#TotK DLC

[phoenixcatch7]

Thinking about possible totk dlc again... Listen, we all know we want it XD.

Thing is, I've read the interviews, and I think Nintendo is right. There's just no more mechanics they can add to the game without completely breaking it. Totk is maxxed out on mechanics and options and playability. There really is nothing more they can add ability wise without bogging the whole thing down and causing a million problems, both for themselves and players.

But that's not all there is in a game, is there?

There's master mode, for one. Gold enemies are missing from totk entirely, never mind all the craziness of regenerating enemies, new mob camps just floating around, the gleeok they'd probably put on the great sky island. People loved master mode in botw, there's no reason not to at least drop that button back in.

But... People do have a few complaints. There's stuff they're missing, stuff that leaves loose ends, stuff that wasn't explained well enough. It all mostly boils down to one thing.

Story.

We could have an answer to where the divine beasts and all the sheikah tech went. We could find a giant scrapyard at the bottom of a new/old chasm because hyrule tossed everything in that could be pried up. There could be like five remaining active guardians, just so we can mess them up like we did in botw. There's voids where water is on the surface, there's plenty of space! It'd solve both the 'where tf did they go' and the 'man I wish we still had guardians' issue in one fell swoop.

We could get casual dialogue that all the divine beasts were driven out to sea and sunk! I don't know! Some sort of closure! We could talk about generational trauma responses! The instinctive fear of sheikah tech if there is one! Link is certainly canonically traumatised, did you see him with the first sky tower??

We could get wolfie back! Update his teleportation code so he can keep up with our stupid endeavours and not get caught in crossfire! Make him immune to zonai tech, idk.

We could get a resolution to kass and Penn! That whole storyline ended so sadly, and the lack of kass is straight up disturbing. We could rescue him from the depths where he fell in or smth idk!! Just because you're a bird does NOT mean you can fly a kilometer + straight up in pitch black through a narrow cylinder with lethally toxic sides. Now he's got enough material for life! (and probably trauma. The only food down there is stuff the yiga brought, which - well, it's not like they'd worry about thieves down there.

That stupid chef from lookout landing who ran off to the castle. That's TOTALLY a quest come on :(. Let him come home.

More lookout landing expansion, if you're desperate for stuff that isn't 90% dialogue! Please let me install bigger towers and a bathing area and more shops or SOMETHING. Little outlet stalls from every capital! Let me rebuild the first home in castle town! I! D! K!

More newspaper news! We could randomise it like the spider man ps4 news feed, that was hilarious. Absolute hogwash rumours and stupid feuds between neighbours and the results of pumpkin growing competitions! Mix it up, traysi had bonkers stuff, it was so good. What does life look like from inside the world?

Hylia gossip? We know she doesn't keep strictly to her 'find shrine rewards for increased gains, link' thing. Let her ask link for random stuff for 'power buffs' and give him, like, a random buff that lasts precisely 24 minutes.

Maybe even a 'now we opened the plateau again, people want to investigate' side plot. No one wanted to see :(. I didn't like that the only people up there were yiga :((. Send some new research team dude to wax lyrical and beg link for photos of different areas or symbols.

Gloom hands should be able to attack link in the depths. This would solve nothing and in fact make things much worse, but it happened to me twice and it was so much worse than on the surface lol.

Maybe some idiot managed to make it to a Sky island with balloons but now they can't get down, whoops lol. Some of them really aren't that high up and there's a lot of very determined people XD.

Someone's been captured by the yiga and link has to do a full infiltration and smuggle them the keys to their cell. Come on, the yiga base is underutilised!!

The gerudo stable was being shut down because of the sandstorm turning away travellers. After we solve that, maybe we could help reopen it? It made me so sad...

Link vs the flower lady. She wants a sample of every single flower in hyrule to get it all nice for her majesty! She remembers his crimes...

Link and the new sages could have a silly bonding quest each! Let him test his mettle against them in a spar! I don't know!

