The Woodcutter’s Axe is one of the weapons in BOTW which has a dedicated secondary purpose. As the name implies, it deals extra damage against trees, making the axe an excellent choice of weapon for collecting wood as it can chop them down expeditiously. As an actual weapon, however, it is remarkably cumbersome to wield, and forces Link to attack with slow, sweeping blows. Should the item come back in Tears of the Kingdom , though, it would make more sense for the axe to become a proper tool. With little value as a weapon, a permanent inventory addition for resource collection fits the Woodcutter’s Axe much bet

Out of the confirmed returning character, Riju gets what might be the flashiest entrance in the new TOTK trailer, as it shows her dual wielding scimitars while lightning crashes down around her. Although not explicitly shown doing so, it's likely that she will be able to fight alongside Link similarly to Sidon, with potentially even the ability to replicate the Urbosa's Fury power from the first game. Along with the mysterious structure shown rising out of the sand in the Gerudo Wasteland near the start of the trailer, it's likely that, along with Sidon and the other Champion descendants, Riju will have a more pronounced story role in TO

In Kakariko Village, an elderly incarnation of Impa provides Link with a blue Champion's Tunic and tells him he may be able to recover his memories by tracking down significant locations, hinted at by photographs stored on the Sheikah Slate (which once belonged to Zelda). Through these memories, it is revealed that Zelda struggled to awaken her powers and was initially resentful of Link for easily drawing the Master Sword and his obvious skills. However, the pair slowly grew closer, thanks in large part to Link protecting her from assassination attempts by the Yiga clan; a disaffected Sheikah who felt betrayed by the royal family and decided to follow Ganon inst

The Zora Prince Sidon helps Link to free the elephantine Vah Ruta, piloted by his older sister Mipha. A young Goron named Yunobo is similarly instrumental in Link entering the lizard-like Vah Rudania, piloted by Goron Daruk. The young Gerdo Chieftain Riju aids Link with Vah Naboris, piloted by her ancestor Urbosa. Finally, Rito warrior Teba joins Link in reclaiming Vah Medoh, piloted by master archer Revali. Link completes a task for each ally to secure their aid. This notably includes the retrieval of the Thunder Helm, an heirloom of the Gerudo tribe, from the Yiga clan; in the process, he defeats the clan’s leader, Master Ko

Interestingly, however, despite indications that Zelda might be reprising her perennial role as a damsel in distress, the final trailer for Tears of the Kingdom seems to suggest otherwise, despite her separation from Link in what appears to be an early part of the game. Cutscenes, presumably from later in TOTK , separately show Zelda interacting with a currently unknown character, holding the Master Sword, and awaiting Link at an unknown location, suggesting that she has a larger role to play in the game's story than in B

Whenever Nintendo decides to provide an answer surrounding The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom , it hurls out dozens more questions and keeps the theory wheels turning in our brains. Yesterday’s Direct featured an extended glimpse at new gameplay mechanics, while also teasing a healthy dose of character and narrative details I am totally going to read too much into and come to conclusions that probably won’t end up happening.

Part of me wants to believe that it’s a past iteration of Link or a version of Ganon from before darkness corrupted him. Zelda is also seen with shorter hair and wielding the Sheikah Slate in new character art, convincing me further that she is not only saved by Link’s new power, but comes to play a far more prominent role in the full adventure. Whatever evil they face, Destructible Environments she is convinced it can’t be stopped, but is now far more than a passive bystander holding off evil as her companion does all the work. Both characters are given more agency here, which should allow Tears of the Kingdom to breach narrative boundaries this series has never toyed with before.

Whilst weapons breaking too easily might have been a more popular topic of criticism, it's clear that it's part of a purposeful effort to get the player to be smart and resourceful. In contrast, the near-impossibility of climbing surfaces in the rain means there really isn't anything the player can do but resign themselves to frustration in those sections. That makes it a no-brainer to adjust for some fans if TOTK is to be a less annoying experie

Breath of the Wild provided a vibrant open world but it's hard to imagine revisiting the same locations with simple tweaks and new enemies will be as much fun. Whilst expanding the map to add new areas is one interesting direction the sequel could go, there would still be no incentive to spend time exploring the main area anymore. Rewarding exploration was at the heart of Breath of the Wild, so there are legitimate concerns about whether it's even possible for the sequel to live