Since the announcement of Breath of the Wild's sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, fans have been buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what's to come. With the promise of new adventures and challenges in the vast open-world of Hyrule, players are eager to dive back into the world of the Legend of Zelda. However, before embarking on this new journey, there are a few things gamers should know to better prepare for the game's release. Allow us to bring you the latest information and rumors about Tears of the Kingdom, including the game's size, playable characters, and how it relates to the rest of the Zelda series.

Is Tears of the Kingdom a sequel or prequel?

Tears of the Kingdom is confirmed to be a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, and not a prequel. According to Nintendo, the game will carry on many of the same concepts and mechanics as the first game, while also introducing new elements and features to create a fresh experience.

The development team has taken time to reflect on the success of Breath of the Wild and has used that knowledge to craft a new adventure that will be both different and familiar to fans of the series. Therefore, players can expect to pick up where they left off in Breath of the Wild and continue their journey in Tears of the Kingdom.

Why is it called Tears of the Kingdom?

The reason why the game is called Tears of the Kingdom is not officially known, but there are some speculations. The Japanese title of the game includes the kanji characters for "tears" and "awakening," which could indicate that the title refers to the tears shed during a period of change or transformation.

The presence of a double meaning for Western audiences is also possible, as the word "tears" can be interpreted both as crying and tearing something apart. This ambiguity could suggest that the game may have a darker tone, similar to Majora's Mask or Twilight Princess, which also dealt with themes of loss and despair.

Regardless of its meaning, the title suggests that the game will explore emotional themes and have a deeper narrative than its predecessor.

Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?

While it is not necessary to play Breath of the Wild before diving into Tears of the Kingdom, it is highly recommended. Most of the Zelda games can be enjoyed as standalone adventures without any prior knowledge of the series. However, Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild and will continue the story and gameplay mechanics from that game. It is likely that players who have not played Breath of the Wild will miss out on some of the story and character development that has already taken place.

Additionally, Tears of the Kingdom is expected to introduce new mechanics and features that build upon the foundation established in Breath of the Wild, so players who are familiar with the first game will be better equipped to navigate these new challenges. Therefore, while not essential, playing Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom will likely enhance the overall experience.

Is Zelda playable in Tears of the Kingdom?

There has been speculation among fans that Zelda may be a playable character in Tears of the Kingdom. While there have been some hints in trailers and artwork that suggest this possibility, there is no concrete evidence to confirm it. It is important to note that players will not be starting Tears of the Kingdom as Zelda, as confirmed by Nintendo. However, this does not completely rule out the possibility that Zelda may become playable at some point during the game. It is also possible that the hints in the trailers and artwork are simply meant to tease fans and not necessarily confirm Zelda as a playable character. Until further information is released, it remains unclear whether or not Zelda will be a playable character in Tears of the Kingdom.

Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last Zelda game?

While it is impossible to predict the future of The Legend of Zelda series, Tears of the Kingdom is unlikely to be the last entry in the franchise. The game is shaping up to be one of the biggest titles of 2023 and is expected to compete with other major games such as Final Fantasy XVI and Starfield.

The popularity of the Zelda series has only grown over the years, with each instalment bringing new fans to the franchise. Nintendo has also shown a commitment to the series, with recent entries such as Breath of the Wild receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. Therefore, it is safe to say that the success of Tears of the Kingdom is unlikely to mark the end of the franchise.

Will Tears of the Kingdom be bigger than Breath of the Wild?

Based on recent news, Tears of the Kingdom is set to be 38 percent bigger than its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, in terms of file size and is currently reported at being around 18GB, which for a Nintendo Switch game is fairly large. This suggests that the game will be significantly larger in scale, with even more content and a more expansive world for players to explore, and that the developers have poured a considerable amount of resources into creating a game that is bigger and more ambitious than its predecessor.

It's worth noting that Breath of the Wild was a game that broke new ground in terms of open-world design, and its impact on the gaming industry was significant. If Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the foundation established by Breath of the Wild, it could be another groundbreaking title that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in open-world games.

Should I play Skyward Sword before Tears of the Kingdom?

According to some speculations from Zelda experts, Tears of the Kingdom may have a deep connection to Skyward Sword. While this has not been confirmed by Nintendo, it may be worthwhile for players to consider playing Skyward Sword before diving into Tears of the Kingdom.

Skyward Sword is an important entry in the Zelda series and serves as the origin story for the Master Sword, a key component in many Zelda games. Additionally, the game features many of the same mechanics as Breath of the Wild, such as a stamina metre and a focus on exploration. Playing Skyward Sword could help players better understand the lore and mechanics that may carry over into Tears of the Kingdom.

Is Tears of the Kingdom open world?

Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is an open-world game, much like its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. The game will feature the vast, open-world environment of Hyrule, which has been expanded to allow for more vertical exploration. Players will be able to traverse the world freely, with few limitations on where they can go and what they can do.

The open-world nature of the game allows for a sense of freedom and immersion that is unique to the Zelda series, allowing players to fully explore and interact with the world at their own pace. Therefore, fans of the open-world gameplay in Breath of the Wild can expect Tears of the Kingdom to offer a similar experience, with even more possibilities for exploration and discovery.

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