Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Announced as Prequel to Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch 2

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Announced as Prequel to Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch 2 In a major announcement during the recent Nintendo Direct dedicated to the newly revealed Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo, in collaboration with Koei Tecmo and developer Omega Force, has confirmed the next entry in the Hyrule Warriors series.

Titled 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,' this highly anticipated game will serve as a direct prequel to the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The Hyrule Warriors series, known for its action-packed, musou-style combat and epic Zelda storytelling, last saw a major release in 2020 with 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.' That entry depicted the struggle against Calamity Ganon, taking place 100 years before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The conclusion of Age of Calamity offered a dramatic alternate timeline, captivating both series veterans and newcomers alike. Now, after five years since the previous installment, fans finally have confirmation on the saga’s next chapter.

'Age of Imprisonment' will chronicle the events leading up to Tears of the Kingdom, focusing specifically on the Imprisoning War—a pivotal moment in Hyrule’s history previously alluded to but never fully explored in the main series. The debut trailer showcased a roster of returning and new characters from Zelda lore, including Princess Zelda, King Rauru, Queen Sonia, Mineru, Ganondorf, and the ancient ancestors of the new Champions.

Notable sequences featured King Rauru wielding a halberd in an innovative boomerang-like attack to overcome groups of enemies, while Princess Zelda faces down a formidable Lynel with a distinctive new weapon. One striking detail from the trailer was the absence of Link, traditionally the series' central protagonist.

Given the in-universe timeline—where Zelda, but not Link, is sent back in time at the start of Tears of the Kingdom—it aligns with story events that Link may not appear as a playable character.

Nonetheless, his omission from preview footage is certain to generate discussion and further speculation among fans awaiting more news on the full character lineup. While a precise launch date is still to be announced, Nintendo revealed that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 during the winter season.

The title is expected to take advantage of the next-generation hardware, offering a fresh take on large-scale battles and storytelling for both Hyrule Warriors and The Legend of Zelda franchises. Stay tuned for further updates and future Nintendo Directs for more details as Nintendo, Koei Tecmo, and Omega Force prepare to deliver another exciting chapter in the saga of Hyrule. Source: Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Broadcast 04.02.25

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