There's no doubt that longtime Zelda fans are excited about entering the world of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, given the fact that Nintendo's next Zelda game represents an important first for the series. However, with the massive success of recent Zelda titles, there are likely new fans who are equally excited about Echoes of Wisdom. With release getting closer by the day, we will provide players with answers to all their burning questions regarding Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
When Will The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom be Released?
September 26, 2024
Nintendo will be releasing Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on 09/26/24, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch platform. We do not yet know the exact release windows for each country, but they will be added here when the information is made available.
Where Can I Play The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom?
Nintendo Switch Exclusively
Currently, the Nintendo Switch is the only place players will be able to play Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Should any new platforms be announced, this list will be updated to include them.
How Many Versions of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Will Be Available?
One Basic Version for $59.99 US, Digital or Physical
It does not currently appear that Nintendo will be releasing any special editions of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. There will be one basic edition of the game, available in either physical or digital formats. Nintendo will be releasing a special Hyrule Edition of the Nintendo Switch Lite, available on the day of release. Should Nintendo reveal any plan for a deluxe or collector's edition, this section will be updated.
Will The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Offer a Pre-Order Bonus?
Currently only from Third-Party Retailers.
Currently, it does not appear that Nintendo will be offering any type of Pre-Order bonus through their store. The only Pre-Order bonuses available to fans are available through third-party retailers. GameStop is offering players a physical poster with their pre-order, and Best Buy is offering an acrylic stand with a pre-order. These appear to be the only Pre-Order Bonuses available for Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom an Open-World Game?
Yes, in the Style of Traditional 2D Zelda Games
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is made in the style of a traditional Zelda game. Many consider the first Zelda games to be some of the first open-world games. In that sense, Echoes of Wisdom is an open-world game, with a large map that the player can freely explore, multiple regions filled with a wide variety of enemies, dungeons, and more. There is a large area hidden from view, found within the rift that sits at the center of the game's story. This area is called the Still World, and will offer even more exploration and discovery. Echoes of Wisdom' s map has been officially revealed, and it certainly looks like it will provide the classic Zelda open-world experience.
Will Players Control Link or Zelda in Echoes of Wisdom?
Zelda is the Game's Protagonist
For the first time in the Zelda franchise, players will take control of Zelda as the main protagonist. Some fans believe that the game's ESRB rating summary shows that there may be some small sections where the players will have control of Link, but Zelda appears to be the main protagonist.
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How is Zelda's Gameplay Different From Link's?
Zelda Uses Echoes, Automatons, and Swordfighter Form
The world of Zelda: Echos of Wisdom is built from the ground up to be experienced using Zelda's new exploration and combat mechanics. Echoes are a new mechanic that allows Zelda to create duplicates of certain items. She will build up a list of these items throughout the game, and use them for combat and exploration. This mechanic is learned through a special new friend named Tri, who will accompany Zelda on her journey, and provide her with the source of this new power, the Tri Rod. This is just the start of what Zelda can do with this powerful new tool.
Automatons are small machines that Zelda will acquire from the builder Dampé, who Zelda will encounter during her journey. She will be able to send these small robots out to complete certain tasks, even fighting. For those players who can't imagine a Zelda game with a sword and shield, Echoes of Wisdom has you covered. During her journey, Zelda will unlock the Swordfighter Form, which allows her to fight like Link for a brief time. This ability is charge-based, and Zelda will find recharge items while exploring.
Is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Part of the Mainline Zelda Series?
All Signs Point to Yes
While the question of whether Echoes of Wisdom is part of the main Zelda canon has not been addressed by Nintendo, most fans seem to think that it almost certainly is. Certain details shown in the trailers correspond to various games in the mainline Zelda series, and most likely mean this truly is the first time Zelda will be playable in a mainline Zelda game. However, this is still speculation, as there has been no official announcement on the subject from Nintendo.
Where Does Echoes of Wisdom Fit in the Zelda Timeline?
Not Currently Confirmed
Unlike the question of the game's mainline status, it is much harder to know where the game sits in the timeline without official confirmation from Nintendo. Many fans believe they know where it should be placed, as the existence of certain races and locations can help narrow down the choices. Facts like Ganon's appearance and the inclusion of both Zora groups point to the 'Lost Hero/Downfall' era. However, there are facts that contradict this theory. For now, it's better to wait and see if Nintendo verifies Echoes of Wisdom's place in the timeline.
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Is Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom a Sequel or Remake?
No
Unlike Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is not a remake of an older game. Whether the game is a sequel or not is much harder to say for sure. One thing is certain: Nintendo has not announced that Echoes of Wisdom is a direct sequel to any previous Zelda game. Players will have to wait until release to see if the story picks up from any past game.
Will There Be Classic Zelda Dungeons in Echoes of Wisdom?
Yes
According to the trailers, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will feature several "massive" dungeons found in both Hyrule, and Still World. Other than brief glimpses, the form these dungeons will take is yet to be seen. However, if the trailers are anything to go by, then fans of the classic Zelda worlds are in for a treat.
Is Ganon Returning as the Main Antagonist?
Not Currently Clear
Ganon is featured prominently in the key artwork for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, so it is safe to assume Link's nemesis is returning in some form. However, whether Ganon will be the ultimate antagonist of the game is not yet clear. We will likely have to wait for the game's release on September 26, 2024.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Released
- September 26, 2024
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Grezzo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Franchise
- The Legend of Zelda
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Adventure