Is Tears of the Kingdom The Last Zelda Game? Is Tears of the Kingdom a Sequel?
by T Santhosh | Updated May 16, 2023
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
Embark on an epic adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a thrilling action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. Serving as the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom transports players back to the enchanting world of Hyrule.
Immerse yourself in the vast and captivating open world of Hyrule, which has undergone an impressive expansion to offer even more opportunities for exploration. Prepare to be amazed as the world now invites you to venture into new heights with enhanced vertical exploration.
As you take on the role of the legendary hero, Link, you'll join forces with Princess Zelda to confront the nefarious Ganondorf, whose malevolent ambitions threaten the very existence of Hyrule. Led by Nintendo's esteemed Entertainment Planning & Development division, the game's development reunited the talented duo of director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and producer Eiji Aonuma from Breath of the Wild.
The anticipation for the game reached a crescendo with a tantalizing teaser showcased at E3 2019, followed by an exhilarating full reveal at E3 2021. Originally slated for a 2022 release, Tears of the Kingdom underwent a slight delay, building even more excitement among eager fans. Finally, in May 2023, the game graced the gaming world with its presence.
Is Tears of the Kingdom The Last Zelda Game?
There appears to be some confusion regarding the status of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as the last Zelda game. Some individuals are interpreting this to mean that there will be no further additions to the series. However, this assumption is incorrect. Allow us to clarify the meaning behind the statement that it is the last Zelda game.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom does not mark the end of the Zelda game series. There is no evidence to suggest that Nintendo has concluded the franchise. When people refer to it as the last Zelda game, they are specifically discussing its placement within the franchise's chronology. Currently, it stands as the most recent game in the timeline, taking place thousands of years after the events of the previous entries, including Breath of the Wild.
It is important to note that while Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may be the latest game in terms of the series' storyline, it does not signify the conclusion of future Zelda game releases. Fans can still look forward to upcoming additions to the beloved franchise, as Nintendo continues to expand upon the rich and immersive world of The Legend of Zelda.
Is Tears of the Kingdom a Sequel?
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes us to the farthest point in the expansive history of the Zelda universe. Given the flexible nature of the Zelda chronology, the specific placement of games becomes less significant, as most entries are self-contained experiences.
It's worth noting that Tears of the Kingdom serves as a direct sequel to the 2017 game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Set in a future version of Hyrule, Breath of the Wild follows Link's quest to defeat Calamity Ganon, an embodiment of Ganondorf's malevolent power that has corrupted Hyrule Castle and imprisoned Zelda. Tears of the Kingdom pick up after these events, where Link and Zelda find themselves separated during their exploration of Hyrule, while Ganondorf undergoes a complete resurrection.
The game revolves around Link's heroic journey to vanquish Ganondorf and save Hyrule from his dark influence. Throughout this adventure, players will engage in thrilling combat, solve puzzles, wield a variety of weapons, and utilize a new set of abilities. The Zelda series continues to captivate players with its rich storytelling and immersive gameplay, promising exciting future entries that will build upon the beloved franchise's legacy.
However, this doesn't indicate that Nintendo intends to halt the creation of new games for the franchise. Instead, it suggests that upcoming titles may continue to explore the established timeline, potentially filling gaps in the narrative or delving into different storylines.
Is Tears of the Kingdom a Prequel?
Tears of the Kingdom is not a standalone game but a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It continues the story immediately after the events of Breath of the Wild, where players witnessed Link's quest to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule.
In Tears of the Kingdom, players will embark on a new journey as Link in the changed and expanded Hyrule. The game picks up where its predecessor left off, with Link and Zelda separated and the resurrection of Ganondorf, the main antagonist. Link's mission remains the same: to defeat Ganondorf and rescue Hyrule from his malicious control.
While Tears of the Kingdom is a continuation of Breath of the Wild's storyline, it brings new elements and improvements to the gameplay. The controls and mechanics are familiar but enhanced with additional abilities for Link. The world of Hyrule has also undergone changes, providing a fresh experience while maintaining the core essence.
Players can expect to encounter familiar characters from Breath of the Wild, as their stories seamlessly transition into Tears of the Kingdom, deepening the overall narrative and adding continuity to the Zelda universe. Overall, Tears of the Kingdom serves as an evolution of the concept introduced in Breath of the Wild, offering a compelling and immersive sequel that expands upon the established world and storyline.
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Gameplay
Tears of the Kingdom takes the foundation laid by its predecessor, Breath of the Wild (2017), and expands upon its gameplay mechanics. One notable addition is the Recall ability, which enables players to reverse time for objects. This allows for strategic rewinding to undo mistakes or retrieve lost items.
Another exciting feature is Fuse, which empowers players to combine various weapons and materials they discover throughout their journey. This fusion mechanic enables the creation of custom weapons with unique attributes, adding depth and versatility to combat encounters.
The game introduces Ultrahand, a fascinating ability that allows objects to adhere together. This paves the way for modular construction, enabling players to assemble their own devices, vehicles, and structures. The possibilities are limited only by the player's imagination and resourcefulness. Furthermore, Tears of the Kingdom presents the Ascend ability, enabling players to traverse surfaces located above them.
This grants access to hidden areas and offers new avenues for exploration, heightening the sense of adventure and discovery. Lastly, the Autobuild ability utilizes a special currency called Zonaite. By expanding Zonaite, players can summon any structure they have previously built using Ultrahand, providing convenience and efficiency in constructing elaborate fortifications or functional structures.
Is Tears of the Kingdom The Last Zelda Game - FAQs
No, Tears of the Kingdom is not the last Zelda game ever. While it represents the furthest point in the Zelda universe's history, there is no indication that Nintendo is done creating new entries for the franchise. The Zelda series has a rich and expansive world, and future games may explore different narratives or fill gaps within the established timeline.
When people refer to Tears of the Kingdom as the "last" Zelda game, they are referring to its position within the franchise's chronology. It is the latest game on the timeline, taking place thousands of years after the events of previous Zelda games. It does not imply that there will be no more Zelda games in the future.
Yes, there is a high likelihood that there will be more Zelda games after Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo has shown a commitment to the franchise, and given its popularity and enduring legacy, it is expected that new Zelda games will be developed in the future.
Tears of the Kingdom continues the story set in motion by its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While it provides closure to some aspects of the narrative, the Zelda series has always been known for its interconnected stories and the potential for new adventures and timelines. Therefore, Tears of the Kingdom may not necessarily conclude the entire story of The Legend of Zelda.
While it is not required to play the previous Zelda games before experiencing Tears of the Kingdom, playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the sequel's world and characters. Each Zelda game can stand on its own, but they often contain references and connections that can enrich the overall experience for long-time fans of the series.