The ability to pet dogs and horses! An idle sitting animation that makes link sit down properly to enjoy the view!

Heck, a master cycle equivalent....

There's just a almost infinite amount of options available for real, actual content, it doesn't just have to be new mechanics and new dungeons. Yes, it gets the adrenaline going, but neither the fans nor Nintendo want nor need more of that.

We know the story is more lacking in botw/totk than previous zelda games, an understandable and acceptable sacrifice when you're working with such a huge and complex open world as this, but this is the perfect opportunity to fix that, Nintendo, don't you see? Give that incredibly elaborate coding a break and give the writers something else to chew on.

Tag what quest line or question you want answered in the comments or tags!

[angeliczelda444]

Zelda Totk fans, yall doing ok right now? Because I'm not. I am so damn upset about the latest news regarding DLC. Like dude no joke, I burst into tears while driving to work today. I have so many feelings about this. Words cannot describe how badly I want a Rauru plushie or pillow right now. Nintendo please......you can't do this. Right now, call me stupid I know but I just need to feel this heartbreak.

[star-pup01]

Even though they were never gonna reference them anyway, I am very sad that the Champions are now pretty much permanently gone. The Wild saga is likely over since totk DLC is deconfirmed, and recurring characters are very few and far between except Beedle for some reason (which I love).

They really hit us with the best characters in the damn series, killed them, and then did not elaborate.

Welp, guess I'll just have to consume obscene amounts of fanfiction to make up for it.

[undercityrezident]

My Thoughts on TotK's Lack of DLC

So, according to a dev interview, there’s no DLC coming out for TotK.

I do have some mixed feelings about that. Spoilers below the cut:

To be honest, I’m a little surprised at this decision, considering the precedent set by both Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity (though the latter isn’t a formal Zelda game, so I suppose it shouldn’t be used to try and establish a trend).

On the other hand, I don’t think this decision is too surprising either since TotK began its life as additional DLC for Breath of the Wild before the dev team decided to expand it to a full-fledged game of its own. In a sense, this is a project that likely began as a final hurrah for this era of Hyrule and its characters, but grew out of control as creativity flourished with devs. Tears of the Kingdom might be the last the devs wanted or needed to say for this iteration of the titular kingdom.

That said, there are numerous information gaps and questions left by Tears of the Kingdom that I had dearly hoped would be answered by a batch of prospective DLC.

My biggest hope was to have questions answered about the ancient sages. Mineru, Zelda, and Rauru aside, we know so little about them, and I would’ve loved to have learned more about them and the people they represented in that era.

Moreover, I think diving into the sage's history could’ve also illuminated the history of their respective temples, adding more life to these locations that would’ve added to their presence in the main game. Imagine being able to explore these dungeons as they were in their prime or fight along the sages to defend these places against Ganondorf if we were somehow taken back or projected our spirit back in time.

Defend them, you say? In the past? Yes, and while general gameplay tends to focus on Link, and while we could use further time travel or spiritual projection shenanigans to allow for him to make an appearance in that time period, I think this would be the perfect way to include gameplay as Zelda herself. This is something I was yearning for before the launch of TotK, and this would’ve been the perfect excuse to get to play as her in a main-line Zelda game. While I could argue that she was incredibly central to this game’s plot, nothing can really substitute for gameplay interaction with or as her.

What’s more, the Imprisoning War, for all the influence it had in the game, is largely unknown to us as the player outside of its beginning and end. There were mentions of engagements in locations outside of what we saw in the memories, specifically the fall of Gerudo settlements, as mentioned by the Gerudo sage. DLC focusing on Zelda and her role in the past would’ve given us the triad benefits of exploring the sages further, getting to play as Zelda and further emphasizing her importance in the plot, and expanding on these events.

