Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – A Sequel to Breath of the Wild? Exploring the Timeline Conundrum

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No, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is NOT a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild (BotW) in the traditional sense. Instead, it occupies a far more complex and intriguing space within the Zelda universe. It’s simultaneously a prequel to BotW, set 100 years before its events, and a sequel to the original Hyrule Warriors game released in 2014. This makes it a unique case, a spin-off that plays with established lore while forging its own distinct path within the Hyrulean tapestry. Age of Calamity alters the timeline that was set up in Breath of the Wild, and presents a new vision of the events leading up to the Great Calamity.

The Chronological Knot: Untangling Age of Calamity’s Place

Age of Calamity is a Dynasty Warriors spin-off, often referred to as a “musou” game. In the game, players control Zelda characters while fighting off swaths of enemies using combos and special attacks. Although the combat gameplay is much different than what is seen in Breath of the Wild, the art style is almost exactly the same.

The storyline begins prior to the Great Calamity, offering a glimpse into the lives and relationships of characters like Link, Zelda, the four Champions (Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa), and King Rhoam. However, a crucial narrative twist throws a wrench into the perceived prequel status. A mini-Guardian, sent back in time from BotW’s timeline, alters the course of events. This creates a branching timeline, a parallel Hyrule where the future is no longer set in stone.

Why It’s Not a Straight Prequel

While Age of Calamity uses the world, characters, and setting of BotW, the time-travel element introduces significant deviations. Characters who died in BotW’s backstory survive in Age of Calamity’s altered timeline. Princess Zelda unlocks her powers earlier. These changes directly contradict the established history of BotW, meaning that what happens in Age of Calamity isn’t canon to Breath of the Wild.

It’s important to understand this subtle distinction. Age of Calamity doesn’t simply tell the story of what happened before BotW. It presents an alternate version of those events, one where the heroes have a chance to rewrite their destinies. Thus, it’s more accurate to consider it a companion piece to BotW, offering a different perspective on the Calamity and its key players.

The Dynasty Warriors Connection

Age of Calamity is a sequel to the original Hyrule Warriors is often overlooked. This connection is crucial for understanding the game’s DNA. Hyrule Warriors (2014) was itself a spin-off, blending Zelda characters and lore with the gameplay mechanics of Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors franchise. Age of Calamity builds upon this foundation, refining the musou gameplay and adding a Breath of the Wild aesthetic and narrative layer. Therefore, in addition to being a companion piece to Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity is also a spin-off.

The game draws heavy inspiration from the Zelda franchise, but it has a very different form of gameplay. Players run around a battlefield, using basic attacks and special attacks to knock out large groups of enemies. This gameplay is much different from what is seen in Breath of the Wild.

What This Means for Breath of the Wild 2 (Tears of the Kingdom)

The altered timeline of Age of Calamity raises interesting questions about the future of the Zelda franchise, particularly concerning Tears of the Kingdom. Will Nintendo acknowledge the events of Age of Calamity in the next mainline installment? Will elements from this alternate timeline find their way into BotW’s sequel? The potential impact on the story and characters of Tears of the Kingdom remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Age of Calamity

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that help to clarify the multifaceted relationship between Age of Calamity and the broader Zelda universe. For more insights into the world of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

1. Is Age of Calamity canon? No. Due to the changes made to the timeline, Age of Calamity is considered non-canon to the main Legend of Zelda series.
2. Does Age of Calamity spoil Breath of the Wild? While it reveals details about the events leading up to the Great Calamity, it’s best understood after playing BotW. Playing BotW first provides a context and emotional connection that enhances the Age of Calamity experience.
3. Can you play as Ganon in Age of Calamity? Yes, you can unlock and play as Calamity Ganon after completing specific post-game challenges.
4. Are the Champions alive in Age of Calamity? In the altered timeline of Age of Calamity, the Champions survive, thanks to Zelda unlocking her powers earlier and the intervention of the time-traveling mini-Guardian.
5. Is Age of Calamity repetitive? The musou gameplay can be repetitive, but it is also “relaxed and comfortable”. It focuses on defeating hordes of enemies with powerful combos.
6. What happened between Age of Calamity and Breath of the Wild in the new timeline? The end of Age of Calamity sees Princess Zelda sealing Calamity Ganon, and the beginning of a new timeline where the events of BotW never took place.
7. Is Age of Calamity a good game? Yes. It is considered a “hugely enjoyable, impressively authentic Zelda spin-off”.
8. Is Age of Calamity a spin-off? Yes. It is a spin-off from both the Legend of Zelda franchise and the Hyrule Warriors series.
9. Is Age of Calamity part of the Zelda timeline? Age of Calamity takes place on a different timeline than Breath of the Wild.
10. Do you fight Ganon in Age of Calamity? Yes, you do. Fighting Ganon is the culminating action of the game.
11. Why isn’t Age of Calamity canon? Age of Calamity is not canon because it irreconcilably changes the events and their order from what Nintendo has previously established.
12. Can you play as Mipha in Age of Calamity? Yes, and you will want to!
13. What creature is Calamity Ganon? His physical form Calamity Ganon is a grotesque monster that resembles a spider equipped with various weapons.
14. Is there a secret ending in Age of Calamity? Yes, there is a secret ending in Age of Calamity that is easy to miss if you don’t progress far into the post-game content.
15. What Age of Calamity’s NEW timeline could mean for Breath of the Wild 2? While speculative, the new timeline raises questions about potential elements or characters from Age of Calamity influencing the events of Tears of the Kingdom.

Age of Calamity is far more than a simple prequel or sequel. It’s a unique narrative experiment, one that enriches the Breath of the Wild universe while simultaneously standing apart as its own distinct entity. Whether you consider it a historical retelling, an alternate reality, or simply a fun Dynasty Warriors spin-off, its place within the Zelda canon is undoubtedly complex and compelling. It’s a game that invites discussion, analysis, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of the Zelda timeline.