Is Hyrule Warriors Connected to Breath of the Wild? A Deep Dive
The relationship between Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is complex and often misunderstood. The short answer is: yes, they are connected, but not in the traditional sense of a direct sequel or prequel within the same timeline. While Age of Calamity is explicitly set as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, it exists in a separate, alternate timeline. Think of it as a “what if” scenario, rooted in the established world and lore but diverging due to a key plot device. This article will explore this connection in depth and address many frequently asked questions surrounding this popular Zelda spin-off.
The Prequel Premise and Timeline Divergence
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is positioned as a prequel, exploring the events of the Great Calamity that ravaged Hyrule 100 years before the start of Breath of the Wild. This is a pivotal period in the Zelda lore, and Age of Calamity allows players to witness the events firsthand, fighting alongside Link, Zelda, and the Champions of Hyrule.
However, a key event in the plot causes the timeline to splinter. The game introduces a small guardian named Terrako, who is sent back in time from the moment of Hyrule Castle’s fall in the original Breath of the Wild timeline. This intervention alters the course of events, creating a new timeline distinct from the main one depicted in Breath of the Wild. So while it borrows characters, locations, and lore, the ultimate narrative outcome differs.
The core of the confusion arises from this dual existence; it’s a prequel to Breath of the Wild in setting and story, but not in the timeline’s narrative consistency. This has led to a debate about canonicity, which we’ll delve into later.
Gameplay and Narrative Connections
Despite existing in a different timeline, Age of Calamity is deeply intertwined with Breath of the Wild in terms of its gameplay and narrative elements:
- Character Roster: You can play as iconic characters from Breath of the Wild, including Link, Zelda, the four Champions (Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa), and other key figures. Each character possesses unique fighting styles and abilities.
- Setting and Locations: The game takes place in familiar locations from Breath of the Wild, albeit 100 years prior. Players can explore these areas before they were ravaged by the Calamity, witnessing the thriving, vibrant kingdom that once existed.
- Story Expansion: Age of Calamity provides crucial context and backstory to the events alluded to in Breath of the Wild. It reveals details about the Champions’ relationships, the struggles faced by the kingdom, and the events leading to the Great Calamity.
- Enemy Designs and Combat: Many of the enemy types, combat mechanics, and visual designs are consistent with those found in Breath of the Wild, maintaining a sense of familiarity.
While the gameplay is significantly different (it’s a musou or hack-and-slash game, whereas Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure), its commitment to the visual and narrative language of Breath of the Wild reinforces the sense of connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the relationship between these two games, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity a direct prequel to Breath of the Wild?
No, while it is set 100 years before Breath of the Wild and explores the Great Calamity, it exists in an alternate timeline due to the intervention of Terrako. It’s a “what-if” scenario, not a linear prequel in the main timeline.
2. Does Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity spoil Breath of the Wild?
Not significantly. While it depicts the events leading up to the Calamity and shows the defeat of the Champions, these are already known elements from Breath of the Wild. The recreation of a boss fight is different, so there isn’t a real risk of major spoilers.
3. Is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity considered canon?
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is generally considered non-canon due to the timeline divergence caused by Terrako’s time travel. The events in Age of Calamity do not align directly with the established timeline of Breath of the Wild.
4. Is Ganon playable in Age of Calamity?
Yes, Calamity Ganon is a playable character in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, unlocked through gameplay progression.
5. What characters can you play as in Age of Calamity?
You can play as many characters from Breath of the Wild, such as Link, Zelda, the four Champions (Mipha, Daruk, Revali, Urbosa), Impa, and other familiar faces. There are also secret characters to unlock.
6. How does Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity differ from Breath of the Wild?
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a musou or hack-and-slash game focused on large-scale battles against hordes of enemies, whereas Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and a more deliberate combat system.
7. Does Age of Calamity have a secret ending?
Yes, there is a secret ending that can be unlocked by completing post-game content and fulfilling certain challenges. It provides an extended narrative conclusion.
8. Is it necessary to play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity before Tears of the Kingdom?
No, it’s not necessary. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild. While Age of Calamity provides backstory to characters and locations, it is not essential to understanding Tears of the Kingdom.
9. How long does it take to 100% complete Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity?
Completing the main story takes around 24.5 hours, but achieving 100% completion can take up to 76 hours or more, depending on playstyle.
10. Why is Ganon called Calamity Ganon?
Calamity Ganon is the form Ganon takes in Breath of the Wild. He is a being of pure malice, unable to properly reincarnate due to past defeats and is depicted as a twisted mass of body parts and malice.
11. Is Zelda a Queen in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity?
While she is referred to as “Queen Zelda” in the game, this is more a designation of her position as the ruler of Hyrule. In the timeline of Age of Calamity she isn’t shown as having been crowned, unlike the Hyrule Warriors original game where she is definitely the Queen.
12. Is Hyrule Warriors a spin-off title?
Yes, Hyrule Warriors is considered a spin-off title from the main Legend of Zelda series. It is not part of the main story arc, despite borrowing characters and settings from the series.
13. Where does the original Hyrule Warriors fit into the timeline?
The original Hyrule Warriors features a multiverse scenario where different timelines come together, with characters from games like Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, and Twilight Princess. These elements are separate from Age of Calamity.
14. Who is the most powerful character in Hyrule Warriors?
In the Hyrule Warriors universe, Link is usually considered one of the most powerful characters due to his adaptable moveset. However, other powerful characters like King Daphnes and Ganondorf are also notable.
15. Does Hyrule Warriors have post-game content?
Yes, after completing the main story, Age of Calamity unlocks post-game content, including new missions, challenges, and the opportunity to unlock the secret ending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is intimately connected to Breath of the Wild as a prequel in terms of setting, characters, and story elements. However, the game exists in an alternate timeline and is not canon to the main narrative of Breath of the Wild. It provides a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the Great Calamity but should be viewed as a separate, parallel story. The game serves as a fantastic way to spend more time with the beloved characters, and experience the world of Breath of the Wild in a totally different combat-driven style. So, while the connection is strong, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a prequel and an alternate timeline.