History Heartwarming / TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild

** As a meta-example, Robin Williams, a fan of the series, died by suicide during the production of this game. Since the game already has a few {{shout out}}s to him, it's not a stretch to assume that the developers put this in as a reaction to his death, and as an attempt to prevent more like it.
** Another, frequently cited theory is that Brigo himself is based on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Briggs Kevin Briggs]]; the California Highway Patrol Officer credited with talking several hundred people out of suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge. While it's questionable if Nintendo actually knew about this man, it's not out of the question given some of the other implied {{shout out}}s to other real life people in-game.

* A {{Meta}} example, two of the [=NPCs=] in the game [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C716iRMXkAAuUTJ.jpg are likely modeled after two people]] very near and dear to the ''Zelda'' series who passed away: Creator/SatoruIwata, the late president of Nintendo of Japan; and Creator/RobinWilliams, an American actor and comic, and one of the biggest ''Zelda'' fans in the world.
** Iwata gets a second tribute: a region of Hyrule called Satori Mountain. It's a beautiful place, with groves of fruit trees and other useful plants, and very few enemies. Near its peak is a pool of clear water shaded by a magnificent flowering tree, home to the rare [[MoneySpider blupees]] and the mysterious horse-shaped spirit known as the Lord of the Mountain, or Satori.

* Meta example: [[http://www.gamesradar.com/i-was-depressed-anxious-and-on-the-verge-of-suicide-then-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-saved-me One player]] attributed the game to helping him overcome suicidal desires.

* Venturing back to the starting area on the Great Plateau, you may find that things belonging to King Rhoam's spirit, such as his axe and some baked apples, will respawn. From a meta standpoint this is likely just because the game respawns any such items eventually, but in-universe it's nice to think of the implications. King Rhoam likely has little to no power left to help Link defeat Ganon, but he still takes the time to make sure Link never goes without resources.

* Meta: Mama Nerd streamed [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv-8o8-0Wbg a playthrough]] of the fight with Calamity Ganon to raise $100 to go to E3 -- and noticed that Creator/SeanChiplock appeared to be in the chat. Everything that happens [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ61hdGBssE after they all realise that it is indeed him and not a troll]] is a massive CMOH. Much [[{{Squee}} squeeing]] and TearsOfJoy ensue when not only does Sean donate $90 (she had only received $10 by that point), but also sends her a voice recording in character as Revali congratulating her on beating Ganon. Made all the more special because Haley (Mama Nerd) has a huge crush on Revali.

* Meta example: One player saved a Yiga Blademaster from being burnt out of kindness, and they developed a friendship with the Blademaster.

** After Daruk is freed, he ruminates on whether the Gorons managed to survive the calamity. And then he locks eyes with his own descendant, Yunobo. This results in Daruk throwing a fist pump of acknowledgement, and Yunobo waving and cheering as if he's watching an intense football game. It's also heartwarming in hindsight, as Yunobo is a very insecure youngster who doubts that he will ever live up to his ancestor; meanwhile Daruk needs but one look at Yunobo to know that the Goron are thriving and will be alright.

* A little bit of Fridge Heartwarming: There is not a single Guardian within the Gerudo desert, and even Vah Naboris doesn't really seem to pose an immediate threat to Gerudo Town. Ganon was once a Gerudo, and this implies that even now, some small part of him still remembers his home and doesn't want to destroy it.

* The simple act of nickering affectionately that bonded horses will do when Link is nearby is enough to make a player's heart melt. Especially if you've had to bring a particularly beloved one back to life -- it's a heartwarming relief to see that its death while in your care doesn't do anything to diminish the bond between you, almost as though it's forgiven you.

** Despite their lingering grief induced hostility the elder Zoras all warm back up to Link after he deals with their divine besst. That and one of them makes clear that while he's hurt he doesn't blame Link. He despises the action not the man who set it in motion which lead to Mipha's death.