Everything we know so far about Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is one of the most hotly anticipated games in the world and fans are desperate for more information on it.

It’s been more than two years since Nintendo revealed the first teaser trailer for the new game at E3 2019. Since then there has been very little additional information that has been released, with its real name remaining a mystery. Internally, the game is still being referred to as “Sequel to Breath of the Wild.”

There’s still quite a bit to pour over when it comes to what Nintendo has revealed for BOTW2, and there are some areas of criticism for the original that might be tuned up. Here’s what is known about the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, and what you can look forward to when the game releases.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 new items and abilities

A few new items and abilities were revealed for Link in the trailers that have come out for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.

The second trailer revealed for the game showed a new abilities for Link that will shake up how players navigate the world and battle enemies. The first new ability shown is a new form of Stasis that allows the player to reverse the momentum of objects in the world. In the trailer, a spiked boulder rolling downhill is sent back uphill with this ability, killing enemies in the process.

Link is later shown using a new weapon that looks like an arm-cannon flamethrower. Link fights an enemy using this and sets it ablaze.

Finally, a third ability is shown that allows Link to phase through floors and ceilings. A pathway allows him to move vertically but instead of bashing into a rock overhead, he climbs out of the top of it.

Neither of the trailers revealed so far have included footage of Link’s abilities from the original Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While it’s likely some will return, particularly the bomb, it could be that Link’s abilities will look very different in the sequel.

Is Ganondorf returning in Zelda: BOTW2?

It seems very likely that Ganondorf is returning in BOTW2.

The original trailer that was revealed at E3 2019 didn’t feature any actual gameplay footage, but still left a strong impression on fans. This was in part because of a spooky, zombie-like figure that springs to life.

While the character isn’t named and is only shown briefly, they have all the hallmarks of being the Breath of the Wild version of Ganondorf. The character has the red hair with gold adornments reminiscent of the Gerudo. They’re shown exuding the same malevolent energy that Calamity Ganon did previously, but with an actual human form instead of the quadrupedal beastly shape of the final boss.

The fact that he’s appearing in the trailers suggests that Ganondorf is set to return early on and will likely be a significant part of the game. This should make for a very different narrative in Breath of the Wild 2, as Calamity Ganon was a looming unseen force rather than a defined character.

Is Breath of the Wild 2 like Zelda: Skyward Sword?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 looks like it will have some areas that hearken back to Skyward Sword.

A significant chunk of the second trailer highlights flying islands, with Link skydiving above them, gliding between them, and running on the ground beneath them. Though there aren’t yet any signs of the Loftwings returning, the scenery certainly harkens back to the controversial Nintendo Wii title.

Though the whimsical and fantastical islands at the start of the trailer are both pretty and majestic, not all the floating landmasses are as welcoming. Both trailers end with Hyrule Castle snapping out of the ground and floating into the air.

What significance this will ultimately have is unknown, but it’s certainly shaping up to be a big part of the game. This could make for a very different environment for exploration compared to the original BOTW.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 release date

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is set to come out in 2022, but no exact release date has yet been revealed.

Though Nintendo hasn’t made a peep about the game since the E3 2021 trailer in June, the trailer ended with an ominous “2022” message. Though development has been lingering and Nintendo is starting to develop a reputation for delaying its games, there’s still plenty of cause to hope.

Nintendo’s first quarter of 2022 is set to be a packed one with the Nintendo Switch ready for the release of first-party titles Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as well as Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy. There are plenty of other games set to come out on the Switch in 2022 as well, including Bayonetta 3, Mario+Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, Splatoon 3, and a new Yokai Watch game.

Once those games start receiving definite release dates, a clearer picture of Breath of the Wild 2’s release date will take shape.