New Game Zelda, The Legend of Zelda series is one of the most iconic franchises in the world of gaming, with a rich history that spans over three decades. Since the original The Legend of Zelda was released in 1986, the series has redefined gaming experiences with each new title, from the groundbreaking Ocarina of Time to the genre-defining open world of Breath of the Wild. As 2024 unfolds, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the beloved series, and speculation about what The Legend of Zelda’s next adventure will look like is reaching a fever pitch.
Whether it’s a sequel to Breath of the Wild, a new direction for the franchise, or an entirely fresh take on Hyrule, the upcoming Zelda game has captured the imaginations of millions of players around the world. In this article, we’ll dive into everything we know (and everything we hope for) in the next Zelda adventure.
1. The Sequel to Breath of the Wild – A Direct Continuation
One of the most highly anticipated releases of 2024 is the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which has been confirmed by Nintendo but still remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Officially titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, this game is expected to build upon the groundbreaking open-world formula established in Breath of the Wild. The original game’s expansive world, innovative physics-based puzzles, and free-form exploration received widespread acclaim, and fans are eager to see how its sequel will evolve those elements.
Breath of the Wild was revolutionary, bringing the Zelda franchise into the modern age with its sprawling, sandbox-like Hyrule. The sequel is expected to further refine these mechanics while also expanding the lore, introducing new regions to explore, and deepening the game’s narrative.
In the trailers for Tears of the Kingdom, we can see hints of new mechanics like vertical exploration, with Link soaring through the skies, new powers involving ancient technology, and darker, more mysterious elements that seem to suggest a shift in tone. Additionally, the presence of floating islands above Hyrule suggests that verticality will play a major role in the gameplay, opening up opportunities for new puzzle types, traversal mechanics, and an even bigger world to explore.
2. What We Expect from the New Zelda Game
While Tears of the Kingdom is set to be a direct continuation of Breath of the Wild, there are several key areas in which we can expect this new game to innovate and expand upon its predecessor.
1. New Abilities and Mechanics
In Breath of the Wild, Link gained access to a variety of abilities such as the Sheikah Slate, which allowed for manipulation of the environment, stasis powers, and bombs. Tears of the Kingdom will likely introduce new abilities and powers for Link to use in solving puzzles, exploring Hyrule, and combating enemies.
The first trailer revealed what appears to be a new power involving time manipulation and object fusion. These powers seem to involve Link using ancient magic or technology to interact with the world in new and exciting ways. Perhaps Link will be able to fuse objects together, creating new tools or weapons, or perhaps he will gain the ability to reverse the flow of time in certain scenarios—imagine manipulating the movement of massive ancient ruins or machines.
2. Enhanced Exploration with Verticality
One of the standout features of Breath of the Wild was its emphasis on exploration. With a massive open world to discover, players were free to climb mountains, cross rivers, and chart their own course through Hyrule. In Tears of the Kingdom, vertical exploration will likely play a major role. The floating islands teased in trailers imply that Link will need to harness new skills or devices to ascend to previously unreachable areas, creating a deeper, more vertical world that adds a new layer of challenge to exploration.
Expect to see new methods of getting around Hyrule’s vast environment, from gliders to wings, potentially adding exciting new ways to solve puzzles and engage in combat.
3. Deeper Story and Darker Themes
While the gameplay in Breath of the Wild was a big draw, the lore and storyline of the game were more understated. Tears of the Kingdom appears to lean more into the narrative side of the Zelda saga, with darker and more mysterious themes. We’ve seen glimpses of a shadowy figure that may represent a new villain or force of evil that Link must face. The title itself—Tears of the Kingdom—seems to suggest an emotional journey, perhaps revolving around loss, the collapse of kingdoms, or the fate of the divine.
Nintendo has always excelled at crafting emotional moments in Zelda games, and Tears of the Kingdom seems poised to deliver a more personal and dramatic story than its predecessor.
4. New and Returning Characters
Breath of the Wild introduced new allies such as the four Champions—Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa—but also saw the return of fan favorites like Princess Zelda and Link himself. Tears of the Kingdom will likely expand on these relationships and introduce new characters to interact with. Additionally, fans are curious about the return of old villains. Could Ganon, or perhaps a new form of evil, be lurking on the horizon? And what role will Princess Zelda play in the story? After the events of Breath of the Wild, Zelda’s fate remains a key question, and her involvement in the new game could be critical to its plot.
3. Improved Graphics and Performance
Given the immense popularity of Breath of the Wild and the success of the Nintendo Switch, it’s likely that Tears of the Kingdom will take full advantage of the hardware capabilities of the console. The game will probably feature enhanced graphics, with improved textures, lighting effects, and more detailed character models to bring the world of Hyrule to life even further.
Additionally, Nintendo may improve the performance of the game, allowing for smoother frame rates and better overall optimization. Given the size and complexity of the world, ensuring stable performance will be important for immersion and gameplay.
4. What Fans Hope for in the New Game
While much of what we know about Tears of the Kingdom is based on trailers and speculation, there are a few fan-favorite features that many are hoping to see make a return or be improved upon in this new Zelda adventure:
1. More Complex Shrines and Puzzles
Breath of the Wild introduced over 100 Shrines, each containing its own mini-puzzle or combat challenge. However, many fans have expressed a desire for even more intricate, brain-teasing puzzles in the sequel. If the new game can build on the puzzle-solving aspect, particularly with the addition of new abilities, it will satisfy many players who enjoy the cerebral challenges that the series is known for.
2. Expanded Combat and Enemy Variety
While the combat in Breath of the Wild was a highlight, some fans want to see more variety in enemies, dungeons, and combat techniques. More dynamic battles and larger-scale boss fights would certainly elevate the action experience. Given the new powers that Link may have at his disposal, the potential for more creative and intense combat encounters is high.
3. Co-op or Multiplayer Elements
Though Breath of the Wild was a solitary experience, some fans have suggested that Tears of the Kingdom could introduce multiplayer or cooperative gameplay features. Whether this involves linking up with other players for certain quests or an online mode that allows for more collaborative play, there’s potential for a new level of shared adventure in Hyrule.
5. When Will It Release?
As of now, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is expected to release in 2024, but specific details on the release date are still under wraps. The development team at Nintendo has been notoriously tight-lipped about official release windows, and fans will have to stay tuned for more updates.
Conclusion: The Next Chapter in Hyrule’s Legend
With Tears of the Kingdom, the next Legend of Zelda adventure promises to continue the series’ legacy of innovation, exploration, and storytelling. Building on the immense success of Breath of the Wild, this new game is set to deliver even more excitement, mystery, and challenges for fans to enjoy. From new gameplay mechanics to a deeper story and a world brimming with possibility, Tears of the Kingdom will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated and celebrated titles of 2024. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Hyrule, the adventure awaits.
