Three Heart Challenge
A Three Heart Challenge is an optional challenge available in almost every Zelda game, which requires the player to complete a game having only three hearts for the full duration. Link is still able to acquire upgrades, get optional items, bottles, and complete other objectives to make the quest easier, but he is restricted with his health and cannot pickup any Heart Containers or enough Piece of Hearts to complete a full container.
An even steeper challenge is a Minimalist run, also known as Low%, where a player is only allowed to acquire the absolute bare minimum amount of items, health, and collectibles needed to complete a game.
In some Zelda titles, a three heart challenge is not possible, or is slightly altered, based on the starting number of hearts Link has, or a requirement to get Heart Containers in the quest.
Variations
- The Adventure of Link - Link begins the quest with 4 Life Bars.
- A Link to the Past - Link is required to pickup a Heart Container before the Pendant or Crystal will appear. Link will thus end the quest with a minimum of 13-heart containers.
- Link's Awakening - After defeating a boss, the door leading to the Instrument of the Sirens will remain closed until Link acquires the Heart Container.
- Skyward Sword - Link begins the game with Six Heart Containers, so this would be known as the Six Heart Challenge.