Will Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Have DLC? The Definitive Answer
The burning question on every Hyrulean adventurer’s mind: Will The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom receive downloadable content (DLC)? The short answer, based on official statements from Nintendo and Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, is no. There are currently no plans to release any DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.
This might be disappointing news for some, especially given the extensive DLC offered for its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. However, understanding the reasoning behind this decision and exploring the game’s existing content can help players appreciate Tears of the Kingdom as a complete and fulfilling experience in its own right.
Why No DLC? Aonuma’s Explanation
Eiji Aonuma has been quite direct about the absence of DLC. In an emailed response and subsequent interviews, he stated that the development team felt they had successfully implemented all the elements they envisioned for Tears of the Kingdom within the base game itself. This suggests that the scope and ambition of Tears of the Kingdom, building upon the foundation of Breath of the Wild, allowed them to deliver a comprehensive and satisfying experience without the need for additional downloadable content. Nintendo felt it had achieved everything it wanted for the sequel after building on what Breath of the Wild had established.
Essentially, the game is already packed to the brim with content, from its sprawling overworld and vast sky islands to the mysterious depths beneath Hyrule. The sheer volume of quests, shrines, collectibles, and secrets has led the development team to shift focus to what comes next: a brand-new Zelda project.
Embracing the Vastness: Why TOTK Doesn’t Need DLC
While some might view the lack of DLC as a missed opportunity, it can also be seen as a testament to the completeness of Tears of the Kingdom. Unlike some games where DLC feels essential to fill gaps or expand on incomplete narratives, Tears of the Kingdom stands as a self-contained epic. The game world is so richly detailed and densely populated with activities that players can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring and discovering new things without ever feeling like they’re running out of content.
Think of the staggering number of shrines (152 in total!), the countless side quests, the intricate crafting system, and the limitless possibilities offered by the Ultrahand ability. These elements, combined with a compelling main storyline, create a deeply engaging experience that doesn’t necessarily require additional content to remain fresh and exciting.
Focusing on What’s Next: The Future of Zelda
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the decision to forgo Tears of the Kingdom DLC is that it allows the development team to fully dedicate their resources to the next installment in the Zelda franchise. This means that we can anticipate a completely new adventure with fresh ideas, mechanics, and a potentially brand-new Hyrule to explore. While Tears of the Kingdom is undoubtedly a masterpiece, the prospect of a completely new Zelda experience is incredibly enticing for long-time fans. The developers of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have no plans to release DLC, instead, they will start work on a brand new project. Good for them!
Nintendo’s history demonstrates its willingness to innovate and reinvent the Zelda formula with each new entry. By focusing on a completely new game, the development team has the freedom to explore uncharted territory and create an experience that is truly unique and unforgettable.
A Note on Breath of the Wild DLC
It’s worth noting that Breath of the Wild‘s DLC was released well after the game launched. It provided players with a range of new challenges, items, and story content, including the Champion’s Ballad and the Master Mode.
This approach worked well for Breath of the Wild, but the success of Tears of the Kingdom likely influenced the decision to focus on a new project entirely. The sheer scope and positive reception of Tears of the Kingdom suggest that it already delivers the level of content that players expect from a Zelda game, making DLC feel less necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Tears of the Kingdom and its lack of DLC:
1. Is there a New Game Plus mode in TOTK?
Unfortunately, Tears of the Kingdom does not include a New Game Plus mode at launch. However, that’s not to say that there’s nothing in the way of post-game content. You can continue playing in the world after defeating Ganon, allowing you to complete any remaining quests, explore undiscovered areas, and generally immerse yourself in the game’s vast world.
2. Can you play TotK after beating Ganon?
Even though it’s technically not possible to continue past the game’s ending, players can still go back to tie up any loose ends after beating the final boss. In other words, there’s no real downside to going with the flow and completing the main story of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as it comes.
3. Does TotK have a post-credit scene?
Yes! There is indeed a post-credits scene! Be sure to watch all the way through the credits after defeating Ganon to see a final, conclusive scene.
4. Is there a hero’s path in Tears of the Kingdom?
Presenting: Hero’s Path Mode! is a Side Adventure quest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While Hero’s Path mode was originally a DLC item in Breath of the Wild, you’ll be able to access it free of charge in TotK, but only after completing certain quests. This lets you track your journey across Hyrule.
5. Will Tears of the Kingdom be the last game?
With a Switch successor expected, the next mainline Zelda game will likely be either a dual release or exclusive to the new console. However, in terms of the series as a whole, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom won’t be the end of the Zelda series.
6. Is there master mode in totk?
Sadly, Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t feature this option (yet..!). Master Mode could be a DLC, but as of right now, it will not be in the game.
7. Will Tears of the Kingdom bring back dungeons?
Dungeons have continued to appear throughout Zelda over the last four decades, and for many fans, they’re the highlights of each game. Thankfully, after a little hiatus, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom brings back dungeons, and they’re bigger and better than ever before.
8. Is the DLC for Botw worth it?
A must-have to complete your adventure! Definitely a worth buy item for Zelda BOTW, the expansion pass will give you the chance to obtain items such a teleport point for you, a horse chair that lets you call the horse from anywhere.
9. Do DLC shrines count?
There are 120 shrines in the game without counting any DLC. The counter only goes to 120 and doesn’t count any DLC shrines. DLC shrines don’t count toward the Set of the Wild, just base game shrines.
10. Where are the divine beasts in TOTK?
Few NPCs reference these Beasts, they do not exist anywhere on the map, and the Sheikah seem to have taken a backseat to the Zonai. These powerful beings are nowhere to be found, and it feels like they have once again faded into legend.
11. Where is Triforce in Tears of the Kingdom?
Made of the Triforce of Power, Courage, and Wisdom, each piece represents the trifecta of characters that make up the series. Yet for such prevalence as an icon, it only appears in a major role in a limited few entries, with it being almost entirely absent from both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
12. Are Zelda and Link a couple?
So basically, Link and Zelda aren’t in a canon-confirmed romantic relationship, but Summersett confirms what we’ve been able to see all along: Link and Zelda share a loving, caring relationship. Link has always been one to support Zelda no matter what, and Zelda has always believed in Link.
13. Where is Epona in Tears of the Kingdom?
How to Get Epona Using Your Breath of the Wild Save File. If you have a save file for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the same Switch you’re playing Tears of the Kingdom, then Epona will automatically appear registered to you after you visit your first Stable.
14. Why is Link shirtless at the end of Tears of the Kingdom?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game designers probably wanted to put emphasis on the fact he got his normal arm back, which some armor sets would kinda hide. Plus, keep people from using stupid-looking armours during the emotional climax of the game.
15. Is the Korok Mask a DLC?
The Korok Mask is DLC Head Gear in The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. It is not part of any set, and can only be accessed with The Master Trials DLC pack. A mask inspired by those fun-loving Koroks.
Conclusion: A Complete Adventure
While the lack of DLC for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may come as a disappointment to some, it’s important to remember that the game offers a vast and engaging experience on its own. With a wealth of content to explore, challenges to overcome, and secrets to discover, Tears of the Kingdom provides a complete and fulfilling adventure for Zelda fans. Moreover, this decision allows Nintendo to focus its resources on creating a brand-new Zelda game, promising even greater adventures to come.
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