Much like the writer, Kate, Hyrule has always had a problem with its economy. In a world where money can be found almost anywhere, from rocks to grass and even on the floor, inflation is inevitable. With money being less valuable and providing fewer benefits in Zelda games compared to other games, players often end up with too much rupees and nothing to spend them on. This leaves rupees feeling undervalued and useless. However, game designers need to find ways to keep players excited about exploring and discovering new items.
In past Zelda games, attempts were made to improve the economy by introducing larger wallet sizes, resetting rupees with each cycle, and using rupees to purchase items and upgrades. However, these attempts all fell short. Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild introduced a new treasure system where treasures and materials could be used to upgrade weapons and items, cook, craft or create stat-boosting elixirs. In addition, weapon degradation was introduced, turning weapon hunting and degradation into a treasure hunt and giving treasure chests a renewed purpose.
Where Breath of the Wild fell short with irritating weapon degradation, Tears of the Kingdom has improved by introducing a narrative reasoning for weapon degradation and a Fuse system. The combinatorial possibilities of weapons and treasures now turn weapon degradation and treasure hunting into a whole new ball game. Every single treasure chest is an exciting unknown gift and rupees are no longer the sole bearers of player dopamine generation.