Is There New Game Plus in Age of Calamity? A Deep Dive

No, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity does not feature a traditional New Game Plus (NG+) mode. Once you’ve completed the main story, you can continue your adventure by tackling the extensive post-game content, which offers plenty of challenges and rewards. You can replay missions on higher difficulties, unlock new characters, and complete numerous side quests.

Understanding the Absence of New Game Plus

It’s true, the absence of a classic New Game Plus option might be a letdown for some players. Many appreciate the opportunity to replay the story with their fully powered-up characters, experiencing the narrative in a completely new way. However, Age of Calamity diverges from this norm, opting instead for a substantial and varied endgame experience designed to keep you engaged long after the credits roll.

The game’s design philosophy focuses on providing a wealth of post-game activities that enhance replayability without requiring a complete restart. This includes unlocking new playable characters, tackling increasingly difficult challenges, and grinding for resources to upgrade your warriors. The game expects you to increase difficulties, unlock new characters, and explore all side missions available.

Why Focus on the Post-Game?

The developers likely chose this approach to maximize player engagement with the core gameplay loop. Dynasty Warriors games, from which Age of Calamity draws its combat style, often emphasize character progression, skill mastery, and the sheer satisfaction of mowing down hordes of enemies. By focusing on post-game content rather than New Game Plus, players are encouraged to continue honing their skills, experimenting with different characters, and discovering new strategies. This also fits within the Hyrule Warriors mold as the first game had no NG+ mode.

Exploring the Rich Post-Game Experience

Age of Calamity’s post-game is brimming with activities that will keep you glued to your screen. Here’s a taste of what awaits:

• Unlockable Characters: Discover and master new playable characters, each with their unique abilities and combat styles.
• Difficult Challenges: Test your skills in a series of increasingly challenging missions and scenarios.
• Side Quests: Complete numerous side quests to earn valuable rewards and uncover hidden secrets.
• Character Upgrades: Continue to upgrade your characters’ stats and abilities to become an unstoppable force.
• Weapon Upgrades: Find and enhance powerful weapons to decimate your foes.
• Difficulty Settings: Replay missions on higher difficulty levels for a greater challenge and even better rewards.

The Secret Ending and Terrako

One of the most compelling reasons to delve into the post-game is the pursuit of the secret ending. To unlock it, you’ll need to collect fifty Terrako parts and complete the “Terrako Returns” mission. This can be a time-consuming endeavor, but the reward is well worth the effort, as it adds a touching and satisfying conclusion to the overall narrative.

The Expansion Pass Content

Furthermore, the Expansion Pass DLC introduces even more content to extend your playtime, including new characters, stages, and story sequences. This DLC provides a substantial boost to the already impressive amount of content in Age of Calamity, ensuring that you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied for hours on end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Age of Calamity, providing you with additional insights and information:

1. Does Age of Calamity have multiple endings?

   Yes, Age of Calamity has a secret ending that can be unlocked by completing specific tasks in the post-game.

2. How do you unlock the secret ending in Age of Calamity?

   To unlock the secret ending, you must collect 50 Terrako parts and complete the “Terrako Returns” mission.

3. Are weapons breakable in Age of Calamity?

   No, unlike Breath of the Wild, weapons in Age of Calamity do not break. This is great for a fighting style hack and slash game.

4. Is Age of Calamity a spin-off of Breath of the Wild?

   Yes, Age of Calamity is a spin-off that serves as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

5. Is Age of Calamity canon?

   Age of Calamity is generally considered non-canon because it creates an alternate timeline where events deviate from the established timeline of Breath of the Wild. The order of events occurs irreconcilably different from what Nintendo has previously established as canon.

6. Does Age of Calamity split the timeline?

   Yes, due to its divergent storyline, Age of Calamity introduces a split in The Legend of Zelda timeline, creating an alternate reality.

7. How do you unlock Calamity Ganon in Age of Calamity?

   You must first unlock all other playable characters, including Terrako. Then, complete challenges until you reach the Level 71-80 Challenges tier, where the “Versus Calamity Ganon” challenge appears.

8. Is there DLC for Age of Calamity?

   Yes, there are two waves of downloadable content available through the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass DLC.

9. What does the Expansion Pass include?

   The Expansion Pass includes newly added characters, stages, story content, and more.

10. What type of game is Age of Calamity?

    Age of Calamity is a musou-style action game, similar to the Dynasty Warriors series, set in The Legend of Zelda universe.

11. Is Age of Calamity multiplayer?

    Yes, Age of Calamity supports local split-screen multiplayer for up to two players.

12. Who is the main antagonist in Age of Calamity?

    Astor serves as the primary antagonist in Age of Calamity.

13. What is the hardest battle in Age of Calamity?

    Many players consider “The Siege of Fort Hateno” on VERY HARD Mode to be one of the most challenging battles in the game.

14. Is Age of Calamity just a fighting game?

    Yes, Age of Calamity focuses primarily on combat, lacking the extensive dungeon crawling and puzzle-solving elements found in traditional Zelda games.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

    You can explore the research and insights provided by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information on the educational value of gaming and how games can be used to enhance learning experiences. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

By focusing on post-game content, the developers ensure that players are encouraged to increase difficulties, experiment with new characters, and explore all the side missions available. While there’s no New Game Plus mode, there are countless activities to explore.