Unveiling the Endings of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a thrilling prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, offers a captivating dive into the events leading up to the Great Calamity. The question on every fan’s mind is, “How does this epic tale conclude?” The answer, while seemingly simple, has a layer of delightful complexity.
Age of Calamity technically has one primary ending, but it also boasts a significant secret ending that adds depth and closure to the story. While the main ending resolves the immediate conflict presented in the game, the secret ending, unlocked through dedicated post-game effort, provides a more hopeful and satisfying conclusion. Think of it as a director’s cut, adding emotional resonance and altering the overall tone of the narrative.
Delving Deeper: The Two Endings Explained
Let’s break down each ending to fully understand the scope of Age of Calamity‘s conclusion.
The Primary Ending: A Bittersweet Victory
The primary ending is reached after completing the main story campaign. The characters from the future successfully intervene and alter the course of events, preventing the complete devastation seen in Breath of the Wild. While Hyrule is saved from total annihilation, and certain characters avoid their tragic fates, the victory is tinged with a sense of bittersweetness. The calamity still occurs, and the kingdom is left reeling.
This ending emphasizes the cost of war and the sacrifices made by the heroes of Hyrule. It sets the stage for Breath of the Wild, highlighting the urgency and importance of Link’s century-long slumber and Zelda’s desperate fight against Calamity Ganon. While less grim than the established timeline, it is still a poignant moment in Hyrule’s history.
The Secret Ending: Hope Restored
The secret ending is where Age of Calamity truly shines. Unlocking this ending requires significant dedication and effort in the post-game content. Players must collect fifty Terrako parts and then complete the “Terrako Returns” mission to unlock the character of Terrako as playable.
This ending focuses on the complete reunion of Zelda and Terrako, Zelda’s small Guardian robot, which serves as a tangible symbol of her mother’s love and protection. This moment dramatically shifts the emotional landscape of the game’s conclusion, emphasizing the power of love, hope, and familial bonds in overcoming even the darkest of tragedies. This reunion not only averts more of the tragedy Zelda suffers in Breath of the Wild but also offers a heartwarming resolution to Terrako’s personal journey.
The Importance of the Secret Ending
The secret ending is more than just a tacked-on bonus; it provides vital closure to the narrative and offers a contrasting perspective to the main ending’s somber tone. It also enhances the player’s emotional connection to the characters and deepens their appreciation for the overall story.
For those invested in the lore and character development, unlocking the secret ending is highly recommended. It adds a layer of emotional depth to the game that cannot be ignored.
Age of Calamity: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, providing further insight into the game’s narrative and post-game content:
-
Is Age of Calamity canon to Tears of the Kingdom?
While Age of Calamity‘s narrative has alterations and timelines that separate it from the main timeline, it still expands the world of Breath of the Wild in important ways, providing crucial context to the characters and events leading up to the Great Calamity. Nintendo has not officially declared it canon.
-
How do you get the true ending in Age of Calamity?
To unlock the secret ending, collect fifty Terrako parts and complete the “Terrako Returns” mission. This unlocks Terrako as a playable character and unlocks the additional scene at the end of the game’s credits.
-
What are Terrako parts and where do I find them?
Terrako parts are key items required to unlock Terrako as a playable character and view the secret ending. They are primarily obtained by completing specific challenges and quests that become available after finishing the main story. Check your map regularly for new quests, focusing on those with rewards that include Terrako parts.
-
Is there DLC for Age of Calamity?
Yes, Age of Calamity has an Expansion Pass DLC that includes new characters, stages, and additional content. While the DLC content does not directly alter the main or secret endings, it enriches the overall experience.
-
Does Sooga survive in Age of Calamity?
While the story implies Sooga might not survive, the secret ending shows Sooga alive and well following Kohga, which comes as a relief to many players.
-
How many secret characters are in Age of Calamity?
There are four additional characters that can be unlocked in Age of Calamity through completing specific challenges and quests. Unlockable characters enhance the gameplay and combat.
-
Do you fight Ganon in Age of Calamity?
Yes, you do fight Calamity Ganon as the final boss of the main story in Age of Calamity. The fight offers a thrilling climax to the game’s narrative.
-
What happens after killing Calamity Ganon in Age of Calamity?
After defeating Calamity Ganon, you see the primary ending and unlock post-game content, including new challenges, quests, and the opportunity to collect Terrako parts to unlock the secret ending.
-
What is the top secret request in Age of Calamity?
The “Top Secret Request” is a quest for the Royal Ancient Lab unlocked after completing other prerequisite quests. This questline involves gathering specific materials and resources, ultimately contributing to unlocking all available content in the game.
-
Is Zelda: Age of Calamity 2 player?
Yes, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity supports split-screen multiplayer for up to 2 local players. This allows you to team up with a friend or family member to experience the story and combat together.
-
Is the Age of Calamity ending a good ending?
The primary ending is bittersweet, but the secret ending is arguably a “good” ending because it offers a more hopeful and satisfying resolution. The reunion of Zelda and Terrako provides a heartwarming conclusion to the game, offering a sense of closure and hope.
-
Who is the final boss in Age of Calamity?
Calamity Ganon is the final boss of the main story of Age of Calamity.
-
What is the hardest Age of Calamity boss?
Many players consider Calamity Ganon, Thunderblight Ganon, and the Malice Lynel among the most challenging bosses in Age of Calamity. These bosses require strategic gameplay and mastery of the combat mechanics to overcome.
-
Will there be DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
According to the official word from Nintendo, there are currently no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The developers feel they were able to incorporate all of their ideas in this world and story.
-
What’s the connection between Age of Calamity and learning?
While a hack-and-slash game may not seem educational, it offers many valuable lessons that align with the goals of the Games Learning Society. Age of Calamity teaches strategy, resource management, problem-solving, and teamwork (in multiplayer). Furthermore, its narrative, rich in lore and historical context, can spark interest in history and storytelling. You can learn more about the intersection of gaming and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers more than just a thrilling combat experience; it delivers a compelling narrative with multiple layers of emotional depth. While it presents only one official ending in the traditional sense, the secret ending serves as a worthy additional point that enhances the gaming experience. The effort required to unlock the secret ending is well worth it, offering a truly satisfying conclusion to this memorable chapter in the Legend of Zelda universe. It truly embodies the spirit of triumph and hope, making the journey through Hyrule’s darkest hour a worthwhile and rewarding experience.