Unveiling the Legacy: What Transfers from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom
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So, you’ve braved the wilds of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild (BOTW), forging bonds, taming steeds, and mastering ancient technologies. Now, you’re diving headfirst into Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). The burning question on everyone’s mind: What carries over from your previous adventure? Let’s break it down.
The most significant transfer is undoubtedly your registered horses. If you have a BOTW save file on the same Nintendo Switch profile, those trusty companions you boarded at a stable in Breath of the Wild will be patiently waiting for you at the stables in Tears of the Kingdom. However, the transfer is not as comprehensive as some players were hoping for. Let’s explore the details.
The Equine Connection: Your Horses
Your bond with your horses is one of the few tangible elements that carries over. That means any horse that you registered at a stable in Breath of the Wild, and only those horses, will be waiting for you once you reach your first stable in Tears of the Kingdom. This is the most impactful and easily noticeable carry-over feature.
However, it’s important to understand the limitations. The specific stats, bond level, and equipped gear of your horses do not transfer. While you’ll recognize your favorite steeds, you’ll need to rebuild your bond and re-equip them with gear in Tears of the Kingdom.
Save Data and Profile Requirements
For any transfer to occur, you must have a Breath of the Wild save file on the same Nintendo Switch profile you’re using to play Tears of the Kingdom. The game reads this save data to identify your registered horses. Crucially, this information is read only once when you first interact with a stable in Tears of the Kingdom. So, if you register new horses in Breath of the Wild after your first stable visit in Tears of the Kingdom, those new horses will not be imported.
The “Feels” Factor: A Sense of History
Beyond the concrete transfer of horses, the most significant thing that carries over is a sense of familiarity and history. Playing Tears of the Kingdom after Breath of the Wild feels like returning to a place you know, but seeing it changed. While gameplay mechanics are distinct and new abilities are introduced, the knowledge of Hyrule’s geography, the lore, and the characters provides a valuable context. You’ll recognize locations, recall events, and appreciate the changes with a deeper understanding.
This sense of connection is further enhanced by subtle nods to your previous adventure. NPCs might remember Link, though not necessarily in a way that drastically alters gameplay. The world is familiar yet different, giving you a sense of continuing your journey in a world that has evolved.
What Doesn’t Transfer
It’s equally important to understand what doesn’t carry over. Most of your inventory, including weapons, armor, food, rupees, and key items, are not transferred. Shrines have vanished, and the Sheikah Slate is gone, replaced by Link’s new arm and its associated powers. The Divine Beasts are absent, and the map has been drastically altered by the Upheaval.
Essentially, Tears of the Kingdom is a fresh start, designed to encourage exploration and discovery with new mechanics and a redefined Hyrule. The game wants you to learn its new systems and explore its world anew, not rely on your past progress.
Addressing the Disappointment
Many players were hoping for a more comprehensive transfer system. The reality is that Tears of the Kingdom is a sequel, not a DLC. It builds upon the foundation of Breath of the Wild, but it’s a new game with its own narrative, mechanics, and challenges. A complete transfer of items and progress would undermine the sense of progression and discovery that Nintendo clearly intended for the game.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Transfer Process
Let’s address some frequently asked questions to clarify any remaining points.
1. Will my horse’s name transfer over?
Yes! The name you gave your horse in Breath of the Wild will be retained when it appears in Tears of the Kingdom.
2. What if I didn’t register any horses in Breath of the Wild?
If you didn’t register any horses, then no horses will transfer. You’ll start with an empty stable and need to tame and register new horses in Tears of the Kingdom.
3. I registered a horse after starting Tears of the Kingdom. Will it show up?
No. The game only checks your Breath of the Wild save file once, when you first interact with a stable in Tears of the Kingdom. Any horses registered after that point will not be imported.
4. Does Epona transfer to Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, if you obtained Epona in Breath of the Wild (typically through an Amiibo) and registered her at a stable, she will transfer over to Tears of the Kingdom.
5. What happens if I released a registered horse in Breath of the Wild?
If you released a registered horse, it will not transfer to Tears of the Kingdom, as it’s no longer in your stable inventory in the BOTW save file.
6. Does my Ancient Bridle and Saddle transfer over?
No, the Ancient Bridle and Saddle, along with other Sheikah-related items and structures, do not transfer to Tears of the Kingdom. They are effectively absent from the game.
7. Do any key items from Breath of the Wild transfer?
No, key items like the Champion’s Tunic, the Master Sword (in its broken state), or any of the Divine Beast powers do not transfer over.
8. What about the Wolf Link Amiibo companion?
Sadly, the Wolf Link companion does not appear in Tears of the Kingdom. Scanning the Wolf Link Amiibo will instead give you raw meat.
9. How much time has passed between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
The consensus is that roughly 5-7 years have passed. This is based on NPC dialogue, the growth of certain characters (like Hudson’s daughter), and the overall state of Hyrule.
10. Is Ganon/Ganondorf the main villain in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Ganondorf, in a resurrected human form, is the primary antagonist in Tears of the Kingdom, seeking to conquer Hyrule.
11. Will the Triforce appear in Tears of the Kingdom?
While the Triforce doesn’t make a direct appearance, its presence is felt through Zelda’s magic and in the lore. The game focuses more on the Zonai and their ancient power.
12. What happened to the Sheikah Slate?
The Sheikah Slate is gone in Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo’s official explanation is that the Sheikah Towers and Guardians disappeared after Calamity Ganon was defeated (sealed).
13. Is there any connection between Tears of the Kingdom and previous Zelda games, like Skyward Sword?
Some theorize that Tears of the Kingdom might serve as a closing chapter to Skyward Sword, potentially bringing the Zelda timeline full circle.
14. Are the Zonai Stones related to the Triforce?
Some fans interpret the Zonai stone artwork as a prehistoric representation of the Triforce, with dragons representing courage, owls representing wisdom, and boars representing power.
15. Can I still find the Giant Horse in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Giant Horse, sometimes referred to as Ganon’s Horse, can still be found in Tears of the Kingdom. It’s a unique, massive horse with a black coat and orange mane.
Embracing the New Adventure
While the transfer system is limited, it’s crucial to remember that Tears of the Kingdom is designed as a fresh experience. Embrace the new abilities, explore the changed landscape, and forge new memories. The familiar elements, like your horses, serve as a comforting reminder of your past adventure, while the new challenges and discoveries await you. Consider exploring the broader impact of games on learning and society at the Games Learning Society by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.