The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom features several minigames for Zelda to experience while taking time off from Hyrule's rift problem. She can take on dream challenges in the Slumber Dojo, and she can harvest mangoes at the Tough Mango Lab, just for a start. The minigame we are interested in here, however, is the Hyrule Ranch Flag Race.

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The Hyrule Ranch Flag Races are 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 you how to win every Flag Race in Echoes of Wisdom, and list all the rewards you'll earn for doing so.

Echoes of Wisdom Flag Races, Explained

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How to Start the Flag Races:

To unlock the Flag Races in Echoes 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 the Jabul Ruins and Gerudo Sanctum dungeons have been cleared. In "Impa's Gift," Zelda will gain access to her classic White Horse, which is required to start the Flag Races.

You cannot participate in the Flag Races with Echoes of Wisdom's Rental Horses. If Zelda tries to do this, the NPC in charge of the races will ask her to return with her White Horse.

EoW-Hyrule-Ranch-Flag-Race-Map

Once Zelda has her White Horse, head to Hyrule Ranch in western Hyrule Field. In the center of the ranch, you'll see the large ranch house, where Fresh Milk is sold. Look for the female NPC on 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.

Each attempt at the Flag Race will cost Zelda 10 Rupees.

All Flag Race Rewards in Echoes of Wisdom:

Course

Basic Reward

Master Reward

Recurring Rewards

Short

Red Rupee (20)

3 Might Crystals

Radiant Butter / Radiant Butter x2

Middle

Music Box (for Dampé)

Heart Piece

Fresh Milk / Fresh Milk x3

Long

Purple Rupee (50)

Charging Horn accessory

Fresh Milk x3 / Fresh Milk x5

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How to Master the Flag Race Short Course – Echoes of Wisdom

The Short Course is 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:

  • Basic Goal: Under 23 Seconds
  • Master Goal: Under 17 Seconds

The Short Course has 6 Flags and 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 the Dash 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 the Dash. 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 the Short Course, the goal is to Dash as soon as the Start whistle 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.

Short Course Rewards:

  • Short Course Basic Reward: Red Rupee (20)
  • Short Course Master Reward: 3 Might Crystals
  • Short Course Recurring Reward: Radiant Butter (Basic x1, Master x2)
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How to Master the Flag Race Middle Course – Echoes of Wisdom

Middle Course, Explained

  • Basic Goal: Under 25 Seconds
  • Master Goal: Under 20 Seconds

The Middle Course has 5 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.

  • Middle Course Basic Reward: Prismatic Music Box (for Dampé Automaton creation)
  • Middle Course Master Reward: Heart Piece
  • Middle Course Recurring Reward: Fresh Milk (Basic x1, Master x3)
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How to Master the Flag Race Long Course – Echoes of Wisdom

Long Course, Explained:

  • Basic Goal: Under 50 Seconds
  • Master Goal: Under 40 Seconds

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.

  • Basic Reward: Purple Rupee (50)
  • Master Reward: Charging Horn (Horse Attack Up)
  • Recurring Reward: Fresh Milk (Basic x3, Master x5)
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The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
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Released
September 26, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+
Developer(s)
Nintendo, Grezzo
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch
Genre(s)
Adventure
How Long To Beat
20 Hours
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty