The second part of Nintendo’s October Treehouse Live dropped a Goron-sized load of information about the upcoming Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. From backstories and skills to weapons and shirtless Link, there’s a lot to dig into.
Age of Calamity expands on the original Hyrule Warriors‘ gameplay in a number of ways. For starters, it includes the map from the original game. Completing story missions and gaining certain items unlocks new locations like blacksmiths, towns, and stables, each with something important to offer.
Side quests that expand the BotW world and offer some bonuses as well, such as unlocking new combos or strengthening weapons.
Quest completion brings rewards in the form of materials as well, things like food items for buffs, parts for the blacksmith, and some random items needed to unlock other quests.
Weapons are no longer breakable in Age of Calamity, and it seems like working with multiple weapon types — two-handed swords, magic, and such — will be well worth the trouble.
The segment opened with a lengthy Urbosa fight sequence. As expected, the Gerudo Champion wields a deadly scimitar and the power of lightning against her foes. But she’ll sometimes resort to trickery to gain the advantage over her opponents — such as by summoning a Molduga to deal with the pesky Yiga Clan.
Kay of Nintendo Treehouse said Age of Calamity pays a good deal of attention to the Champions’ backstories, including their relationships with other characters. Urbosa’s, for example, explores how she knew Zelda’s mother.
Speaking of Zelda, for the first time in a mainline game in the Zelda series, the Hyrulian princess herself is playable. She primarily uses Runes for attack, but also turns the Sheikah Slate’s photo mode into a murder weapon.
And yes, Link can go into battle stripped down. It wouldn’t be part of the Breath of the Wild universe otherwise.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity releases November 20 for Nintendo Switch. Stay tuned to GameSkinny for more Zelda news as it develops.