Alternatively, I would’ve loved DLC that expanded on the dragons of Hyrule, namely Farosh, Naydra, and Dinraal (and I will admit to a faint hope that my headcanons about the connections between Zonai and the three dragons would be affirmed in canon). If draconification had anything to do with how they came to be, I would've loved to hear those stories.

But, if we’re looking to use DLC to fill in on something truly underutilized in the game, I would say that additional content in The Depths would’ve been one of the best choices. The Depths, while compelling through their intimidating and disorienting nature in the early game, lose a lot of wonder, mystique, and even interest later in the game once you’ve illuminated it all and completed the Mineru and Yiga questlines.

Overall, while dangerous, The Depths feel very empty and don’t live up to the potential I see in it. The Depths could’ve been host to additional dungeons and challenges, and there are even hints of previous civilization down there that could’ve been expanded on. The dark skeletons are yet another mystery that we don’t have answers to, and evidence of the other surface races having had presences down here (I’m looking at you Gorondia and the Gerudo Underground Cemetery) are pieces of content worth further consideration.

And, of course, there’s the mystery of the final reward for completing all the game’s shrines: the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. In-game dialogue speaks to this being a reference to the hero that stood against the calamity 10,000 years ago, yet no race in-game or referenced in its lore seems to match this humanoid that Link embodies when he equips the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. This ancient hero undoubtedly has some connection to the Zonai, given that the design of the aspect armour and how its three facial designs reflect the boar, the owl, and the dragon: three important figures in Zonai culture and the three beasts that are emulated or revered by those who designed the three labyrinths.

Sadly, these questions, alongside many other smaller mysteries, will go unanswered unless Nintendo decides to put out alternative materials (such as books, videos, or third-party titles). From the consumer side of things and from someone who genuinely enjoys ingesting and speculating on Zelda lore, I’m a bit disappointed. But, at the same time, I can see why the devs might want to move on from this particular iteration of the Zelda franchise to focus on their next work. Something new and fresh for them is as good for them as it may eventually be for us when we get to see what direction they take the Zelda series next.

And at any rate, all of my above hopes and speculation on what the DLC could’ve been is quite expansive and, given Nintendo’s history, probably unrealistic. While I enjoyed the Champion’s Ballad DLC, it wasn’t anything groundbreaking that shook our views on how we perceived Breath of the Wild.

I can’t imagine DLC for Tears of the Kingdom would’ve been much different. But that won’t stop me from looking back at Tears of the Kingdom and asking asking: "what if it did answer those questions?" However, I'll have to rely on myself and the creativity of others to fill in those gaps.

I suppose there’s a certain appeal in that, too.

[shishuri]

Despite the statement from Nintendo that they will not be releasing additional content, i am still holding on to a tini-tiny hope that they will in fact release DLC in the future..

Unless there is a mistranslation, the wording "We have no plans to release additional content this time" - emphasis on "this time". This can still be turned around, as it is possible that no plans now currently but maybe still possible in the future.

They can just flatly say "no additional content will be made". But this wording is very safe, it can easily be recanted should they change their mind.

[derrickwildsun]

I actually think it's reassuring that the game doesn't have DLC. Like, "Wow, they made the game they wanted to make and they're content to leave it as is rather than expect gamers to put down more $ for extra content that's probably just superfluous! Good on them!" We've come to accept extra content released in future installments as the norm, so for a big company like Nintendo to release a AAA game that's basically complete is quite a shock to me.

I still would have liked one or two extra memories of Zelda chilling with Rauru, Sonia, and Mineru in the past, but overall I'm happy with the story and gameplay. More games with less DLC, please!

[acetier]

a quiet moment above the clouds

-

got back into playing totk recently. i still haven't beaten the final boss bc i've been too distracted with finding koroks and playing hide-and-seek with the gloom hands

((link close up under the cut ¯\_(ツ)_/¯))

[kbluebirdart]

I saw Hyrule as it was.

