Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – A New Timeline Forged in Time Travel?
Yes, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity definitively creates a new, separate timeline within the Legend of Zelda multiverse. While initially marketed as a prequel depicting the events leading up to Breath of the Wild, the introduction of time travel fundamentally alters the course of history, resulting in a divergent reality where the Great Calamity unfolds differently than in the established Breath of the Wild canon. A crucial element of the story is the benevolent “mini-guardian” Terrako, who travels back in time, warning Zelda, Link, and the Champions about the impending doom. This action alone sets in motion a cascade of changes, ensuring that the events of Breath of the Wild do not come to pass as previously known.
The Paradox of a Prequel That Isn’t
The initial expectation was straightforward: Age of Calamity would be a detailed, action-packed retelling of the events mentioned, but largely unseen, in Breath of the Wild. Players were eager to witness the rise of the Champions, the tragic fall of Hyrule Castle, and the struggles of Zelda and Link against the seemingly unstoppable forces of Calamity Ganon. However, the introduction of time travel throws this premise entirely out of the window.
Instead of a faithful recounting, Age of Calamity presents an alternate version of events. Characters who died in the original timeline survive, alliances are forged in unexpected ways, and the ultimate outcome of the war shifts dramatically. This deviation from the established narrative transforms the game from a simple prequel into a branching point within the vast Legend of Zelda timeline.
The game centers around the effects of Terrako’s intervention, which serves as a catalyst for a completely new chain of events. It’s important to keep in mind that time travel is a narrative device with the power to reshape the very fabric of reality within the Zelda universe.
Why It Matters: Canon and the Zelda Multiverse
The question of whether Age of Calamity is part of the “canon” is a complex one, steeped in debate among Zelda enthusiasts. Nintendo has never explicitly stated its position on the game’s canonicity. Still, its deviation from established events strongly suggests that it is, in fact, non-canon, as per many interpretations.
The Zelda series is known for its intricate and often convoluted timeline, and Age of Calamity adds another layer of complexity. The original Hyrule Warriors games are considered non-canon by Nintendo because they drew inspiration from several games in the Zelda franchise, including Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. Whether Nintendo will eventually weave Age of Calamity into the official timeline remains to be seen, but for now, it is best understood as a compelling, alternate reality set within the Breath of the Wild universe. This approach is beneficial for storytelling, freeing the game from the constraints of strict adherence to existing lore and enabling unique and unexpected narrative possibilities. For those interested in the theoretical aspects of gaming and narrative, the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers many resources.
Examining Key Evidence for a New Timeline
Several key elements in Age of Calamity point unequivocally to its status as a separate timeline:
- Character Fates: Characters who met their demise in the original Breath of the Wild timeline, such as certain characters in the Champions’ inner circles, survive in Age of Calamity. This fundamental difference in their fates alone confirms the altered timeline.
- The Nature of Calamity Ganon: The influence of Terrako’s time travel also has an impact on the behavior and strength of Ganon and the Calamity. While the overall threat remains, the specific ways in which Ganon manifests and attacks Hyrule are altered.
- Unforeseen Alliances: The revised timeline sees the formation of new alliances and partnerships, which were not possible in the original Breath of the Wild timeline. These new relationships shift the dynamics of the war against Calamity Ganon and the Calamity itself.
- Terrako’s Role: The very existence and actions of Terrako are the most significant alteration to the timeline. A guardian does not travel back in time in Breath of the Wild.
These points illustrate that Age of Calamity is more than just a retelling of a familiar story; it is a reimagining of events that leads to a completely different outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Age of Calamity a prequel or sequel?
Age of Calamity is a prequel to Breath of the Wild, taking place 100 years before the events of the latter. However, it is important to consider the creation of a separate timeline.
2. Is Age of Calamity canon to the Zelda timeline?
While the core theme of the original Hyrule Warriors game is hacking and slashing through waves of enemies, Age of Calamity follows a plot rooted in the Zelda universe. It will serve as a prequel to Breath of the Wild and help fill in some of the game’s story gaps. Still, it is considered non-canon due to the time travel element.
3. What is Terrako’s role in Age of Calamity?
Terrako, a benevolent mini-guardian, travels back in time to warn Zelda, Link, and the Four Champions about the Great Calamity. Its actions directly alter the course of history, leading to a divergent timeline.
4. Do you fight Ganon in Age of Calamity?
Yes, you do fight Calamity Ganon in Age of Calamity. You first need to have all other playable characters unlocked, including Terrako.
5. How does Age of Calamity fit into the Zelda timeline?
Age of Calamity is set a century before the events of Breath of the Wild. However, due to time travel, it branches off into a new timeline, separate from the established Breath of the Wild continuity.
6. Is BOTW 2 a sequel to Age of Calamity?
Breath of the Wild 2 (Tears of the Kingdom) is a sequel to Breath of the Wild, not Age of Calamity.
7. Does Age of Calamity have multiple endings?
Age of Calamity has a secret ending that can be unlocked by completing post-game content. This unlocks an additional scene after completing the main story and rolling the credits.
8. What are some key differences between Age of Calamity and Breath of the Wild’s depiction of the Calamity?
Key differences include the survival of certain characters who died in Breath of the Wild, altered alliances, and changes to the nature of Calamity Ganon’s attacks.
9. Is Age of Calamity connected to Hyrule Warriors?
Like the original Hyrule Warriors (2014), Age of Calamity is a crossover that mixes the world and characters of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series with the gameplay of Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors series.
10. Is Ganon stronger during Blood Moon in Age of Calamity?
Previously, Breath of the Wild’s Blood Moon had a canonical explanation of Calamity Ganon’s power becoming temporarily and periodically stronger, escaping just enough from Princess Zelda’s hold to exert control over the moon. It is unlikely this is different in Age of Calamity.
11. What happens if you fight Ganon again in Age of Calamity?
Nothing changes during the Calamity Ganon fight for those who challenge him again. However, completing all Divine Beasts prior does add a bonus scene as the Divine Beasts weaken Calamity Ganon.
12. Is there a DLC for Age of Calamity?
There are two waves of downloadable content are coming in the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass DLC.
13. How old is Link in Age of Calamity?
It’s safe to say that Link is generally on the younger side and under the age of 18, regardless of his incarnation.
14. Why does Link not talk in Age of Calamity?
With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.
15. How many hearts should you have before Calamity Ganon?
30 Heart Containers in Breath of the Wild is more than enough to defeat Calamity Ganon.