The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a gigantic sequel that builds on Breath of the Wild’s sturdy basis. I imply that fairly actually, as the journey takes place on the identical Hyrule map as its predecessor. That reality gained a combined response from followers previous to its launch, with some questioning if Tears of the Kingdom would really feel like a brand new sport or a really costly piece of DLC.
Fortunately, the previous is true. Regardless of reusing Breath of the Wild’s map, the sequel does embody a lot of new areas to discover within the type of the Sky Islands and a large underground world. However the floor world isn’t precisely the identical both. Whereas previous places return, lots has modified on account of ruins raining down from the sky in addition to gloom corrupting the land. Not solely are there visible modifications, however the folks and races of Hyrule are all coping with it in very other ways.
To get a way of how related — and, in some circumstances, radically completely different — Hyrule is within the sequel, I’ve pulled collectively comparisons of seven traditional places as they seem in each Breath of the Wild (on the left) and Tears of the Kingdom (on the precise). That ought to offer you a greater sense of what’s modified in Hyrule following Calamity Ganon’s defeat, although there are many surprises to seek out within the sequel.
The Shrine of Resurrection
Breath of the Wild begins with Hyperlink waking up principally bare within the Shrine of Resurrection earlier than working exterior to see a stunning view of the Hyrule panorama. You may return to that website on the Nice Plateau in Tears of the Kingdom, however you’ll discover that fairly a bit has modified. Along with the format across the iconic opening cliff altering, the Shrine of Resurrection is gone solely. You may nonetheless stand on that iconic opening cliff and get the same glimpse of Hyrule although. You’ll simply discover some floating islands and adjusted cliff sides if you do.
Kakariko Village
Out of each location within the sport (save for the floating Hyrule citadel), Kakariko Village was most radically modified between video games. That’s as a result of the arrival of the Sky Islands dumped a number of ring-like ruins into the city. Whenever you go to Kakariko Village this time round, you’ll discover that new wood pathways encompass the village that take researchers as much as the ruins. It’s a enjoyable little twist that creates the sense that life has radically modified for the folks of the small city.
Zora’s Area
If Kakariko Village is essentially the most completely different spot within the sequel, Zora’s Area has undergone the least quantity of change. It appears to be like pretty equivalent in Tears of the Kingdom, with the identical grand fish construction overlooking a twisting collection of walkways. The one notable distinction I’ve discovered from exploring is {that a} shrine that was within it isn’t there anymore and its central statue, depicting a Zora champion, has modified to point out a brand new hero. In any other case, the Zora kingdom is sort of equivalent, making it essentially the most unaffected by the looks of gloom (although the Zora storyline reveals that the race is coping with some water points because of this).
Gerudo City
Gerudo City sees a very attention-grabbing change within the sequel. At first look, they give the impression of being equivalent. All the bushes and stalls are nearly precisely the place you keep in mind them. However look intently on the screenshots and also you’ll discover an enormous distinction: Nobody is milling the streets within the Tears of the Kingdom model. There’s a particular story purpose for that, because the Gerudo folks have gone right into a little bit of hiding within the sequel. That creates an intriguing dynamic as Hyperlink will get to see how the race has tailored to life in a kind of fallout shelter inside the ghost city. And the excellent news is that Hyperlink not has to sneak via the city gates by disguising himself as a Gerudo.
The Misplaced Woods
The Misplaced Woods returns in Breath of the Wild and appears about the identical, however solely after fixing some new secrets and techniques inside it. For one, there’s a completely new methodology of navigating to the middle of the woods that’ll go away Breath of the Wild gamers scratching their heads. When you get there, you’ll discover that the toxic gloom has had a very dangerous impact on the Korok’s dwelling. You’ll want to seek out the supply of the issue earlier than snapping the Deku Tree out of an eerie trance.
Eventide Island
For me, Eventide Island is essentially the most memorable location in Breath of the Wild. It’s a abandoned island that acts as a large shrine after Hyperlink will get stranded on it. That has solely modified within the sequel, as Hyperlink can now safely navigate to it to finish a distinct quest line. You may get a fast tease of what that is perhaps within the screenshot comparisons right here, because the island is now overrun with monsters which have turned it right into a base of operations. There’s nonetheless an enormous secret hiding on Eventide Island although, nonetheless making it one of many sequel’s finest places.
Hyrule Fort
On the heart of Hyrule lies its large citadel, which performs a significant function in each video games. Although as you possibly can inform, there have been some main modifications to the citadel and the realm round it. In Breath of the Wild, the sphere round Hyrule Fort was perilous. It was full of poison and Guardians that may attempt to kill Hyperlink the second he stepped foot on land. That’s solely completely different in Tears of the Kingdom, as a thriving city has been in-built that house. It’s now a protected spot for Hyperlink to survey the citadel and even purchase some gear. Oh, and I ought to in all probability point out that Hyrule Fort can also be floating within the sky now, proper? You’ll discover out why quickly sufficient.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is on the market now on Nintendo Swap.
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