The addition of new tools in TOTK clearly has the potential to provide many quality-of-life improvements to the game when compared to BOTW . In some cases, there are tools that could greatly improve resource collection methods from BOTW should they be implemented. In others, Breath of the Wild ** ’s ubiquitous durability system means that what could be useful tools are instead weak weapons that come with limited uses in the open-world game. By making such items a permanent addition to Link’s toolkit, Tears of the Kingdom ** can solve several problems with its predecessor’s gameplay experie

Sable boasts a unique, cel-shaded artstyle that’s entirely unlike BOTW ‘s and TOTK ‘s, but is beautiful just the same. The ancient ruins and megafauna skeletons dotted around the map lend it an awe-inspiring sense of scale, tempered with a feeling of quiet melancholy. In conjunction with the mellow, ambient soundtrack composed by indie pop musician Japanese Breakfast, Sable creates an evocative, memorable experience on PC, Xbox, and

Despite the defeat of Calamity Ganon in Breath of the Wild , the latest trailer for Tears of the Kingdom finally confirms that its mysterious villain is in fact Ganondorf. Contrasting the explicitly monstrous and (for most of the game) mostly formless Calamity Ganon of BOTW , TOTK ‘s Ganondorf takes the form of a more humanoid Gerudo, mirroring the villains past appearances in previous Zelda games like Ocarina of Time . Interestingly, promotional art for the game shows TOTK ‘s Ganondorf as taking somewhat of a departure from past Gerudo designs, with an exposed chest, ponytail, and a large kat

While mostly sidelined in Breath of the Wild with much of her presence relegated to optional flashbacks, Zelda seems to be taking on a somewhat more active role in the story of Tears of the Kingdom , with the game’s most recent trailer featuring her prominently in what seem to be story-related cutscenes. Along with her new look, Zelda’s more pronounced role in pre-release material has even sparked some hopes that she might be playable in the game’s full release – although this has yet to be confirmed one way or the ot

The Woodcutter’s Axe is one of the weapons in BOTW which has a dedicated secondary purpose. As the name implies, it deals extra damage against trees, making the axe an excellent choice of weapon for collecting wood as it can chop them down expeditiously. As an actual weapon, however, it is remarkably cumbersome to wield, and forces Link to attack with slow, sweeping blows. Should the item come back in Tears of the Kingdom , though, it would make more sense for the axe to become a proper tool. With little value as a weapon, a permanent inventory addition for resource collection fits the Woodcutter’s Axe much bet

And no, these aerial animals aren’t the same as the graceful, sinuous dragons of Breath of the Wild (although they make an appearance in the demo too). At the very end of the gameplay trailer, Link rides past a creature that appears to be carrying some other living thing in its massive claws.

Additionally, in further contrast to the Calamity Ganon of BOTW , which was an evil threat with little to no personality behind it, TOTK ‘s trailers indicate that Ganondorf will be much more of a character than a generic evil to be defeated – in no small part due being fully voiced for the first time in the Zelda series. Much like the first game, Ganondorf is likely what sets the plot of TOTK in motion, with his revival setting the stage for the rest of the game to take place – and, like Calamity Ganon, Ganondorf is likely to be Tears of the Kingdom ‘s final boss (although hopefully less disappointi

As one of Breath of the Wild ‘s most popular side characters, it’s not surprising to see the return of Prince Sidon. Perhaps more surprising, though, is what seems to be his new role in gameplay, as TOTK ‘s last trailer shows him fighting an enemy alongside Link as a companion character – a major expansion on his relatively minor role helping against the Divine Beast Vah Rutah in BOTW . Keen-eyed viewers may also be able to spot a crown on his head, as well as a mysterious “tear” on the back of his hand, suggesting that he may have a significant role to play in TOTK ‘s st

How this new map addition connects to Calamity Ganon and his destruction of Hyrule’s ground-dwelling civilization in the first game remains to be seen. But the teaser clearly shows Link discovering new villains, Donkey Kong Bananza foraging different materials, and exploring unique landscapes on several sky islands.

While the ancient weapons are some of Breath of the Wild’s most appealing, fusing the Ancient Short Sword with an elemental weapon like the Thunderblade could give the sword even more of an edge. Aesthetically, this would make for a fascinating combination while also infusing a popular sword with electric abilities during bat

Breath of the Wild ‘s unrestricted open-world gameplay, which puts an emphasis on exploration, traversal, and puzzle solving, has made it one of the most influential games in recent memory. Even months before its release, the sequel has dazzled players with previews of new abilities for Link in TOTK , including a mechanic that fuses together parts in order to create vehicles. _The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom _ promises to raise the bar on player freedom and creative problem-solving in open world games, and could very well give rise to its own crop of similar ga