Why is Age of Calamity not Canon?

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is considered non-canon because the order of events irreconcilably occur in a different order from what Nintendo has previously established as canon, resulting in a narrative that deviates from the established Zelda timeline. This deviation is primarily due to the alternate timeline created by the events in Age of Calamity, which prevents the game from being considered part of the official Zelda canon.

Understanding Age of Calamity’s Place in the Zelda Universe

Introduction to Age of Calamity

To delve deeper into why Age of Calamity is not considered canon, it’s essential to understand the game’s premise and its connection to the broader Zelda series. Age of Calamity is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, set a century before the events of Breath of the Wild. It offers a unique storyline where a benevolent “mini-guardian” travels back in time to prevent the Calamity Ganon attack, thus altering the course of events that led to the world seen in Breath of the Wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Age of Calamity a Prequel to Breath of the Wild? Yes, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and represents the next game in the Zelda-inspired Dynasty Warriors spinoff series.

2. Does Age of Calamity Occur in an Alternate Timeline? Age of Calamity takes place in an alternate timeline where a mini-guardian goes back in time to prevent the Calamity Ganon attack, changing the events leading up to Breath of the Wild.

3. What is the Reason Behind Age of Calamity’s Existence? The game exists because Zelda’s powers can trigger time travel, sending a mini-guardian back in time to alter the course of events before Calamity Ganon‘s attack.

4. Can Hyrule Warriors be Considered Canon? The original Hyrule Warriors games are considered non-canon by Nintendo as they draw inspiration from several different Zelda games and do not fit into the established Zelda timeline.

5. Is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Part of the Official Zelda Canon? No, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is not considered part of the official Zelda canon due to its alternate timeline and deviation from established canon guidelines.

6. Where Does Age of Calamity Fit into the Zelda Timeline? Age of Calamity is set a century before the events of Breath of the Wild but occurs in an alternate timeline, making its placement in the overall Zelda timeline non-canonical.

7. Why Does Age of Calamity Have a Positive Ending? The game has a positive ending because Terrako, the mini-guardian, sacrifices itself to weaken Ganon, allowing Princess Zelda to seal Calamity Ganon away and prevent the century of suffering that precedes Breath of the Wild.

8. Did Zelda Create Terrako? Yes, Zelda built Terrako when she was a child, but it was taken away by Rhoam when Zelda began her training.

9. Do the Champions Survive in Age of Calamity? In Age of Calamity, the Champions and the King survive because Princess Zelda awakens her powers earlier, and Link is not wounded, allowing the Divine Beasts to fight off the Ganon Blights.

10. Is There a Secret Ending in Age of Calamity? Yes, there is a secret ending in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which can be unlocked by progressing through the post-game content and completing additional quests and challenges.

11. How Large is Hyrule Canonically? The size of Hyrule can be estimated by calculating the travel times and distances within the game, resulting in Hyrule being approximately 168 miles long and 198 miles wide, covering an area of about 33,268 square miles.

12. Is Age of Calamity Considered Grindy? The post-game of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity can be grindy, but there are efficient ways to farm for rupees, weapons, and materials.

13. Who is the Main Villain in Age of Calamity? Astor, also known as the Prophet of Doom, is the central antagonist who plans to bring forth Calamity Ganon and take over Hyrule.

14. Is Ganondorf in Age of Calamity? Calamity Ganon is a playable character in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, and the game provides a guide on how to unlock and play as this character.

15. Is Impa the Last Sheikah? Impa is considered the last of her kind, as the Sheikah were wiped out by the Hyrule Civil War, although her character’s story and fate are explored in different Zelda games.

By exploring these questions and understanding the narrative and canonicity of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, fans of the Zelda series can gain a deeper insight into the complexities of the Zelda universe and the reasoning behind Age of Calamity’s non-canonical status.