Will Tears of the Kingdom Use Save Data from Breath of the Wild?
The burning question on every Legend of Zelda fan’s mind: Does Tears of the Kingdom utilize save data from Breath of the Wild? The answer is both yes and no, depending on what you’re expecting. While your progress, fully upgraded armor, and meticulously collected inventory don’t directly transfer, Tears of the Kingdom does leverage your Breath of the Wild save data in subtle yet impactful ways. The game performs a one-time import of save data when you first launch it. This primarily influences a few key elements, notably your registered horses from the previous game. So, while you won’t be strutting around Hyrule Field with your maxed-out Master Sword from the get-go, your bond with your trusty steed will carry over, ensuring a familiar face greets you early in your new adventure. Ganondorf, in the first moments, we’ll see Ganondorf strip him of his power and abilities.
Understanding the Save Data Connection
The relationship between Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) is nuanced. It’s not a traditional save data transfer where your character’s stats and possessions are copied over. Instead, it’s more of a recognition of your past experiences within the world of Hyrule.
Registered Horses: A Bond That Transcends Games
The most significant impact of your BOTW save data is on your registered horses. Upon reaching a stable in TOTK, the game will recognize your registered horses from your Breath of the Wild save file, allowing you to retrieve them. This is a wonderful callback to your previous journey and a great way to jumpstart your exploration of the new Hyrule.
Subtle World Details
While less explicit, it’s speculated that your actions in BOTW might influence minor world details and NPC dialogues in TOTK. This is based on observations from players and hints from Nintendo, suggesting that the game remembers your general progression and certain choices you made in the previous installment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Breath of the Wild save data and Tears of the Kingdom:
1. Does my inventory from Breath of the Wild transfer to Tears of the Kingdom?
No, your inventory, weapons, armor, and other collected items from Breath of the Wild do not transfer to Tears of the Kingdom. You start fresh with limited resources, forcing you to re-explore and re-equip yourself.
2. Will my unlocked map locations from Breath of the Wild be unlocked in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, map progress is also reset. While the underlying map of Hyrule is similar, the new sky islands and underground areas necessitate a fresh exploration. You’ll need to re-discover and re-activate the Sheikah Towers, now replaced by Skyview Towers, to uncover the map.
3. Can I still find Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, you can! If you had Epona registered in Breath of the Wild, she will be available for retrieval at a stable in Tears of the Kingdom, provided you have your BOTW save data. You may need to own the Amiibo to get Epona again.
4. Does Tears of the Kingdom remember my defeated enemies or completed quests from Breath of the Wild?
Not directly. The world has changed, and new challenges have emerged. While some characters might reference past events, your specific quest log and defeated enemies are not carried over.
5. Is it necessary to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While not necessary, playing Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom is highly recommended. It provides context for the world, characters, and gameplay mechanics, enhancing your overall experience. The basic controls are the same in the sequel, too, so BOTW veterans will naturally hit the ground running quicker in TOTK.
6. Does the difficulty level from Breath of the Wild affect Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Tears of the Kingdom has its own difficulty curve, independent of your Breath of the Wild experience. Master Mode, in particular, doesn’t carry over.
7. How does Tears of the Kingdom handle the timeline and continuity with Breath of the Wild?
Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel, taking place roughly five years after the events of Breath of the Wild. The game builds upon the established lore and world, expanding it with new elements and mysteries. Some plot points, such as the Imprisoning War, change the in-game history.
8. Will my amiibo unlocks from Breath of the Wild work in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, your amiibo unlocks from Breath of the Wild will generally work in Tears of the Kingdom, providing similar items and benefits. The most noble steed in Hyrule. Epona, the most noble of steeds, can be obtained in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but you need to meet some out-of-game requirements to get her.
9. Does Tears of the Kingdom have a larger file size than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom has a significantly larger file size. Tears of the Kingdom’s 18.2GB file size makes it the largest Switch-exclusive Nintendo title, with Breath of the Wild coming in at just 14.4GB before it.
10. Can I transfer my horses between different Nintendo Switch consoles using save data transfer?
Yes, using the Nintendo Switch’s save data transfer feature, you can move your save data, including horse registrations, between consoles.
11. What happens if my horse from Breath of the Wild dies in Tears of the Kingdom?
If your horse dies in Tears of the Kingdom, you can revive it at the Malanya Spring, just like in Breath of the Wild.
12. Are there new types of horses to find and tame in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom introduces new horse breeds and variations to discover and tame throughout Hyrule.
13. Does playing Breath of the Wild give me any gameplay advantages in Tears of the Kingdom, besides horse retrieval?
Yes, familiarity with the world, controls, and enemy types will give you a significant head start. You’ll understand the basic mechanics and be better equipped to tackle the challenges of Tears of the Kingdom.
14. How does the story of Tears of the Kingdom connect to the events of Breath of the Wild?
Tears of the Kingdom picks up shortly after the conclusion of Breath of the Wild, with Hyrule facing a new threat. The game explores the aftermath of the Calamity and delves deeper into the history of Hyrule and its connection to the ancient Zonai civilization.
15. Will future Zelda games continue to build upon the save data from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
It’s difficult to say definitively. Nintendo’s approach to save data and continuity may evolve with future titles. While direct transfers are unlikely, subtle nods and references to past adventures remain a possibility. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom advances the story of Breath of the Wild, and while it was speculated the game may be the last in the current timeline, it doesn’t necessarily spell the end of the entire franchise.
Conclusion
While Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t offer a full save data transfer from Breath of the Wild, it intelligently incorporates elements from your previous adventure, most notably your registered horses. This subtle connection rewards players who have explored and invested in the world of Breath of the Wild, while still providing a fresh and challenging experience for all. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer to Hyrule, Tears of the Kingdom offers an unforgettable journey that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor.
The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org fosters research and collaboration on the intersection of games and learning, and the immersive world of Tears of the Kingdom offers numerous opportunities for educational exploration. It also discusses the way we use games to learn new skills and adapt to new technologies.