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

Nintendo and Koei Tecmo have officially announced Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed Hyrule Warriors franchise.

Building on a legacy that began with the original Hyrule Warriors in 2014 and continued with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity in 2020, this new entry continues the successful collaboration between the two companies and will debut exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 this winter. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment sets its narrative in the distant past of Hyrule, before the events depicted in 2023’s critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

As in previous Warriors games, players can expect intense, action-packed gameplay featuring massive battles against hordes of enemies, all while uncovering a pivotal story within The Legend of Zelda universe. According to Nintendo, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will explore the previously untold events of the Imprisoning War, an era alluded to in prior Zelda lore which ultimately laid the foundation for the story of Tears of the Kingdom.

The game will allow players to experience canonical events involving beloved characters such as Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and others who played crucial roles during Hyrule’s turbulent history.

"Players can look forward to thrilling combat and a rich, story-driven experience that expands on the established lore of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom," Nintendo noted in its announcement. This new entry continues the popular Warriors-style action mechanics that have defined the Hyrule Warriors series.

Fans will command familiar champions and take part in large-scale skirmishes, strategically managing resources and leveraging unique character abilities.

With the transition to the Nintendo Switch 2, the series also stands to benefit from improved hardware capabilities and enhanced performance. The arrival of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to expanding its Zelda portfolio with compelling side stories that both honor the franchise’s legacy and provide fresh experiences for seasoned fans.

The combination of action-based gameplay and rich storytelling ensures that this title will be a major highlight for the upcoming winter season on Switch 2. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is set for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in winter 2025.

For more information and digital pre-orders, players can visit the official Nintendo website or the Switch eShop.

Stay tuned for further updates as Nintendo shares additional details ahead of launch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Koei Tecmo Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom The Legend of Zelda Switch 2 Legend of Zelda Switch Hyrule Warriors Hyrule Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Koei Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom