The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 was one of the biggest Nintendo announcements at the E3 2021. It is a follow-up to the original Breath of the Wild, which was hailed as 2017’s Game of the Year.
Specific details on Breath of the Wild 2 remain undetermined as Nintendo has been keeping them under wraps. However, when they dropped a trailer for the game, fans and gamers had enough information to work with.
Here is everything you need to know about Breath of the Wild 2 so far, from its release date to its replay value.
Inside This Article
- What is The Legeld of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2?
- Breath of the Wild 2
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Other Nintendo Direct Announcements at E3
- Final Word
What is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2?
What Kind of Game Is It?
Breath of the Wild 2 is the latest addition to the long-running Legend of Zelda franchise. This was one of the most favored announcements during the E3 exhibition last June 12 – 15 2021.
Like all the other Legend of Zelda games, Breath of the Wild 2 is an action-adventure game. It follows the story of the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game from 2017. There is not a lot known about Breath of the Wild 2 yet, but one can be sure that it also uses open-world gameplay.
Developer: Nintendo
The developer for Breath of the Wild 2 is Nintendo Co., Ltd. It is one of the most popular names in the gaming industry, gifting the world with classics like the Super Mario series, Donkey Kong, and Animal Crossing.
Nintendo has had a rich history. The company debuted its first console, the Game, as well as the Watch, back in 1980. Loved across the world, this is Nintendo’s first official video game.
Before this, the company simply sold handmade playing cards, which were popular for Japanese hobbyists during its time. Nintendo sold these cards long before they sold video games, dating back to 1889. This was called Nintendo Kurata, and it was owned by Fusajiro Yamauchi.
Going back, Nintendo began releasing games annually after the Game and Watch. One that received acclaim across global arcades is Donkey Kong, a coin-operated gaming machine.
From then on, Nintendo built bolder and more complex games. Its ideas are fun, curious, and imaginative. The Legend of Zelda series is proof of this as one of gaming’s most loved series. It is also one of its oldest; the very first Zelda game was released in 1986.
Developer: Capcom
Another company that helps make Zelda possible is Capcom. It is a Japanese company best known for titles such as Street Fighter and Resident Evil. In fact, it recently released Resident Evil Village, the latest entry to the beloved horror survival game series.
Capcom has been helping Nintendo develop and publish The Legend of Zelda games since 1985. The games under the Zelda umbrella include The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages.
Release Date
There are no specific details on Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2’s release date as of late. The trailer shared by Nintendo only revealed a 2022 target date. However, as gamers may know, this can change depending on the development team.
Another much-awaited game, Cyberpunk 2077, suffered many reschedules before its December 2021 release. This was due to COVID-19 production delays and other in-game bugs. These bugs included game crashing, scripting issues, and even disappearing non-playable characters, as detailed by this Cyberpunk 2077 review.
Nintendo wants to be more careful with a game as popular and as revered as The Legend of Zelda. Thus, there is still no word yet on Breath of the Wild 2’s 2022 release date. This can be early, middle of, or later in the year.
Platforms
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 will be exclusive to Nintendo platforms. It follows the steps of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, which was released as a Switch title. However, there are rumors surrounding Breath of the Wild 2 and the Nintendo Switch Pro. There were no announcements for the console in 2021’s E3, but Nintendo fans have been expecting it for a while.
The vagueness of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2’s release date may be caused by the mystery surrounding the Switch Pro. Some Nintendo fans expect their releases to coincide with one another, but that is just a rumor.
Either way, many fans are expecting Breath of the Wild 2 to be available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite (at the very least).
Prices
There are no prices for Breath of the Wild 2 yet. Its announcement at the Nintendo Direct E3 only included plot and gameplay previews. Still, one can get an idea of this range.
Many can get the first Zelda Switch game (Breath of the Wild) for $40 – $60. This depends on the discounts or promos you might encounter while purchasing. Moreover, this depends on whether or not you will be getting a physical copy of the game.
Pre-order Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
Breath of the Wild 2
Gameplay
Breath of the Wild 2 was originally going to be a downloadable extension of Breath of the Wild. Because of this, one can assume that Breath of the Wild 2 more or less has the same action-adventure and open-world gameplay.
The trailer shows Link with new tools, equipment, and abilities to use. He has a new gauntlet and a few new Sheikah tools to go with it. Nintendo also previews a new flamethrower for him to use, as well as what looks like a “time reversal” feature. In fact, the trailer plays the original theme for Breath of Wild backward. This is a huge hint as to where Nintendo is taking Breath of the Wild 2.
The trailer also features link traversing through worlds, facing new enemies in old locations. It seems like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 has not had enough of the Hyrule Castle too, so players should expect gameplay there again. Beyond the trailer, this is not much known about Breath of the Wild 2.
