Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Just Got Its Best Argument for DLC Yet

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As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting both Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Recently, the latest trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment hinted at a new character that seems familiar, making me reconsider Nintendo’s stance on Tears of the Kingdom not having any DLC.

You see, spin-off games like Hyrule Warriors often appear to be separate from the main Zelda series. For instance, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity featured non-canonical characters and an entirely new ending, despite being Breath of the Wild’s supposed prequel. However, if Nintendo confirms that Age of Imprisonment is a canon prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, this could change things significantly.

In the game “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” which takes place in Hyrule’s ancient history (as depicted in “Tears of the Kingdom”), one of the major hurdles for this sequel that has been confirmed to be canonical was the absence of Link, Zelda’s famous protagonist. However, a recent trailer shown during the 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner presentation suggests that “Age of Imprisonment” might have plans to bring back Link without conflicting with the canon of “Tears of the Kingdom.”

This potential solution for “Age of Imprisonment” could have positive effects, as Link’s return could rejuvenate and stimulate the undeveloped DLC possibilities for “Tears of the Kingdom.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment’s Link Loophole Could Help Zelda: TOTK

Instead of Age of Imprisonment potentially following the trend of Link-like Zelda games such as Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, its latest trailer hints at a different direction with the appearance of a mysterious humanoid Zonai Construct. Although the character’s true identity remains unknown, speculation connects the Construct to Fi and the deteriorated Master Sword or even the mythical “Ancient Hero” from Tears of the Kingdom.

Nevertheless, even though there’s an opportunity for a surprise twist, it’s more probable that the latest Zonai Construct in Age of Imprisonment will connect to Link, maintaining the continuity of The Tears of the Kingdom. Here is a possible breakdown of how this connection might occur:

1. A hidden mechanism within the Zonai Construct triggers a response when it comes into contact with Link or his belongings.
2. The Zonai Construct contains a special artifact that, when activated, reveals its true purpose and initiates a sequence leading to Link.
3. The Zonai Construct is designed to recognize specific energies unique to Link, causing it to react upon their proximity.
4. A series of events unfolds in the game that lead Link to the Zonai Construct, revealing its connection to the overall storyline of The Tears of the Kingdom.
5. The Zonai Construct is part of a larger puzzle or quest that Link must complete to progress through the game and uncover its true purpose.

  • Link’s spirit pilots the Construct.
  • A spirit-like clone of Link pilots the Construct.
  • Link’s mind is projected back through time.
  • The Master Sword summons a memory of Link.

If the connection between the current Link in “Tears of the Kingdom” and the past Construct in “Age of Imprisonment” is direct, this could lead Nintendo to reevaluate the potential for downloadable content (DLC) for “Tears of the Kingdom”. Although the Expansion Pass for “Breath of the Wild”, including the “Champions’ Ballad” DLC, was successful, Nintendo previously stated that there were no similar plans for “Tears of the Kingdom”. However, given that the reasoning behind this decision might have been valid at the time, Nintendo now has a chance to provide definitive closure for “Tears of the Kingdom” through DLC inspired by “Age of Imprisonment”.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Reopens The Door For Zelda: TOTK DLC

Originally planned as downloadable content before transforming into a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, it was unfortunate that Tears of the Kingdom wouldn’t offer any additional content. Yet, with Nintendo possibly believing they had exhausted all possibilities with Tears of the Kingdom, the introduction of a Link-Construct in Age of Imprisonment opens up new story avenues for the former. Just as Age of Imprisonment enriches Princess Zelda’s past, similarly, DLC for Tears of the Kingdom could add depth to Link’s present situation.

As a passionate fan, I envision that the Spirit Temple in “Tears of the Kingdom” could be the foundation for a DLC focused on the Age of Imprisonment era. This temple strikes an ideal balance for player progression midway through the game and seamlessly integrates with the concept of Link and Constructs.

The main quest of this DLC could revolve around Link’s exploration and restoration of ancient Zonai technology that interacts with the Age of Imprisonment’s Construct. By anchoring the story around Age of Imprisonment, “Tears of the Kingdom” can stay true to the spirit of “Breath of the Wild’s” DLC while introducing a plethora of fresh content:

1. Unraveling the mysteries behind the Zonai technology and its connection with the Age of Imprisonment.
2. The creation of new Constructs that Link can interact with, each with unique abilities and challenges.
3. Encounters with various imprisoned entities from the Age of Imprisonment, requiring Link to use his wit and skills to free them.
4. A series of intricate puzzles centered around the restored Zonai technology and Constructs.
5. New environments inspired by the Age of Imprisonment, showcasing the rich history and culture of this era.
6. Powerful new items or abilities that Link can acquire through his journey.
7. Side quests that delve deeper into the lore of both the Zonai and the Age of Imprisonment.

By following this approach, “Tears of the Kingdom” would continue to build upon the success of its predecessor while offering an engaging and immersive new adventure for fans like myself to enjoy.

  • Expanded sky islands and the Depths.
  • New shrines and dungeons.
  • New or improved Ultrahand abilities.
  • New Zonai devices.
  • Improved Sage abilities.
  • Additional Switch 2 Voice Memories.

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2025-08-03 19:34