Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Made the Most of a Controversial Feature, But It’s Time to Let It Go

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In a refreshing twist, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom skillfully leveraged a contentious gameplay aspect, yet it’s unlikely to remain essential moving forward. In numerous aspects, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom built upon the foundations laid by Breath of the Wild, introducing innovative features such as Ultrahand. Many of these innovations were successful and have contributed to its status as a game that could pave the way for future Zelda titles. However, there’s one concept among the many creative ideas that might not be relevant for Link’s next journey.

The intricate design of “Tears of the Kingdom” harmoniously aligns with its role as an expansive open-world adventure. The incorporation of cooking and climbing mechanics adds a sense of raw, survival-oriented excitement to Link’s odyssey. Moreover, the abundance of weapons and armor options offers a level of customization rarely seen in “Zelda” games, further distinguishing it within the series. And let’s not forget about the Ultrahand feature, which allows players to unleash their creativity by constructing various machines and structures. In terms of gameplay, “Tears of the Kingdom” truly delivers an exceptional experience.

Tears of the Kingdom’s Weapon Durability Mechanic Might Not be Necessary in the Series’ Future

Breakable Weapons Were a Part of Tears of the Kingdom’s Formula

In the game Breath of the Wild, the inclusion of weapon durability was a point of debate among players and this feature carried over into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. While Link can collect numerous weapons in Tears of the Kingdom, with the exception of the Master Sword, all other weapons will eventually succumb to damage. This mechanic could potentially motivate players to experiment with a variety of weapons due to their frequent replacement needs. However, it also has the potential drawback of dissuading players from overusing powerful or appealing weapons excessively as they are more likely to break with extended use. In other words, using these items too much increases the risk of them becoming damaged and unusable.

In the game “Ocarina of Time,” the giant’s knife, one of its unique weapons, shattered following a few hits. Notably, this was the sole weapon in the game that could be broken.

Weapon Durability Could Be Another Short-Term Legend of Zelda Gimmick

In future installments of “The Legend of Zelda,” it’s possible that indestructible weapons could become the norm for several reasons. The series has a history of introducing and discarding mechanics on a game-by-game basis. For instance, the three-day cycle in “Majora’s Mask” and Zelda’s armor-wearing ability in “Spirit Tracks” were unique to those games. The similarities between “Breath of the Wild” and its sequel, “Tears of the Kingdom,” are significant because they form a duology linked by the same narrative. With the next standalone “Legend of Zelda” game likely to feature many mechanical changes, we may see shifts in how weapons function as well.

The Next Zelda Game Could Consider Multiple Weapons Again

One positive aspect of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains its versatile approach to weapons, which is a concept worthy of further exploration. Over the course of Link’s adventures, he has always had access to various tools such as bows, bombs, boomerangs, and more. This wide array of weapons forms a significant part of his character and even influences his moves in games like Super Smash Bros. Allowing Link to switch between melee weapons, such as axes and spears, could offer new ways to strategize in combat. The game’s unique ability to create weapons through fusion adds weight to this suggestion, as it further expands the possibilities for gameplay.

In the upcoming “Legend of Zelda” game, it seems unlikely that we’ll see the weapon durability feature return, as a new gameplay mechanism is likely to take its place, much like in previous games. There’s even speculation that Link might be able to use multiple weapons simultaneously again. While weapon durability was a fitting aspect of “Tears of the Kingdom,” it may not be essential for the next “Legend of Zelda” game. Having the freedom to wield various weapons without worrying about their breakage could make the gaming experience more enjoyable and less restrictive.

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2025-07-04 14:23