Story
The Legend of Zelda series has always been known for its rich storytelling and world-building. While most Zelda games reimagine the characters in different stories and settings, Breath of the Wild 2 is a direct sequel.
With that being said, its story picks from where Breath of the Wild left us off. There are more details on this later in the article.
Reunite with Link and Zelda once again and uncover the mysterious evil that can consume all of Hyrule. These two characters are fresh off the realization that the kingdom must be rebuilt from the ground up. Thus, in the Breath of the Wild 2, they begin their quest to bring further peace and prosperity to Hyrule.
To do this, Link and Zelda investigate a powerful spirit that can bring back the dead and corrupt anything that comes in its way. This theme may tie into the suspected “time reversal” gameplay.
Graphics
The original Breath of the Wild was highly praised for its impeccable graphics. Part of its appeal was its beautiful open-world setting, which Nintendo successfully rendered for its fans.
While the jury is still out on how much better (or worse) Breath of the Wild 2 will be, one can expect something like Breath of the Wild. This includes clean characters and an open world with a particular sheen. The magic of Breath of Wild is definitely reflected through its landscapes and character variety. Explore more of Hyrule and Link’s world with Breath of the Wild 2. From the trailer, it looks like Nintendo worked on new creatures and races.
Replayability
As an open-world game, Breath of the Wild 2 benefits from high replayability. Players shape their characters’ destinies through each in-game decision they make. Face puzzles from different lands and go head-to-head with various creatures in Breath of the Wild 2.
Each choice can bring you to a new corner of the Zelda universe. Scavenge, hunt, fight, and think your way through a meticulously rendered world by Nintendo. Link’s new abilities open the door for more possibilities too, especially if it is time reversal.
Moreover, as fans finish the game, they usually want to change a few decisions and choices. They do this to see if it changes the outcome of their gameplay in any way.
Value
The Legend of Zelda series is a household name in video gaming. Breath of the Wild 2 has now cemented itself as one of the most awaited games of 2022 due to the extreme success of its prequel. It’s thus unsurprising that the value of this game is high for both fans and new gamers.
While its price is undetermined, Breath of the Wild 2 is sure to be another open-world action-adventure game. If it is anything like its predecessor, then it will take days for one person to finish this game. The Zelda series demands to be enjoyed and savored, which is why Breath of Wild was so successful in the first place.
Zelda: Breath of Wild
Gameplay
Released for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is another open-world experience. As the predecessor to Breath of the Wild 2, it is important to know where the heroes are before they start another journey.
Players try to bring peace and prosperity back to the world of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild.
Through an open-world system, the game makes it anyone’s call. The only limitations for each player come from Link’s abilities, which they can master through gameplay. Beyond this, it is up to them how they want to save the now-medieval world of Hyrule.
Story
The roles for Link and Zelda are fixed in The Legend of Zelda franchise. While they are reimagined from one game to another (excluding sagas), their goals change very little. Link must always help Princess Zelda in restoring peace in Hyrule.
What is the looming threat of the kingdom? Characters such as Ganon or Ganondorf—both evil, greedy, and powerful—are looking to corrupt Hyrule themselves. While previous stories of the Zelda franchise end with these characters’ defeat, the succeeding game will unearth these motivations. For Breath of the Wild, new life is breathed into this format as Hyrule is desperate for a hero.
In Breath of the Wild, Link and Zelda find themselves in a beaten and tattered Hyrule. The kingdom has suffered in the hands of Calamity Ganon, who has unwoven the developments made by the Sheikah race.
This has been the case for 10,000 years. Because of this, Hyrule has reverted into the medieval era. Its characters and lands are suffering, and it seems like they are to suffer further under Ganon’s return. When Zelda’s plans to save her kingdom are foiled, it takes another hundred years for Link to come to her aid. Link traverses through Hyrule, absolving heroes of Ganon’s monsters, and helps Zelda seal Ganon away.
The game ends with a job well done. However, both Link and Zelda realize that Hyrule must be rebuilt from the ground up. Challenges still await them, though, because Zelda may no longer have any of her powers.
Graphics
When it comes to graphics, Breath of the Wild has come a long way since its first Zelda game in 1986. Hyrule, dark as it may be, is still filled with enchanting characters and beautiful landscapes. Playable objects gleam as you pass by them, which complements the artistic style of the game too.
The Zelda series has always been in touch with natural scenery. In Breath of the Wild, Nintendo introduces fluid green grass and bright sun. The game is also filled with creatures big and small. This adds to the high level of enchantment people expect from the Zelda series.
