Fixing the medal glitch restores achievement integrity for completion‑focused players, reinforcing Nintendo’s commitment to a polished live‑service experience. The broader bug sweep helps maintain the game’s critical acclaim and player retention.
Nintendo’s ongoing support for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom demonstrates how modern console titles treat post‑launch updates as essential extensions rather than afterthoughts. Version 1.4.3, rolled out on February 18, 2026, targets a specific achievement‑blocking bug: the Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle incorrectly remained undefeated, preventing players from earning the Hinox Monster Medal. By correcting this, Nintendo not only restores a coveted trophy but also signals that even high‑profile releases are subject to iterative refinement.
Achievement hunters and completionists view medals as a core metric of mastery, so the glitch’s resolution carries weight beyond a simple fix. The medal system fuels community competition, streaming content, and secondary markets for guidebooks, meaning any inconsistency can erode trust. Restoring the medal’s availability re‑engages players who may have paused progress, potentially boosting in‑game activity metrics and extending the title’s lifespan in a crowded open‑world market.
Beyond the headline fix, version 1.4.3 bundles a suite of minor bug patches aimed at stabilizing frame rates, UI responsiveness, and quest triggers. This aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of incremental, low‑frequency updates that prioritize quality over quantity. For developers, the approach underscores the importance of a robust post‑launch pipeline, while for consumers it reassures that the flagship franchise will continue to evolve, keeping the experience fresh and competitive in the ever‑growing live‑service ecosystem.
18 February 2026 · by rawmeatcowboy

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been updated to Ver. 1.4.3. You can find the patch notes for this update below.
Fixed an issue causing the Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle to appear as undefeated even after being defeated, preventing players from obtaining the Hinox Monster Medal. By downloading the update data, players will be able to obtain the Hinox Monster Medal.
Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
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