Will Tears of the Kingdom Have DLC? The Definitive Answer and More
The burning question on every Zelda fan’s mind since the dust settled on Hyrule’s latest adventure: will Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) receive downloadable content (DLC)? The short answer, and perhaps a disappointing one for some, is no. Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Legend of Zelda series, has explicitly stated that there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. Let’s delve into why, what this means for the future of Zelda, and explore some common questions surrounding this decision.
The Aonuma Declaration: A Complete Vision
Aonuma’s reasoning, as expressed in interviews, is that the development team managed to implement all the elements and ideas they envisioned for this particular world and story within the base game itself. He stated, “we were able to implement all of the elements that we wanted to achieve in this world and this story, so there will not be any DLC. Please continue to enjoy the vast world of Hyrule.” This suggests a sense of creative completeness and a desire to move onto new challenges. The team felt they had “done all we can do to create play in that world”.
This differs from Breath of the Wild, which did receive two substantial DLC packs: The Master Trials and The Champion’s Ballad. The decision not to pursue DLC for TotK indicates that the team believes they’ve fully explored the potential of this iteration of Hyrule. The developers are now eager to embark on a new project.
What Does This Mean for the Zelda Series?
While disappointing to those hoping for more adventures in Hyrule, the lack of DLC for Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t signify the end of the Zelda franchise by any means. On the contrary, it signals a new beginning. Nintendo clearly values innovation and fresh experiences. This choice signifies a willingness to explore entirely new concepts, mechanics, and possibly even a different Hyrule in the next installment.
With rumors swirling about a Nintendo Switch successor, the next mainline Zelda game could be a launch title, either as a dual release or an exclusive for the new console. Either way, the future of Zelda remains bright and full of possibilities.
Exploring Alternatives: What to Do Now?
Just because there’s no official DLC doesn’t mean the adventure ends here. Tears of the Kingdom is enormous, offering countless hours of gameplay. You can aim to complete all the shrines, side quests, and discover every secret location. Experiment with different builds and weapon combinations. You can even challenge yourself with unique playthroughs, such as completing the game without using the paraglider or visiting the surface.
And, of course, there are many other fantastic games to explore! This could be the perfect time to revisit Breath of the Wild, discover other open-world adventures, or delve into entirely new genres.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity and context around the decision not to release DLC for Tears of the Kingdom:
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Is Tears of the Kingdom truly “done” without DLC?
According to Nintendo, yes. They believe they’ve fully realized their vision for this game world and story.
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Will there ever be a change of heart and DLC be released later?
While never say never, Aonuma’s statements are quite definitive. It’s unlikely DLC will be released after these announcements.
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What are the developers working on now?
The development team has confirmed they are starting work on a brand new Zelda project, indicating a shift in focus towards the next installment in the series.
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Will the next Zelda game be similar to Tears of the Kingdom?
It’s impossible to say for sure, but Nintendo is known for innovating with each Zelda title. Expect new mechanics, worlds, and stories.
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Will the next Zelda game be on the current Nintendo Switch?
Unlikely. With a Switch successor anticipated, the next Zelda game is more likely to be a dual release or exclusive to the new hardware.
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Is Tears of the Kingdom the last Zelda game ever?
Absolutely not! The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most beloved and successful franchises. More games are inevitable.
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Is there a post-game in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, similar to Breath of the Wild, there is no post-game. After the final boss fight, you’re returned to the title screen.
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How does Tears of the Kingdom compare to Breath of the Wild in terms of size?
Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger, with two additional layers to explore: the Sky Islands and the Depths. The Depths alone are the size of the surface map.
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Is Tears of the Kingdom better than Breath of the Wild?
That’s subjective! Tears of the Kingdom improves upon Breath of the Wild in many ways, such as offering more intricate side quests, visually stunning graphics, and more diverse travel options. However, Breath of the Wild holds a special place in many hearts for its groundbreaking open-world design.
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Why is Tears of the Kingdom more expensive than other games?
Nintendo stated the price reflects the type of experience fans can expect, suggesting a large and content-filled game.
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Is there a deluxe version of Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Collector’s Edition includes a SteelBook case, a concept art booklet, a poster, and a set of four enamel pins.
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Can you beat Tears of the Kingdom without the Master Sword?
Yes, it is entirely possible to complete the game without obtaining the Master Sword.
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Is Kass from Breath of the Wild in Tears of the Kingdom?
Sadly, Kass is largely absent from Tears of the Kingdom, much to the disappointment of many fans.
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Does Tears of the Kingdom have traditional Zelda dungeons?
While there are dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom, they don’t fully return to the classic Zelda format. There are no maps or compasses, nor a key item to discover.
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Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?
Explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, resources, and insights into the intersection of games and learning. GamesLearningSociety.org is a valuable resource.
In conclusion, while the absence of DLC for Tears of the Kingdom might be a letdown for some, it’s a strategic decision that paves the way for exciting new adventures in the Zelda universe. The team wants to move on to new projects. So, embrace the vastness of Hyrule as it is, and look forward to the next chapter in the legendary saga.