Fans of The Legend of Zelda series are eagerly anticipating a new adventure set in the world of Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo revealed during its September Direct event that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be released on November 6, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for this title began on September 12 at various major retailers. Following the trend of other Nintendo-published Switch 2 games, Age of Imprisonment is set to retail for $70.
While Nintendo games seldom include pre-order bonuses, there`s a possibility that specific retailers might offer exclusive Zelda-themed collectibles in the near future.
Both the physical and digital editions of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment are available for purchase. For those opting for the physical version, the entire game is contained on the Switch 2 Game Card. This is notable due to the game`s substantial file size of 44.9GB, as listed on the eShop, which means the digital version would occupy approximately 20% of the console`s internal storage. Players who choose the digital version and wish to expand their storage can find officially licensed microSD Express Cards of various capacities, such as 256GB or 512GB, from popular brands.
Age of Imprisonment marks the third installment in the crossover series blending Koei Tecmo`s Dynasty Warriors style with The Legend of Zelda universe. Following its predecessors, this title is a hack-and-slash action game offering both single-player and cooperative gameplay. It boasts an extensive roster of characters, prominently featuring Princess Zelda as a lead. This continues a recent trend where Zelda has taken the starring role in the last two Legend of Zelda releases, notably in last year`s The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which was the first mainline game to feature a protagonist other than Link.
Mirroring how Age of Calamity preceded Breath of the Wild, Age of Imprisonment is set before the events of Tears of the Kingdom. Its narrative delves into Demon King Ganondorf`s earlier bid for control over Hyrule, an invasion merely alluded to in Tears of the Kingdom. Players will now experience this pivotal historical conflict firsthand. Beyond Princess Zelda, the game includes a diverse cast of playable characters such as King Rauru, Mineru, and other Sages, and notably, even a Korok.
The game supports GameShare on Switch 2, allowing two players to enjoy local wireless co-op with a single copy of the game. Furthermore, all existing Zelda Amiibo figures are compatible, providing in-game crafting materials and various items upon scanning.
For those who have previously played Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, having a save file on your console will grant you the High Guard`s Claymore weapon in Age of Imprisonment. Similarly, players with a Tears of the Kingdom save file will receive the High Guard`s Sword.
Other Hyrule Warriors and Legend of Zelda Titles
Ahead of Age of Imprisonment`s launch, players might wish to explore previous Hyrule Warriors titles like Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. These games are available in various editions for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles, which are region-free.
While Age of Imprisonment serves as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, a deeper appreciation for its narrative can be gained by experiencing the acclaimed open-world adventure of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This title, along with other mainline Zelda entries, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, are widely available for Nintendo Switch and/or Switch 2.