Summary
Despite the massive success ofThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomand its predecessor, it has been confirmed that a direct sequel is highly unlikely, which means the beloved franchise will likely be shifting to something drastically different from what it has been sinceBreath of the Wild’s release in 2017. While it has yet to be confirmed in what direction the series will be going, it’s possible it could revert to its original formula and forego many of the creative mechanics players have more recently become accustomed to. In light of that,The Legend of Zeldacould see classic dungeon items like the Hookshot returningin the next installment.
There are several pros and cons toThe Legend of Zeldareturning to classic dungeon items, as the latest installments have certainly had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the series as a whole. While some ofZelda’s classic dungeon items have appeared inBreath of the WildandThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, they have not been used traditionally as methods for progressing through dungeons. If the franchise does fall back to its roots a bit, it’s almost guaranteed to be a divisive move. That being said, it’s still possible for Nintendo to do it in a way that works.
The Pros of Returning to Classic Zelda Dungeon Items
Classic Dungeon Items Would Play into Nostalgia
When it comes to the possibility ofThe Legend of Zelda’s classic dungeon items making a return, the move would undoubtedly take advantage of the nostalgia of longtime fans of the series. Those who grew up withclassicZeldatitlesbecame familiar with the series' dungeon mechanics, where they were required to obtain certain tools in order to progress. The giant leap from classicZeldato itsBreath of the Wildera turned off many veteranZeldaplayers. While it certainly enabled the series to appeal to a new audience, it simultaneously lost many of its most loyal fans in the process, and a revival of classic dungeon items could bring them back.
BotW and TotK Have Given Nintendo Time to Adjust Its Approach to Classic Dungeon Items
One way to judge classicZeldadungeon items is by seeing how, over time, their mechanics grew stale and repetitive. There was always very little room for player creativity, aside from the creative thinking thatZelda’s traditional dungeonsrequired. However, perhaps the success ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomhas given Nintendo time to approach the series' traditional dungeon items with fresh eyes and innovate from what they were before. If classic dungeon items do make a return to the series, they’re almost guaranteed to be vastly improved from their original state and purpose.
TotK’s Sages Proved the Appeal of Traditional Dungeon Items
One of the most welcome featuresTears of the Kingdombrought toZelda’s new era is the Sages. WhileSages have been around for decades inThe Legend of Zeldalore, they have never been used quite like they are inTotK. Rather than providing players with traditional tools for progressing, as classicZeldadungeons have been known to do,TotKgives players the ability to summon and use the power of Sages.TotK’s Sages are a unique spin on traditional dungeon items, in that each one gives Link unique abilities that allow him to progress throughTears of the Kingdom’s dungeons, just as classic dungeon tools have been known to do.
The positive reception to one ofTears of the Kingdom’s best features could justify its continued use. However,Tears of the Kingdom’s Sageswere such a praised feature in part because of their kinship to classicZeldadungeon items. While they certainly have their place inZelda’s new era, they are unable to escape the similarities they share with classicZeldadungeon mechanics, as that is precisely their purpose inTotK. This is proof that, if traditional dungeon items do return to the franchise, they would likely still have the same appeal asTotK’s Sages.
The Cons of Returning to Classic Zelda Dungeon Items
Returning to Traditional Dungeon Items Might Be a Step Backward
Zelda’s return to traditional dungeon items might be a positive idea, but it may simultaneously feel like a step backward for the franchise.Tears of the Kingdomprovides players with an overwhelming amount of creative freedom — something that the linearZeldagames of the past rarely explored — and this level of creativity has earned the game its place as one of 2023’s best video games. Tools likeTears of the Kingdom’s Ultrahand, which will supposedly be axed afterTotK, have given players the ability to solve problems in a multitude of ways, rather than being limited to the use of an item in only one way. These creative liberties that are present inTotKwould undoubtedly be absent ifZelda’s classic dungeon items were revived and traditions remained intact.
Sages Might Be a Better Way to Implement Dungeon Items
TotK’s Sage charactersare one of the game’s best features, but for more than one reason. Not only do they serve as a creative approach to classic dungeon items, but they are also characters in the game and therefore contribute to its worldbuilding and storytelling. The inanimate dungeon items ofZelda’s past would not be able to accomplish a similar feat, so the removal of Sages from the series as powerful counterparts to Link may also feel like a step backward. Perhaps Nintendo will consider using them in some way in subsequentZeldatitles.
Whether Nintendo chooses to revertThe Legend of Zeldato its classic dungeon roots afterTears of the Kingdomremains to be seen, but the chances are not low by any means. The developer knows it has lost some of its longtime fans in theBreath of the Wildera ofZelda, so it may bring back traditional dungeon items in response. Even so,Tears of the Kingdomremains one of the best and most successfulLegend of Zeldagames ever made, and the new era ofZeldahas once again proven to be a brilliant move by Nintendo.
