We’d have to admit that it’s not a specific release date, which is a shame. Still, a 2022 window is better than nothing for the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s open-world Zelda title. As the sequel to one of the best Zelda games ever, expectations for Breath of the Wild 2 are extremely high. Unfortunately, despite, unsurprisingly, being a part of the Nintendo Direct showcase at E3 2021, the mystery surrounding the Breath of the Wild sequel has only grown. This is especially as to whether it will launch alongside the still-missing New Nintendo Switch Pro. Here’s everything we know about Breath of the Wild 2 that we’ve gotten from every leak, update, teaser, and trailer that has been available since the sequel was first announced two years ago.
Is Breath of the Wild 2 The Final Name?
Now, before anything else, we’d like to clarify: Breath of the Wild 2 isn’t the final name of the sequel to 2017’s Breath of the Wild. Nintendo specifically refers to it as, Sequel to the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is a mouthful so we’re using Breath of the Wild 2 as a placeholder for now. We don’t think that Breath of the Wild 2 is going to be the final name either. The last time Nintendo put a number on a Zelda sequel was decades ago for Zelda II: The Adventure of Link on the Nintendo Entertainment System. This isn’t to say that Nintendo can’t or won’t buck the trend, it’s just that it’s highly unlikely that Nintendo will switch things up. TLDR; Breath of the Wild 2 probably won’t go by Breath of the Wild 2 when it comes out.
When Is The Breath of the Wild 2 Release Date?
Nintendo first revealed a release window for Breath of the Wild 2 at E3 2021, but a specific date wasn’t mentioned at all and it probably won’t be for a long time. If it’s any consolation, 2022 isn’t that far away. The bad news is that Nintendo probably wants to stagger its big titles. Since Pokémon Legends: Arceus will release in January 2022, we shouldn’t expect Breath of the Wild 2 to release until at least a quarter or two after.
Where Can We Watch Breath of the Wild 2 Trailer?
Audiences got their first glimpse of Breath of the Wild 2 at E3 2019 where Nintendo showcased a trailer showing Link and Zelda exploring a cave-like chamber with Link sporting what looks like an all-new hairstyle. Two years later, Nintendo gave audiences a better look at Breath of the Wild 2 at E3 2021. However, unlike the E3 2019 teaser, Nintendo took audiences to the sky this time around to show off a more expensive Hyrule complete with footage of Link paragliding up in the sky with what seems like a freefalling mechanic that should feel familiar to anyone who’s played Skyward Sword before. One of the more intriguing parts of the latest Breath of the Wild 2 footage is the splashed puddle that looks like it’s going back in time. We’re not quite sure what to make of it yet, but it’s safe to say that Breath of the Wild 2 is going to bring in some brand-new gameplay mechanics that’s sure to spice up the gameplay. Speaking of, Breath of the Wild 2 is looking to build on the dynamic interplay between enemies as we see those hulking boulder enemies moving around with a Bokoblin fort riding on its back.
What’s the Story of Breath of the Wild 2?
Nintendo is intentionally keeping the story of Breath of the Wild 2 under wraps. However, we do know that it will act as a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild and will start the same Link, as well as Zelda. This makes it one of the rare Zelda games that won’t reimagine Link, Zelda, and Ganon for a new installment. Speaking of Ganon, it’s unknown if the longtime series baddie will return as the main antagonist. If this is true, Breath of the Wild 2 will have some explaining to do as to how Ganon can come back to life after the beating that Link gave him in the first Breath of the Wild game. Then again, Breath of the Wild 2 might already have an explanation for it. We already know that the story will start with link and Zelda investigating some kind of spiritual energy that corrupts people and turns them into evil versions of themselves. It can also reanimate the dead. This could help explain Ganon’s return in Breath of the Wild 2. Of course, this is all just speculation. One thing that isn’t is Zelda and Link setting off on the journey that the duo promised in the epilogue of the first Breath of the Wild game. The only question now is just how big of a role Zelda will play in Breath of the Wild 2. Here’s to hoping that Nintendo decides to reveal more details in the upcoming months.
