Daily Debate: Should Tears of the Kingdom Reduce the Healing Power of Food and Cooked Meals?

While it hasn’t technically been confirmed, it’s a safe assumption that the ability to forage for, mix, and cook various food items will return in Tears of the Kingdom. This was one of the most interesting, least balanced systems introduced by predecessor Breath of the Wild. Many would argue that the concoctions Link has the ability to make can be grossly overpowered, trivializing many elements of the game through their use. Others would say that this is a wholly optional system that nobody is obligated to use. Personally, I just think it needs a few key tweaks but what about you? Should healing from food and cooked meals be nerfed in Tears of the Kingdom?

What definitely isn’t up for debate is that food can be used to utterly broken effect in Breath of the Wild; nobody could reasonably deny that. The conversation revolves around whether or not this is made moot by the optional status of its usage. Certainly, it seems silly for Link to be in pitched battle with an intimidating Lynel, clinging to his last quarter heart, only for an invincible stroll into the menu to completely heal him. Likewise, cooking up a handful of hearty radishes essentially bequeathing a dozen extra Mipha’s Grace is a bit ridiculous. All of that said, the system clearly exists in the way it does to optimize freedom for each player. Those who struggle with the combat can prepare themselves with the resources to tank through a difficult encounter and nobody is obligated to use these boons.

I do think there are some easy fixes that would work for everyone. It’s easy to say that because the system is optional it’s completely fine, but I don’t think players who’d rather not use it should have to practice Odyseean Self Control. A simple option to disable healing from the menu would provide the best of both worlds to all players. As for the overpowered potential of prepared meals, I think the most powerful effects should be limited to very rare items. Hearty foodstuffs aren’t nearly rare enough to create such extremely potent meals. The potions in Breath of the Wild are much better in this respect. Making the most broken potions requires genuinely uncommon materials and larger quantities of them. Part of the fun of this system’s freedom is being able to create powerful mixtures, but more should be asked of the player in order to access their ingredients.

What do you think? Does the healing power of food need to be reigned in? Should Tears of the Kingdom make alterations to this system? Let us know in the comments below!

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