The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomfeatures several minigames for Zelda to experience while taking time off from Hyrule’s rift problem. She can take ondream challenges in the Slumber Dojo, and she canharvest mangoes at the Tough Mango Lab, just for a start. The minigame we are interested in here, however, is theHyrule Ranch Flag Race.
TheHyrule Ranch Flag Racesare a special minigame that takes place exactly where you’d expect: Hyrule Ranch. In this challenge, Zelda and her horse will take on three unique courses, riding against the clock in hopes of earning incredible rewards. In this guide, we’ll show youhow to win every Flag Race inEchoesof Wisdom,and listall the rewardsyou’ll earn for doing so.
Echoes of Wisdom Flag Races, Explained
How to Start the Flag Races:
To unlock the Flag Races inEchoes of Wisdom,Zelda must first complete the “Still Missing” main quest, and the “Impa’s Gift” side quest. “Still Missing” takes place after “Searching for Everyone,” once theJabul RuinsandGerudo Sanctumdungeons have been cleared. In “Impa’s Gift,” Zelda will gain access to her classicWhite Horse, which is required to start the Flag Races.
You cannot participate in the Flag Races withEchoes of Wisdom’sRental Horses. If Zelda tries to do this, the NPC in charge of the races will ask her to return with herWhite Horse.
Once Zelda has her White Horse, head to Hyrule Ranch in westernHyrule Field. In the center of the ranch, you’ll see the large ranch house, where Fresh Milk is sold. Look for thefemale NPCon the eastern side of the house.
Approach the NPC with Zelda on horseback, and talk to her. She will ask Zelda if she would like to race. Here, Zelda can get basic information about the races before she begins. The NPC will explain that there are three courses, and that Zelda must collect every Flag on a course within the allotted time. Each course will have two tiers: basic and master. Each tier will provide a unique reward the first time it is completed, then a recurring reward every subsequent time it is passed.
Fresh Milk x3 / Fresh Milk x5
How to Master the Flag Race Short Course – Echoes of Wisdom
TheShort Courseis the first Flag Race course Zelda can attempt. When you first approach the Flag Race NPC, she will automatically start Zelda off with the Short Course.
Short Course, Explained:
TheShort Coursehas6 Flagsand takes place on the track around the outer edge of the ranch. There will be several obstacles that Zelda must navigate. When you encounter a row of boxes that block the path completely, you can trust that the horse will jump them. For the basic goal,use theDash sparingly.Save it for the open straightaways only. For the Master goal, you’ll need to really get a feel for when you can use theDash. For this reason, we are including a video of how to master each course, as it’s far easier to see it in action.
On theShort Course, the goal is toDashas soon as theStartwhistle blows. Then, any chance you have to Dash in the straightaway, do it. Avoid Dashing into turns at all costs, as chances are, you’ll end up either running into the fence, or coming to a dead stop.
How to Master the Flag Race Middle Course – Echoes of Wisdom
Middle Course, Explained
TheMiddle Coursehas5 Flags, with an extended course that takes Zelda outside the eastern edge of Hyrule Ranch. This course is actually easier to master, and most players should be able to do it within a few tries if they’ve mastered the short course. The key here is to use Dash at only the right moments. There are more sharp turns on this course, so players will have to be careful about using Dash heading into the turns. The best way to use Dash here is coming out of the major turns. See the full Middle Course run in the above video.
The above images show the examples of when to use Dash in the middle course. Do not use it from the starting line, use it after turning through the first flag. Use it again in the straightway through the trees, then again after turning into the box jumps. Finally, use it once more before turning to the finish line.
How to Master the Flag Race Long Course – Echoes of Wisdom
Long Course, Explained:
The Long Course has 8 Flags, and a significantly expanded track that essentially adds the Middle track to the Short track, albeit with different obstacle placements. For the full course, see the above video guide.
Strategic Dashing is once again important on the Long Course, but the Basic goal is also the most forgiving. It is mastering the final track that can prove challenging. Like the Middle track, don’t Dash until you’ve turned through the first flag. Then, wait to Dash again until you’ve turned through the sharp corner after the second Flag.
Now, you’ll have to resist the urge to Dash until you’ve made it through the next section of the race, specifically after the third flag. Wait until you’ve made it all the way through the fifth flag, then Dash as you turn down towards the ranch. Once you are back on the track, the Dash will have to come in the straightaways, as the turns can prove tricky.