[jamesbranwen]

this is not me trying to defend nintendo's business practices or say that either of these games don't have flaws, but I think a lot of the comparisons people are making between breath of the wild and tears of the kingdom are a little unfair and don't really take into account that they are different games with different purposes.

"breath of the wild feels so empty compared to tears of the kingdom" ... yeah? with breath of the wild, one of the game's main themes was isolation. you wake up in the future far after the apocalypse you were trying to prevent has already settled. you have no memories, very little strength. just like hyrule, just like zelda, all you have is your will to continue. breath of the wild is the quiet moments, the secret spaces, the weight of the world that has continued to turn without you still resting on your shoulders.

tears of the kingdom is not like that. hyrule is no longer the wild. it is no longer quiet and lonely. there's community. every sidequest is intertwined. your friends fight alongside you. this isn't "fixing" breath of the wild, this is it's natural continuation. as time goes on the world continues to heal and rebuild. if breath of the wild was clawing hope, tears of the kingdom is direct action.

like yeah there are things tears is doing better and (imo) things breath of the wild did better. but i don't think either one is a replacement for the other.

[drrba]

ALMOST TIME

[mizukkay]

Unwavering.

[inkiedraws]

Started playing BOTW.

I like that Sidon isn't a full on himbo but at the same time.. He did recruit a rock person for a swimming mission?

And i'm like "This guy's alright."

[angeliczelda444]

Ok so since my mind won't STFU about TOTK especially with my goat dad Rauru I have yet another headcanon/potential DLC idea for totk. So here it goes. (Also sorry I know this is long but please bare with me)

Ok for starters, I'll make a separate post about this but I'm also coming up with a potential DLC idea to include a backstory to not only the Zonai people but within Rauru and Mineru's childhood and youth. This backstory will show the history of the Zonai and what lead to their downfall and how Rauru became king. In one of the cutscenes I'm thinking of, it will be about Rauru but here he is the age of 10 years old. His secret stone of light was actually his mother's and she shares the same light power as him. Remember when Zeldas mom and Urbosa would call Zelda little bird? She would call him something similar. She would call Rauru "Sweet dove". This is gonna be sad I know but the reason why she gave Rauru her secret stone was not only the fact that Rauru was ready for it.....but she was on the brink of passing away from being poisoned by a group of people who are killing the Zonai. (That will be for a separate post). And with this Rauru swears on his life to become the best Warrior for his people and to honor his mother's wish. And that's where it can fast forward to Rauru in his teen years. (Again, I'll make a separate post for this idea). Ok so now!!! What if there were additional cutscenes for the DLC and it actually shows a bit more of wholesome memories with Zelda in the past along with Rauru, Sonia and Mineru? This cutscene in practicular would focus on Zelda and Rauru. Keep in mind, especially in the ancient stone tablets it implies that Zelda was in the past for quite some time so naturally she would create a bond with these 3. And we've already seen a bit in that one dragon tears with Sonia and Rauru regarding Link. Ok so anyways! This cutscene here would be about Zelda and Rauru. Keep in mind, although she may have Sonias time power and she is mainly trying to use that, Rauru still wants to help Zelda as well with her power of light. And another way for these both to bond is by him showing her around Hyrule within that time and maybe show her his kingly duties. Ok, so this is where it gets wholesome. She's explained to Rauru before along with Sonia about how Urbosa would call her little bird. She has also explained to these 2 how her dad was so hard on her for power of light. Little does Zelda know, Rauru relates to Zelda very much. In the Zonai backstory, his dad was severely hard on him. Hell he was even worse than Rhoam. Rauru felt a huge ass responsibility towards his people back then because his power was seen as rare amongst his people(OK OK ILL MAKE A POST ABOUT THIS LATER OK?) Anyways, he sees this and reassures Zelda that he is in no way pressuring her into this power at all. And here's the wholesome part.....ok remember how Rauru's mother would call him sweet dove? Well.....IN THIS CUTSCENE HE CALLS ZELDA SWEET DOVE!! For example it could be something like "Zelda, you are already doing so much for your people. You carry the world on your shoulders and I know you strive to work hard, but just know that you are doing enough.....my sweet dove." Zelda would get curious as to why he called her sweet dove and he explains that Urbosa already gave you the title little bird and he wouldn't take it away. He explains to her that his mother called him that and how he sees himself through Zelda. So naturally, he called her sweet dove. AND OMG OMG YOU GUYS THAT WOULD BE HIS TERM OF ENDEARMENT TOWARDS ZELDA AND COULD YOU IMAGINE IF THEY MADE ANOTHER HYRULE WARRIORS GAME BASED ON TOTK HE WOULD CALL HER THAT IN THAT GAME AS WELL?!?!?!?! Ugh look this may be a bit copy paste from Urbosa but IDC cause Zelda has never had stable parental figures in her life and Rauru has been a better father to Zelda than Rhoam was. Basically sweet dove would be the fatherly version of little bird ok???? Lol ok yall thank you for coming to my Ted talk. If you made it this far which I know this is long but if you did, thank you. I hope in every ore you break in TOTK will be a diamond and you find the best weapons in the depths lol.

