Zelda New Game Plus, The Legend of Zelda series has long been known for its rich lore, epic adventures, and timeless gameplay. Fans of the franchise have eagerly awaited new installments, and the recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) in 2023 continues to solidify the series as one of the best in gaming history. As if the expansive world and intricate puzzles weren’t enough, the highly anticipated New Game Plus (NG+) feature has finally arrived, giving players the chance to revisit the kingdom of Hyrule with even more depth and new challenges.
For those who might be unfamiliar with the concept, New Game Plus is a mode that allows players to replay the game from the beginning while carrying over some of their progress from their first playthrough. Whether it’s retaining key items, abilities, or even facing tougher enemies, NG+ offers a fresh take on the game that rewards players for their dedication. In the case of Tears of the Kingdom and future Zelda titles, NG+ promises to take the already vast world to even greater heights.
Here’s everything you need to know about Zelda’s New Game Plus and why it’s one of the most exciting additions to the franchise in years.
1. What is Zelda New Game Plus?
New Game Plus in the Zelda universe isn’t just a simple “replay the game” mode. It adds layers of complexity and rewards for players who want to experience the game from a new perspective, even after completing the main story. While the specifics of NG+ in Tears of the Kingdom may vary slightly from earlier titles, the core idea remains the same: it allows players to start a new playthrough with certain advantages from their previous run.
Typically, in a Zelda NG+ mode, players are able to retain some of the more critical elements they’ve unlocked during their first journey, like:
- Gear and Weapons: Legendary weapons, special armor sets, and upgraded tools are carried over to help Link start off stronger in his new adventure. These may include iconic items like the Master Sword, as well as newly obtained abilities from shrines or side quests.
- Abilities and Upgrades: Depending on the game, abilities such as Paraglider or Sheikah Slate powers could carry over. This allows players to have access to powerful traversal and combat options from the get-go, bypassing the usual grind of unlocking these abilities early in the game.
- Higher Difficulty: Many NG+ modes in the Zelda franchise offer a step up in difficulty, often featuring stronger enemies, more aggressive bosses, or new challenges that make combat feel even more intense and rewarding. This is especially appealing for seasoned Zelda fans who are looking for an extra challenge after their first successful playthrough.
- New Content: In some instances, NG+ introduces additional content, such as bonus dungeons, extra story elements, or hidden collectibles that were previously unavailable in the original game.
In essence, NG+ is a chance to experience the world of Zelda again, but with more power, more excitement, and more mystery.
2. How Does New Game Plus Enhance the Zelda Experience?
The Legend of Zelda games have always been known for their depth. Players can lose themselves for hours exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule, uncovering secrets, completing quests, and defeating foes. Tears of the Kingdom took that formula even further, offering not just a larger world, but more complex puzzles, new mechanics, and a multi-layered narrative. But even after finishing the main story, the Zelda universe holds countless secrets just waiting to be explored.
A Fresh Challenge with Familiarity
The addition of NG+ serves as an exciting way to revisit the game’s world, but with a new layer of difficulty and complexity. For fans who already know the core of the game and have mastered the mechanics, NG+ offers the challenge of overcoming enemies that are now stronger and more strategic.
The thrill of re-exploring Hyrule with more powerful tools and a higher level of difficulty can reignite the magic of discovery. New challenges in combat and puzzle-solving will force players to think on their feet and use the tools at their disposal in creative ways. No longer can you simply breeze through the game with basic gear—you’ll need to adapt and optimize your abilities.
Exploring New Paths
While the core world of Hyrule remains largely the same, NG+ can sometimes introduce small changes or modifications to keep things fresh. Perhaps there are new side quests, additional NPC interactions, or different ways to solve puzzles. For example, new pieces of lore or subtle environmental changes could be unlocked, shedding more light on the story’s backstory or the world’s hidden history.
The freedom of exploration—combined with your newly acquired tools and abilities—allows you to revisit familiar places from a different perspective. As any Zelda fan knows, sometimes the joy isn’t just in completing the main quest, but in discovering every nook and cranny of the world. NG+ keeps that sense of wonder alive even after you’ve seen the credits roll.
Unlocking More Secrets and Collectibles
One of the most rewarding aspects of Zelda’s NG+ is the potential to uncover hidden secrets that may not have been available during your first playthrough. In previous Zelda games, NG+ has often rewarded players with bonus items, like new outfits, legendary relics, and rare collectibles.
In Tears of the Kingdom, for instance, players may encounter hidden shrines or special bosses that require their NG+ abilities to unlock. In some cases, there may be items that can only be obtained in NG+ mode, further incentivizing players to revisit the game for a more rewarding second journey.
3. What Makes NG+ Special in Tears of the Kingdom?
In Tears of the Kingdom, NG+ elevates the experience beyond what players first encountered in the game’s sprawling open world. While the core mechanics and storyline remain intact, NG+ brings several unique features that make the second run even more thrilling.
Mastering Advanced Abilities
In TOTK, Link’s arsenal of abilities, like fusing weapons or constructing complex structures, is integral to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. In NG+, players already have access to these abilities from the beginning, which opens up new ways to approach combat and exploration. The ability to fuse powerful weapons early on, or to quickly craft elaborate structures, allows for more strategic depth in gameplay.
Scaling Difficulty with More Powerful Enemies
In NG+ mode, players can expect stronger enemies that provide a much tougher fight. Not only do you get the thrill of re-exploring Hyrule with enhanced abilities, but the game’s difficulty curve is dialed up to ensure that combat remains satisfying and rewarding. Even the toughest bosses from the first playthrough will present new challenges, requiring players to adapt their tactics and strategy.
Expanded Lore and Hidden Content
New Game Plus also opens up avenues to unlock more of the game’s lore and secrets. Some elements of the story that were hidden or hinted at in the first playthrough may become clearer as you progress through NG+. Whether through additional dialogue, special NPC interactions, or new collectibles, NG+ provides a richer understanding of the game’s world and its mysteries.
4. How to Unlock New Game Plus in Zelda
In Tears of the Kingdom, NG+ mode isn’t automatically available. To unlock it, players must first complete the main story and finish the game’s credits. Once that’s done, a prompt will appear that allows players to begin New Game Plus, carrying over certain items and abilities from their initial journey.
Make sure to complete as many side quests as possible before jumping into NG+, as these quests might also provide additional rewards and lore that deepen the experience when revisited.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Hyrule’s Legacy
New Game Plus in Zelda is more than just a replay option—it’s a chance to revisit the expansive world of Hyrule with new insights, higher stakes, and a deeper connection to the story. The feature provides a rewarding way to experience the game from a fresh perspective while still preserving the magic that makes Tears of the Kingdom so captivating.
For long-time fans of the franchise, NG+ is an exciting incentive to dive back into the world of Zelda, bringing with it new challenges, new secrets, and a renewed sense of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Zelda series, NG+ is the perfect way to keep the journey going long after the credits roll.
