Everything You Need to Know About The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is almost here. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to hit the Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023. This action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo promises to take players on an epic journey through Hyrule once more. In this article, we'll delve into the essential details about Tears of the Kingdom, from its release date and pre-order options to gameplay features and storyline.

Release Date and Pre-order Information

Tears of the Kingdom is slated for release on May 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The standard edition of the game will retail for $69.99, while a $129.99 collector's edition will also be available. The collector's edition includes a physical copy of the game, an art book, SteelBook case, an Iconart steel poster, and four pins. You can pre-order the game from retailers like GameStop, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Amiibo Compatibility

Nintendo has confirmed that amiibo will be compatible with Tears of the Kingdom. Scanning certain Zelda amiibo will change the design of your glider, and more functionality may be announced closer to the game's release date. A new amiibo figure of Link, as he appears in Tears of the Kingdom, is also available for pre-order.

Storyline

While Nintendo has been secretive about the plot of Tears of the Kingdom, it is known to be a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild. The game's story revolves around an "epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule" as players harness the power of Link's new abilities to fight back against malevolent forces threatening the kingdom. Trailers for the game suggest a darker tone compared to its predecessor, with a mixture of light and dark elements throughout.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom is expected to be similar to Breath of the Wild, with new and expanded ways to travel through Hyrule. Link will have access to a variety of weapons and face both familiar and new enemies. In addition, the game introduces new abilities that impact both combat and traversal: Recall, Fuse, Ultrahand, and Ascend. These abilities allow players to manipulate time, create new weapons, build vehicles, and even travel through ceilings.

Setting

Tears of the Kingdom takes place in Hyrule, though the game expands the world upward into the skies. Floating islands and airborne chunks of land offer a new vertical exploration aspect to the game. Players will be able to glide between these sky islands, adding a new dimension to the adventure.

Transportation

Link will continue to use his paraglider and horseback for travel, but new methods of transportation have been introduced. Vehicles like a land car, a hovercraft, and a hot air balloon can be created using the Ultrahand ability, providing more ways to explore the vast world of Hyrule.

Weapon Durability

As in Breath of the Wild, weapons in Tears of the Kingdom will degrade and break. However, the new fusion ability allows players to combine weapons, potentially increasing their durability.

Do You Need to Play Breath of the Wild First?

Although not strictly necessary, playing Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom will give players a better understanding of the story and gameplay mechanics. Breath of the Wild is a massive game, so if you're short on time, watching YouTube videos that summarize the game and its story is another option.

File Size

Tears of the Kingdom has a file size of 18.2 GB, making it one of the largest games Nintendo has released for the Switch. Make sure you have enough storage space on your Nintendo Switch, and consider investing in a microSD card if needed.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is shaping up to be a worthy successor to Breath of the Wild. With its darker tone, expanded gameplay mechanics, and new abilities, the game promises to take players on another epic adventure through the land and skies of Hyrule. As the release date approaches, keep an eye out for more updates and announcements from Nintendo. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom is a must-play game for any Nintendo Switch owner.