Is Tears of the Kingdom in the Past?
Tears of the Kingdom is not set in the past, but rather it takes place thousands of years after nearly every other game in the series, with its story occurring directly after the events of Breath of the Wild. The game’s timeline is complex, with certain flashbacks delving into the distant past, but the main storyline is a sequel to Breath of the Wild, set in a future time period.
Understanding the Timeline
To grasp the concept of time in Tears of the Kingdom, it’s essential to consider the Zelda timeline as a whole. The series is known for its complex and sometimes contradictory narrative, with games often being set in different eras or even parallel universes. Tears of the Kingdom adds to this complexity with its time travel elements, which can make understanding the game’s placement in the timeline challenging.
Key Elements of the Game’s Story
Several key elements contribute to the storyline of Tears of the Kingdom, including the return of Ganondorf as the main villain and the introduction of new characters and plot twists. The game also explores the fate of Zelda and the mysterious events surrounding her disappearance. Furthermore, the game’s setting, which includes the same Hyrule map as Breath of the Wild, but with additions and changes, plays a significant role in understanding the game’s timeline and story.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs provide additional insights into Tears of the Kingdom and its place within the Zelda series:
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Is Tears of the Kingdom a prequel or sequel? Tears of the Kingdom is a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, retaining many aspects from the previous game, including the open world of Hyrule, which has been expanded for more vertical exploration.
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Does Tears of the Kingdom mess up the timeline? The inclusion of certain elements, such as the Sky, means that the in-game history clashes with that of Skyward Sword, potentially altering the perceived timeline of the series.
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Is Tears of the Kingdom set in the same map as Breath of the Wild? Yes, Tears of the Kingdom takes place on the same Hyrule map as its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, but with expansions and changes to allow for more vertical exploration.
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What happened to the Sheikah in Tears of the Kingdom? The Sheikah disappeared after the Calamity was defeated, with the reason for their disappearance remaining a mystery throughout the game.
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What timeline is Tears of the Kingdom? Tears of the Kingdom sits right after Breath of the Wild in the overall Legend of Zelda timeline, making it a direct sequel in terms of storyline and events.
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Is the Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom? Although the Triforce does not appear when Zelda uses magic, it is implied to still be present within her, possibly prevented from manifesting due to her use of the Secret Stone as a magical focus.
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How much time passes between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom? It is generally agreed that Tears of the Kingdom takes place roughly five to six years after the events of Breath of the Wild, based on character development and the age of certain characters.
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How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom? Link is around 125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom, considering he woke up from a 100-year-long slumber at the beginning of Breath of the Wild and accounting for the time passed.
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Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last game in the series? Despite the conclusive ending of Tears of the Kingdom, the success of the Zelda series makes it highly unlikely that it will be the last game, with potential for future titles and storylines.
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What happened to Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom? Zelda was sent back in time to the founding of Hyrule by the Secret Stone, stranding her there with no apparent way to return, as revealed through the Geoglyphs’ memories.
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Is Tears of the Kingdom going to be DLC? There are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom, suggesting that the story has been effectively resolved, making a threequel unlikely.
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Is Ganon alive in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, Ganondorf returns as the villain in Tears of the Kingdom, seeking to unleash evil through the power of the Blood Moon.
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Who is the villain in Tears of the Kingdom? The main villain of Tears of the Kingdom is Ganondorf, who plays a central role in the game’s storyline and events.
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Will TOTK be the last Switch game? Tears of the Kingdom is likely the last Zelda game related to Breath of the Wild and probably the final one to release solely on the Nintendo Switch, with future games potentially being released on a new console.
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Is the Zelda timeline a loop? The Time Loop Theory suggests that Tears of the Kingdom could be both the end and the beginning of the Zelda timeline, implying that every game in the series happens repeatedly on a closed loop, although this theory is subject to interpretation and debate among fans and experts alike.