Nintendo Switch fans of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment are set to receive a substantial gameplay update, as Version 1.0.3 arrives on December 18.
Developed by Omega Force and published by Nintendo, this musou-style action title has won over fans of The Legend of Zelda universe since its initial release, offering fast-paced battles and unique stories set in the Kingdom of Hyrule.
The new update delivers a collection of features and refinements, aiming to enrich the endgame experience and provide fresh challenges for returning players. Key features of the Version 1.0.3 update include the debut of “Phantom Mode,” a dynamic challenge that introduces randomly occurring tougher enemy variants in previously cleared battles.
According to the developer’s translated notes, in battles where Phantom Mode is triggered, standard foes may transform into special "Dangerous Species" or "Miasma Enemies." Furthermore, there’s a chance for "Phantom Ganon"—a powerful adversary—to appear when strong enemies are defeated.
Players can earn increased amounts of "High-Purity Zonanium Steel" in these encounters, adding value for those seeking endgame material upgrades. Another significant addition is the new "Taboo" difficulty level, raising the stakes above the already intense "Very Hard" setting.
By successfully clearing battles at this heightened challenge, players will unlock exclusive rewards, such as enhanced Zonanium Steel and expanded inventory limits for special food items. The update further expands the Hyrule map with additional "Battle Challenges" and "Hyrule Challenges" available after completing the main story.
Existing foes such as Lizalfos and Chuchu now appear as newly classified dangerous species, while the "Training Hall" on Sky Island becomes accessible.
Here, up to three players can participate, enabling multiplayer Sync Strikes via coordinated entry into the Training Hall. Mysterious Golem units gain new unique skills tailored to three weapon types: One-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Sword, and Spear.
The one-handed sword, for instance, introduces "Shield Charge," a skill that lets players brace and counter incoming attacks effectively, unleashing a powerful spinning slash when timed correctly.
Players can unlock these abilities through the newly introduced Battle and Hyrule Challenges. The arsenal broadens with the introduction of the “Forbidden Sword,” a miasma-tainted blade usable by Mysterious Golems and warriors of all races.
This rare weapon becomes attainable by completing specific update-related battles, offering dedicated players another goal to pursue. Additional update highlights include new battle types focused on various warriors and a high-stakes confrontation against a formidable enemy.
Quality-of-life improvements have also been implemented: now, Tweet Challenges relying on Sync Strikes can be fulfilled by any participating character, gallery conversations can be quickly exited, and evasion/guarding tutorial displays have been streamlined.
Weapon enhancement features are now available even when inventory for Zonanium Steel is maxed out. Several bugs have been addressed, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Fixes encompass material sensor interactions, the appearance of certain battle challenges, audio consistency in split-screen mode, and improved sensor management for secret abilities. With the release of Version 1.0.3, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a must-play action game on the Nintendo Switch.
For dedicated players eager to revisit Hyrule’s battlefield or those seeking new hurdles, this update provides plenty of compelling reasons to return.
Developed by Omega Force and published by Nintendo, this musou-style action title has won over fans of The Legend of Zelda universe since its initial release, offering fast-paced battles and unique stories set in the Kingdom of Hyrule.
The new update delivers a collection of features and refinements, aiming to enrich the endgame experience and provide fresh challenges for returning players. Key features of the Version 1.0.3 update include the debut of “Phantom Mode,” a dynamic challenge that introduces randomly occurring tougher enemy variants in previously cleared battles.
According to the developer’s translated notes, in battles where Phantom Mode is triggered, standard foes may transform into special "Dangerous Species" or "Miasma Enemies." Furthermore, there’s a chance for "Phantom Ganon"—a powerful adversary—to appear when strong enemies are defeated.
Players can earn increased amounts of "High-Purity Zonanium Steel" in these encounters, adding value for those seeking endgame material upgrades. Another significant addition is the new "Taboo" difficulty level, raising the stakes above the already intense "Very Hard" setting.
By successfully clearing battles at this heightened challenge, players will unlock exclusive rewards, such as enhanced Zonanium Steel and expanded inventory limits for special food items. The update further expands the Hyrule map with additional "Battle Challenges" and "Hyrule Challenges" available after completing the main story.
Existing foes such as Lizalfos and Chuchu now appear as newly classified dangerous species, while the "Training Hall" on Sky Island becomes accessible.
Here, up to three players can participate, enabling multiplayer Sync Strikes via coordinated entry into the Training Hall. Mysterious Golem units gain new unique skills tailored to three weapon types: One-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Sword, and Spear.
The one-handed sword, for instance, introduces "Shield Charge," a skill that lets players brace and counter incoming attacks effectively, unleashing a powerful spinning slash when timed correctly.
Players can unlock these abilities through the newly introduced Battle and Hyrule Challenges. The arsenal broadens with the introduction of the “Forbidden Sword,” a miasma-tainted blade usable by Mysterious Golems and warriors of all races.
This rare weapon becomes attainable by completing specific update-related battles, offering dedicated players another goal to pursue. Additional update highlights include new battle types focused on various warriors and a high-stakes confrontation against a formidable enemy.
Quality-of-life improvements have also been implemented: now, Tweet Challenges relying on Sync Strikes can be fulfilled by any participating character, gallery conversations can be quickly exited, and evasion/guarding tutorial displays have been streamlined.
Weapon enhancement features are now available even when inventory for Zonanium Steel is maxed out. Several bugs have been addressed, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Fixes encompass material sensor interactions, the appearance of certain battle challenges, audio consistency in split-screen mode, and improved sensor management for secret abilities. With the release of Version 1.0.3, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a must-play action game on the Nintendo Switch.
For dedicated players eager to revisit Hyrule’s battlefield or those seeking new hurdles, this update provides plenty of compelling reasons to return.
