Tears of the Kingdom: A Deep Dive into its Placement After Breath of the Wild
Yes, without a doubt, Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) takes place after Breath of the Wild (BotW). It’s a direct sequel, building upon the established world, characters, and lore of its predecessor. While the exact time gap is open to interpretation and some debate, the narrative clearly continues from where BotW left off, with Link and Zelda still exploring and protecting Hyrule. This continuation is evident in the familiar yet evolved landscape, returning characters, and the lingering impact of the Calamity Ganon’s defeat.
Understanding the Timeline: How Much Time Passes?
Pinpointing the precise number of years between BotW and TotK is tricky. Nintendo hasn’t given us an official figure, leaving players to rely on in-game clues and observations. This leads to varied estimates, but most agree it’s been several years.
Based on the article information provided, it suggests varying estimates on the time difference. Some argue for a shorter gap of 2-3 years, citing the changes in Hyrule and NPC dialogue. However, the consensus online, particularly on platforms like Reddit, leans towards a longer period, closer to 5-6 years. This is largely based on the apparent growth of characters like Hudson’s daughter, which indicates a more significant passage of time.
Ultimately, the exact duration remains subjective, but it’s clear that TotK isn’t set immediately after BotW. A few years have passed, allowing Hyrule to begin its recovery while simultaneously introducing new threats and mysteries.
Story and Setting: A Familiar Yet Transformed Hyrule
One of the most compelling aspects of TotK is how it reuses and reimagines the map from BotW. While the landscape is instantly recognizable, significant changes have occurred. New settlements have sprung up, existing locations have been rebuilt, and, most dramatically, the Sky Islands have appeared, adding an entirely new dimension to exploration.
This transformation isn’t just cosmetic; it reflects the passage of time and the efforts of Hyrule’s inhabitants to rebuild after the Calamity. The presence of Gloom, a poisonous substance seeping from beneath Hyrule Castle, further underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the kingdom.
The narrative of TotK directly addresses the aftermath of BotW, with Link and Zelda investigating the source of the Gloom and uncovering a far older and more dangerous threat. Characters who played pivotal roles in BotW, such as the Champions’ descendants, also return, further solidifying the sequel’s connection to its predecessor.
Time Travel and the Zelda Timeline
The article references time travel in Tears of the Kingdom and its potential impact on the Zelda timeline. The Zelda series has a famously complex timeline, with multiple branches and interpretations. TotK’s inclusion of time travel elements could further complicate or even clarify certain aspects of the timeline. The article points out that the title itself suggests a possible time travel theme and could be the beginning of the franchise’s now-infamous timeline split.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tears of the Kingdom and its Relation to Breath of the Wild
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tears of the Kingdom, with answers crafted by your seasoned Zelda expert:
1. Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While not strictly required, playing Breath of the Wild is highly recommended. TotK builds upon BotW’s story, characters, and world. Understanding the events of BotW will significantly enhance your appreciation of TotK’s narrative and the changes that have occurred in Hyrule. Plus, the basic controls are the same, so BotW veterans will find themselves at an advantage. Furthermore, The Games Learning Society would agree that understanding the first game will set you up for a more enriched learning process as you progress with the sequel.
2. How many shrines are in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. 120 are located on the surface of Hyrule, while the remaining 32 are scattered throughout the Sky Islands. Be prepared for plenty of physics-based puzzles!
3. How is Zelda alive in Tears of the Kingdom after her sacrifice?
Zelda’s survival is tied to the powers of Sonia and Rauru, who possess control over time and light, respectively. As their descendant, Zelda inherits a bit of both, allowing her to be transformed and ultimately rescued. The specifics are revealed within the game’s narrative.
4. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Considering his age in Breath of the Wild (approximately 117, plus the decade he spent with Zelda rebuilding Hyrule), Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom.
5. Is the Triforce present in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Triforce is notably absent during Zelda’s magical displays in Tears of the Kingdom. While it might still reside within her, its manifestation could be suppressed by her use of the Secret Stone as a magical focus. Some theories suggest Zelda’s use of it in BotW caused it to disappear.
6. Will there be DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?
Unfortunately, no DLC is planned for Tears of the Kingdom. The developers feel they’ve implemented all the elements they wanted to achieve within the game’s world and story.
7. How old is Purah in Tears of the Kingdom?
While Purah’s exact age isn’t explicitly stated in Tears of the Kingdom, she was described as being around 124 years old in Breath of the Wild. Given the time gap, she’s likely still around that age, thanks to her anti-aging experiments.
8. Is Tears of the Kingdom set on the same map as Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom does take place on the same Hyrule map as Breath of the Wild. However, the map has undergone significant changes, with new locations, settlements, and the addition of the Sky Islands, making it feel like a fresh experience.
9. Why is there no explicit mention of the Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom?
The absence of the Triforce is a subject of debate. One theory suggests that Zelda’s wish granted by the Triforce at the end of Breath of the Wild caused it to disappear. Other theories propose the Triforce was destroyed before the Calamity.
10. Can you get Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Epona can be obtained in Tears of the Kingdom, but it requires meeting certain out-of-game requirements. This usually involves transferring save data from previous Zelda titles or using Amiibo.
11. How old is Mipha?
Mipha’s age in Zora years is roughly equivalent to Link and Zelda’s age. In human years, she is about 55 years old.
12. Is there a romantic relationship between Link and Zelda?
While there’s no explicitly confirmed romantic relationship between Link and Zelda, their bond is portrayed as a loving and caring relationship. The nature of their connection is open to interpretation, but a deep affection and mutual respect are undeniable.
13. Does Link speak in Tears of the Kingdom?
As with previous Zelda titles, Link does not speak in Tears of the Kingdom. However, his expressions and actions effectively convey his thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
14. Will Tears of the Kingdom have a post-game?
Unfortunately, just like in Breath of the Wild, there is no true post-game in Tears of the Kingdom. After defeating the final boss, you’re returned to the title screen, unable to explore the world in a post-ending state.
15. How does Zelda live for a hundred years in Breath of the Wild?
The current theory is that Zelda created a magical barrier around Hyrule Castle, preventing Calamity Ganon from escaping. In doing so, Zelda may have separated Hyrule Castle from the universe’s fabric of spacetime.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Successor
Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the foundation laid by Breath of the Wild, offering a familiar yet transformed world, a compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics. While the exact timeline placement and the absence of certain iconic elements might spark debate, there’s no question that TotK is a worthy successor to BotW and a must-play for any Zelda fan. If you want to understand more about video games and how they teach people, take a look at GamesLearningSociety.org.