looking out at a ruined kingdom. It’s gorgeous. It’s also, apparently, dangerous enough to warrant some specific warnings on the box. If you've looked at the back of a physical copy lately, you've probably noticed the Legend of Zelda BOTW rating is a bit of a mixed bag depending on where you live.
In the United States, the ESRB slapped an E10+ on it. Hop over to Europe, and PEGI gives it a 12. Down in Australia? The ACB once rated it M for Mature, which sounds like Link is about to drop some heavy profanity (he doesn't).
Why the discrepancy? Honestly, it’s not about "bad words" or blood. It’s about the vibe and a few very specific, slightly weird moments that Nintendo tucked away in the corners of Hyrule.
Why the ESRB Settled on E10+
The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) doesn't just look at the pixels. They look at the intent. For Breath of the Wild, they cited three main things: Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol.
The violence is the most obvious part. You’re hitting Bokoblins with clubs. You’re shooting arrows at Lizalfos. But notice what happens when they die? They don't bleed. They go poof into a purple cloud of Malice smoke. It’s clean. It’s "fantasy" violence in the truest sense.
However, there is one scene the ESRB specifically noted. It’s a flashback sequence showing a battlefield. You see bodies of monsters lying around, and some are even impaled by spears in the background. It’s static and quick, but it’s definitely a step up from the toon-style antics of Wind Waker.
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The "Suggestive" Side of Hyrule
Let's talk about the Great Fairies. If you’ve played the game, you know exactly what I mean. These ladies are massive. They also have some... aggressive personality traits.
When you upgrade your armor, the Great Fairies often blow Link a kiss or, at higher levels, drag him underwater for a "special" upgrade session. Link usually comes up looking a bit dazed. The ESRB description literally mentions "moderate cleavage" and "exaggerated-size breasts." It’s basically Nintendo’s version of a cheeky wink, but for a 7-year-old, it might be a weird conversation for parents to have.
Then there’s the dialogue. Have you talked to the NPCs in the Gerudo Shelter? Or the shop owner who mentions serving "drinks that are definitely just for adults"?
- The Noble Canteen: A bar in Gerudo Town that serves a drink called "Noble Pursuit."
- The Drunken NPC: There is a character who literally hiccups and staggers because they’ve had too much of the "adult" stuff.
- The Innuendos: Characters making comments about wanting a "young hunk" to draw a bow again.
It’s all very "PG-13 movie" territory. Most kids will let it fly right over their heads. Adults will smirk. The rating boards, however, have to write it down.
Is It Too Hard for Little Kids?
The Legend of Zelda BOTW rating doesn't just cover "bad" content. It also hints at the difficulty. This isn't a hand-holding game.
I’ve seen 6-year-olds pick up the controller and have the time of their lives just picking apples and riding horses. That’s the beauty of it. But the moment a Guardian starts targeting them with that terrifying red laser and the piano music kicks in? Pure panic.
The game has a steep learning curve. Weapons break. You freeze to death if you don't wear a coat. You drown if you run out of stamina halfway across a lake. For a younger child, the frustration factor is a bigger "hazard" than the fantasy violence.
A Quick Comparison of Global Ratings
| Region | Rating | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| USA (ESRB) | E10+ | Alcohol use and "suggestive" fairies. |
| Europe (PEGI) | 12 | Realistic-looking fantasy violence. |
| Australia (ACB) | M | Themes and "impact." |
| Japan (CERO) | B (12+) | Violence and mild sexual content. |
Basically, the world agrees: 10 to 12 is the sweet spot.
The Reality of the "M" Rating in Australia
People freaked out when Australia gave it an M rating. In the US, "M" means Grand Theft Auto. In Australia, "M" is just a recommendation that the content is for people 15 or older, but it isn't legally restricted like an MA15+ rating.
The ACB felt the "darker" tone of the story—a world where everyone literally died 100 years ago—was a bit heavy. You’re walking through the ruins of houses. You’re seeing the skeletons of giant mechanical beasts. It’s a lonely, melancholic game.
What Parents Actually Need to Know
If you're wondering if your kid should play, don't worry about the "alcohol" or the "suggestive" stuff. It’s incredibly mild.
The real thing to watch out for is the reading level. There is a lot of text. If your kid can't read "The missing ingredient is a spicy pepper," they’re going to get stuck on the Great Plateau for a long, long time.
Also, the "Game Over" screen happens a lot. Like, all the time. Link falls off a cliff? Game over. Link gets hit by a stray lightning bolt because he’s holding a metal sword? Game over. If your child handles failure poorly, this game might be a lesson in patience.
Practical Steps for Parents or New Players
If you’re looking to dive in despite the E10+ or 12+ labels, here’s how to handle it:
- Use the Pro Controller: If you’re playing on Switch, the Joy-Cons can be finicky for small hands during high-intensity combat.
- Turn on the HUD: It helps to keep track of health and temperature so you don't die by accident.
- Read the Item Descriptions: The "Mild Alcohol" the ratings talk about is usually just flavor text for cooking recipes. Read them! They’re actually funny.
- Watch the Fairies First: If you’re a conservative parent, watch a YouTube clip of a Great Fairy upgrade. It’s flamboyant and silly, but it’s the most "mature" the game gets.
The Legend of Zelda BOTW rating reflects a game that is remarkably safe but refuses to be "kiddie." It treats the player like an adventurer. Sometimes adventures are a little bit scary, and sometimes they involve a giant lady in a fountain who is a bit too happy to see you.
Check the back of your box, but don't let the E10+ scare you off from one of the best experiences in gaming history. Just keep an eye out for those Guardians. They don't care what your age is.