As for the kingdom of Hyrule, many note that it uses steampunk elements in its world-building. It merges early machines with a rugged and tattered aesthetic. Visually, this adds layers to the story. From the trailer, it seems like Breath of the Wild 2 will be using this aesthetic too.
Replayability
On average, the Breath of the Wild game can be played for around 50 hours or more. Because of its open-world setup, the possibilities for each player are near endless. Each decision is unique, and the world is made to accommodate as many ideas from players as possible. This makes the replayability of the original Breath of the Wild extremely high.
Value
With five years of development under its belt, Breath of the Wild breathes new life into a 30-year old video game series. One can only hope that this is carried on by Breath of the Wild 2.
Critically acclaimed, this game won Game of the Year at the 2017 Game Awards. Among reviewers, it is hailed as a series that has done the open-world genre right. Breath of the Wild is an exciting experience for gamers. It privileges them to solve problems as they want to.
Breath of the Wild is celebrated for not having a fixed solution. Costing around $40 – $50, this game is a modern classic. Its value is high and will continue to be for anyone who enjoys the action-adventure genre.
Buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Other Nintendo Direct Announcements at E3
The Breath of the Wild 2 is undoubtedly the biggest announcement from Nintendo Direct at E3. However, this is not all that Nintendo has for its future.
These are the other announcements from Nintendo Direct that made gamers look forward to the next year and a half.
Legend of Zelda: Game & Watch
Nintendo is going back to its roots with the 2021 Legend of Zelda: Game & Watch release. Out on November 12, this collector’s item has three built-in Legend of Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Nintendo also included a few bonus features (and games) here, making this release a must-buy for the ultimate Zelda fan.
While this is no Breath of the Wild 2, Zelda fans can expect a celebration of rich Zelda history with Game & Watch. This will be taking you down a trip of memory lane, from Link’s first encounter with Hyrule to his first adventure outside his homeland.
Uncover mysteries and train Link to his most powerful three times in different games. You can even play these in two versions: English or Japanese. This is an ode to the multicultural background of Zelda.
Pre-order The Legend of Zelda: Game and Watch
Warioware: Get It Together
Departing from the themes of the Legend of Zelda series is Warioware: Get It Together. This game, also announced by Nintendo Direct on E3, has over 200 minigames for every gamer to enjoy. A game one can play solo or with others, Warioware is a fun and quick play either way.
Dressed as a party game, Warioware: Get It Together finds Wario in the middle of a failed business venture. Because of this, he has to play sets of minigames to get his life back on track. This is where the players come in.
Published by Nintendo, Warioware can accommodate up to four players. Each player will control Wario or anyone from his team. Together, they will work through games with distinct powers and personalities. Compared to Breath of the Wild 2, this definitely offers different gameplay. However, it is for the less serious and more casual gamer/s.
Pre-order Warioware: Get It Together
Tekken X Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Breath of the Wild 2 is not the only Nintendo Direct E3 announcement that made headlines online. Following it by a close margin is a mashup of Tekken and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Nintendo announced via an eye-catching trailer that Kazuya Mishima will be joining Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster. He is one of the main characters of the Tekken franchise, with its very first iteration dating back to 1995.
This is one of the biggest crossovers of video gaming to date, as Kazuya is often seen in a serious albeit villainous light in the Tekken franchise. By appearing on Super Smash Bros, he is given the Nintendo treatment. Of course, he will be keeping his stoic and hard-hitting style.
However, it will be interesting to see how he will fare against softer characters such as Pikachu and Mario. Players will soon find out if his moves can help him survive in the world of Nintendo the way it made him a Tekken favorite all these years.
Players can also use Devil Kazuya in Super Smash Bros Ultimate. This ability transformed him into a Tekken antagonist, so many wonder how this will play in Super Smash Bros.
Mario Party Superstars
Another party game coming from Nintendo is Mario Party Superstars. Made for the Nintendo Switch, this has over 100 minigames for you and your buddies to play. However, it is not lost on many Nintendo fans that this is the 12th title of the Superstars franchise. How can Nintendo spice things up?
Currently, the company is teasing the return of five “classic boards” from the Nintendo 64 era. This will give returning fans a dose of high-quality nostalgia and new fans a chance to relive the best Nintendo titles such as Peach’s Birthday Cake.
The games will be updated to perform on their cleanest versions. Out on October 29th, Mario Party Superstars is another Nintendo game to look out for.
Final Word
Nintendo has many fans holding their breaths for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. As a sequel to the critically acclaimed open-world Breath of the Wild game, many wonder if it will be worth their time.
There are not a lot of details revealed in the game trailer yet. However, given what we know so far, it seems like Breath of the Wild 2 will be offering new abilities and plot points for the series.
Step into Hyrule once again and discover the hero in you with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.
