The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is arguably the most highly anticipated videogame release of the year. Yes, even more so than Starfield, in many respects. And as of today, it’s finally with us. Available exclusively for the aging Nintendo Switch, it’s quite possibly the console’s last hurrah. But what a farewell it is. Before you get stuck in however, there’s a few things you should know.
For players of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom will feel immediately familiar. This is of course both a blessing and a curse. For returning players you’re able to jump straight back in as if you never left, but for newcomers the first few hours may feel like a bit of an aimless grind. Hopefully, he below tips will get you started of in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the right track!
Tears of the Kingdom Controls Feel Designed to Confuse You
Press B to dash. Unless you’re swimming, then it’s X. Or falling, then it’s – rather bizarrely – R. There surely must be some method to it’s madness, but for a game series that almost 30 years ago invented many of the 3D control mechanics that games still use to this day, Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t half muddle things up.
Take your time and don’t worry about messing up too much. You’re rarely penalised for dying and there’s always a way out of any jam you find yourself in. Which perfectly leads into the next point…
Don’t be Afraid to Experiment
Many games – including classic The Legend of Zelda games – often lock areas or activities out until you reach a certain point in the game. Get the item; meet the character; unlock the puzzle. Do this/these and then return here. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t often do this. For the most part, if you can see something that looks interesting, you can get to it.
More often than not, it’s simply going to be a case of thinking. Give a few extra moments of thought to the abilities you have at your disposal. A few extra minutes checking out your surroundings. If you fall off a ledge or stand out in the cold a moment too long, don’t worry about it. Failure has very few consequences.
It doesn’t take long for things to click into place, and when it does it’s so very satisfying!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Uses the Same Map as Breath of the Wild
At the time of it’s launch, Breath of the Wild‘s open world was hugely impressive. And you know what? Six years later, it still is. There’s no shame in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom uses the same map as- as the whole game is essentially positioned – it does everything its predecessor does and more. It’s not just the same open world map. There’s a whole load more going on besides. And, given the storyline, it honestly wouldn’t make too much sense for it to have strayed too far.
Essentially, what this means is that if you’re a long time The Legend of Zelda fan, you’ll already have a few ideas of areas to seek out to find some goodies!
Tears of the Kingdom Actually Has a Story
Yeah, we know. All The Legend of Zelda games have had a story. But in Breath of the Wild, it was pretty bare bones. A smattering of cutscenes throughout the 40+ hour adventure, and at times when it was very predictable. Tears of the Kingdom runs much deeper than this. Though there are very obviously landmark moments in your progression, as with most story-driven mediums, there’s also times of slower paced interactions with townsfolk or wanders that go far further than just ‘thanks for being our hero!’ or ‘here’s a side quest for you!’.
It’s still pretty far from Shakespeare, but does add a lot of depth to the world you’ll be inhabiting for 40+ hours.
Watch Out for Lightning…
I mean, this is really a tip for everyday life, if we’re honest. If you hear thunder cracking, it’s time to unequip any metal objects you’re carrying. Lightning striking is your second warning. Those metal items beginning to spark is strike three.
If you’ve ignored all of these warnings, well, then may be you deserve the imminent insta-death.
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