Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – New Game or Just DLC?
The question of whether Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a standalone game or just downloadable content (DLC) is a common one, especially amongst fans of the Legend of Zelda series. The short answer is: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a completely separate, standalone game and not DLC for another title. It’s understandable why confusion might arise, given its connection to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its own Expansion Pass featuring additional content. However, it’s crucial to understand that Age of Calamity is a full-fledged title that offers a unique gaming experience, quite distinct from Breath of the Wild or any of its DLC.
The game is set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, portraying the Great Calamity and offering a different perspective on that pivotal point in Hyrule’s history. Its gameplay style is distinctly different from BotW too. It is a musou style game, pitting you against hordes of enemies, unlike the open-world exploration of its Zelda counterpart. This alone differentiates it significantly from what DLC would typically offer, which usually expands on the existing gameplay mechanics and storyline of the original title.
While it’s a separate game, it does offer its own Expansion Pass DLC. This pass provides two waves of downloadable content that add new playable characters, stages, and story elements. These DLC expansions are additions to Age of Calamity and not separate games themselves. The presence of DLC might contribute to the confusion, but it reinforces the fact that Age of Calamity is a full game with its own post-launch support, much like Breath of the Wild had its DLC. The game is developed by Koei Tecmo, while Breath of the Wild was created by Nintendo/MonolithSoft. This also reinforces that these are two very different games.
Understanding the Difference: Standalone vs. DLC
To be clear, the difference is fundamental. A DLC adds content to an existing game. This might be new areas, characters, or story elements that expand the experience within the bounds of the original game’s mechanics. Age of Calamity doesn’t work this way. It operates independently, with its own storyline, gameplay, and progression. While it is set within the Zelda timeline and before Breath of the Wild, it’s not a part of the same core game. Think of it as a companion title, set in the same world, but a completely different genre of game.
This difference is clear when you see the sheer scope of the game. Age of Calamity is not a small add-on to Breath of the Wild. It features an intricate story, diverse character roster, and hours upon hours of gameplay. It stands on its own two legs as a full title and should be treated as such. It allows players to engage with the events leading to Breath of the Wild from an entirely new angle, playing a key role in understanding the lore and backstory of the Calamity.
The Age of Calamity Expansion Pass
The Age of Calamity Expansion Pass features two distinct waves of DLC. The first, titled “Pulse of the Ancients,” adds new playable characters, challenges, and weapon types. The second wave introduces even more playable characters, particularly the quirky duo Purah and Robbie, and additional stages and story elements. While the DLC enhances the overall experience of Age of Calamity, it doesn’t alter its fundamental nature as a standalone game.
The DLC also introduces additional story that runs alongside the main game, with the first DLC mission acting as a flashback, while subsequent DLC events happen during the original game’s story. The DLC has an impact on the overall story, much like side quests do, but it also should be played when you are happy with the main story’s conclusion.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify aspects about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity:
1. Is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity a Prequel to Breath of the Wild 2 (Tears of the Kingdom)?
Yes, Age of Calamity is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, showcasing events that occur 100 years prior to it. However, it is not a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, and Age of Calamity is a separate game that explores a different segment of Hyrule’s history.
2. Is Ganon Playable in Age of Calamity?
Yes, Calamity Ganon is a playable character in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Unlocking him is a rewarding experience for players and offers a unique perspective on the character.
3. Why is Age of Calamity not Considered Canon?
Despite its close ties to the Breath of the Wild universe, Age of Calamity is considered non-canon in the official Zelda timeline. This is because the game’s narrative deviates from the events previously established by Nintendo as canon, making it an alternative interpretation of events rather than a definitive retelling.
4. What Does the Age of Calamity DLC Add?
The Age of Calamity Expansion Pass adds several things, including new playable characters such as Purah and Robbie, new stages, emotional story sequences and challenges. These additions enhance the main game’s experience, providing more content to engage with and further explore the world.
5. Does Age of Calamity Have Multiple Endings?
Yes, Age of Calamity has a secret ending which is unlocked by collecting Terrako parts and completing the “Terrako Returns” mission. This ending gives further closure and is different from just completing the standard storyline.
6. How Long is Age of Calamity?
The main story of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity takes approximately 24½ hours to complete. For those aiming for 100% completion, the playtime can extend to around 76 hours.
7. Should I Play the DLC After Finishing the Main Story?
Yes, it is generally recommended to complete the main story first before diving into the DLC. The DLC expands upon the existing narrative, and it’s best experienced once you’ve had the main story reach a satisfactory conclusion. It also has an impact on the story which is most enjoyable when you have finished the main arc.
8. How Many Playable Characters are in Age of Calamity (Including DLC)?
There are a total of 18 playable characters in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, including those unlocked via the base game and the expansion pass. Each character has their own unique combat abilities and gameplay style, offering a variety of experiences.
9. Is Age of Calamity a Grindy Game?
While Age of Calamity‘s post-game content can be grindy, there are methods to efficiently obtain rupees, weapons, and materials. With careful planning and strategic play, it’s possible to lessen the grind aspect of the game.
10. How Old is Link in Age of Calamity?
While Link’s exact age isn’t specified in Age of Calamity, he is generally considered to be on the younger side, likely under 18, as is consistent with many of his other appearances in the series.
11. Why is Age of Calamity Rated T for Teen?
Age of Calamity is rated T for Teen due to fantasy violence which includes a lot of fighting but not gorey violence. This rating is standard for games in the Zelda franchise that involve combat.
12. Is Age of Calamity Repetitive?
While Age of Calamity‘s action is repetitive, it can be relaxing. The gameplay is focused on large-scale battles where the player faces hordes of enemies, so the core mechanics are consistent throughout.
13. What is the Secret Ending in Age of Calamity?
The secret ending involves Terrako being repaired by Robbie and regaining its memories, ultimately reuniting Terrako and Zelda. This is a poignant cutscene which gives additional emotional closure to the story.
14. How Do You Unlock All DLC Characters in Age of Calamity?
DLC characters are unlocked via playing through DLC missions, after purchasing the expansion pass. Link, Impa, Zelda, and Mipha are unlocked through the main story as you progress.
15. What Did the DLC Add to Breath of the Wild?
The Breath of the Wild DLC added new challenges, modes, and items to the game, such as The Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, Hero’s Path Mode, and several new armor sets. These DLC packs also include the Champions Ballad storyline.
In conclusion, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a full standalone game and not a DLC. It’s a unique experience set in the Zelda universe with its own style of gameplay, story, and expansion pass. It’s a must-play for those looking to delve deeper into the events leading up to Breath of the Wild, and it stands on its own as a fun and engaging title.