Embarking on the arcade gannon companion quest in the sprawling open world of Breath of the Wild offers a perspective on Ganon that diverges sharply from the monolithic villain presented in the main storyline. This side mission transforms the imposing Calamity from a looming threat into a complex individual, revealing layers of loyalty, doubt, and tragic ambition that are rarely explored elsewhere in the game.
The Catalyst: Unlocking the Side Mission
To initiate the arcade gannon companion quest, players must first complete the main questline up to the point of entering Hyrule Castle. Once there, the memory of Great Fairy Fado will prompt a visit to the Old Man near the stables, who presents the optional "EX Side Mission: The Forgotten Champion." Accepting this task directs attention to the forgotten hero slate near the castle, where selecting the correct memories of the fallen Champions activates the side quest, setting the stage for a deep dive into Ganon's past.
Decoding the Memories: Piecing Together the Past
The core of the arcade gannon companion quest revolves around reconstructing Ganon’s history through four distinct memories recovered from various shrines scattered across Hyrule. Each memory functions like a fragmented diary entry, showcasing pivotal moments such as the Champions' initial recruitment, strategic war meetings, and the haunting day the monsters surged forth. Successfully locating and viewing these memories in the correct sequence is essential for achieving a complete understanding of the tragic events that unfolded a century prior.
Memory Locations and Strategic Searching
Memory 1: Located in the Akkala region, often near a fallen soldier or a weathered monument.
Memory 2: Found within the depths of one of the Divine Beasts, requiring traversal of challenging environments.
Memory 3: Situated in a hidden alcove within Hyrule Field, easily missed without a keen eye.
Memory 4: Secured in a Gerudo ruin, demanding puzzle-solving skills to access the final fragment.
Character Analysis: The Human Behind the Monster
Through the arcade gannon companion quest, the narrative shifts from depicting Calamity Ganon as a simple force of evil to exploring the man he was before corruption consumed him. Players witness his strategic brilliance, his genuine camaraderie with the Champions, and the weight of his responsibilities as the appointed hero. This quest masterfully humanizes the antagonist, creating a poignant tragedy of a leader who ultimately failed his kingdom despite his best efforts.
Thematic Resonance and Narrative Depth
Beyond mere lore expansion, this companion quest delves into themes of legacy, responsibility, and the fog of war. It challenges the player's perception of victory and defeat, suggesting that the true cost of the Great Calamity was paid in the lives of hopeful heroes and their leader. The meticulous recreation of their final days serves as a powerful reminder that history is often written by the survivors, and the forgotten deserve remembrance.
Comparison to Main Story Revelations
While the main story presents Ganon through the lens of Princess Zelda and the Hero of Legend, the arcade gannon companion quest offers a ground-level view aligned with the Champions' experiences. This contrast is striking; the main narrative focuses on the cyclical nature of reincarnation and prophecy, whereas this side mission emphasizes the raw, personal stakes and the immediate political and military struggles that defined the era. Together, they create a richer, more textured understanding of the game's central conflict.
Rewards and Player Satisfaction
Completing the arcade gannon companion quest yields no flashy new weapons or immediate stat boosts, instead offering an invaluable narrative reward. Players gain access to a terminal within the castle that provides concise summaries of the memories, serving as a permanent record of the quest. The satisfaction comes from intellectual closure and the emotional resonance of having honored the sacrifices of characters who were once merely names and statues.
