Since the release of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (BOTW) in 2017, this sequel has been in development. “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (TOTK) thus has been in development for six years and was finally released on May 12, 2023. The game has a similar map to the one in BOTW, making it easy to figure directions out for Zelda fans. However, the map is changed enough to be new and fun to explore.

Most of the shrines, Great Fairy Fountains, and stables have new locations. In addition to this, the runes you gain initially from the shrines are new and fun to work with. A common complaint the fans had about BOTW is that the weapons always break. This has not changed in TOTK, but it fits with the story and you gain the ability to fuse materials with your weapons in order to strengthen them. On top of this, you can craft your types of arrows rather than having to buy the special arrows.

This game has found a way to motivate its players to start fighting the smaller enemies in order for more supplies and stronger weapons. In BOTW, you could avoid the enemies and get weapons just as strong as if you constantly fight.

Even with the few manageable problems fans have with the game (i.e. too much to do, distaste for the new runes, and moments of confusion) the overall consensus is that TOTK is a suitable continuation of not only BOTW, but the Legend of Zelda series.