[vioshortforviolence]

So a post I reblogged about no Dark Link in TotK being a missed opportunity got me thinking about how he could've been implemented:

You could find one of those journals in one of the Yiga outposts in the Depths talking about him. Here's how I think it could read:

Spotted the Hero in the Depths today. I attempted to approach while disguised as a member of the Zonai Survey Team.

Next Page

Bad idea. I was attacked immediately and viciously without hesitation. I barely escaped with my life!

Next Page

That... was not the Hero.

Next Page

Was that the Hero's Shadow spoken of in the old legends? It is said the Shadow would mirror the Hero's appearance and fighting skills... I believe it after that encounter.

Next Page

ATTENTION YIGA CLAN MEMBERS: If you spot this figure during your patrols, DO NOT APPROACH. This 'Shadow' will viciously attack anything and anyone that dares get near, even the Yiga Clan.

Next Page

Beware the Hero's Shadow.

Next Page

Glory to Master Kohga.

End

Dark Link would be patrolling the Depths, and upon spotting you, he will chase you down and attack, similar to the Gloom Hands. But unlike the Gloom Hands, you cannot escape by climbing to high ground and waiting for him to vanish. He will simply teleport up to you.

You can either deal enough damage to him, which will make him leave and reappear elsewhere in the Depths (like how the Yiga flee when defeated), or you can teleport far enough away so he loses track of you. Thankfully, he will not follow you to the Surface.

If he spots you while you're wearing the Dark Link outfit, he will be temporarily confused, giving you very limited time to run away or hide before he figures it out and starts attacking you. Similar to the Lynel Mask.

Also while you're wearing the Dark Link outfit, the Yiga will not ambush you, because they think you're the Hero's Shadow.

Dark Link's number of hearts will match that of the player's, just like in OoT. The stronger you get, the stronger he gets too.

He would also have the smartest enemy AI in the game, besides Ganondorf himself:

He dodges any thrown items or arrows shot at him, which means he cannot be cheesed with bombs. He will simply hop out of the blast radius before it lands. You must fight him in close melee combat.

He will mirror your strikes perfectly if you fight him with a one-handed sword and shield. However, he only wields a sword and shield, meaning you can attack him more easily with a different weapon, like... oh I don't know... a two-handed hammer? 😉

I'm not entirely sure what he'd drop upon defeat... Maybe his sword and shield?

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear other ideas :)

(EDIT: Added more stuff in a reblog!)

[kagoutiss]

so the new iteration of twinrova in totk who appear in the bg of some of the dragon tear memories. who look oddly young and also never show up again or become plot relevant at all. anyway i keep thinking what if they’re his daughters this time around :’-0

[kandiyaki]

kieran buddy calm down ur doin the fuckin Great King of Evil Ganondorf