This week, Nintendo presented the final pre-launch trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Previous trailers kept the game's story secret, but The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's final trailer reveals the return of Ganondorf and hints at how Link and Zelda will rise up to face him. Early in the trailer, the duo are separated before appearing to work alongside unique allies from different eras in time. If appearances are to be believed, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's final trailer may be hinting at a war fought on two fronts: the past and the present.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to 2017's Breath of the Wild, in which players explored a Hyrule plagued by the great Calamity Ganon. By the time players completed the title's nearly 60-hour story, the Calamity was vanquished and all seemed right in the land. With this week's trailer, Nintendo revealed a new and far greater evil with the return of Ganondorf. To defeat him, it appears Tears of the Kingdom will see Link mount an offensive in the present, meanwhile Zelda works with the ancient Zonai tribe in the past.
Zelda and the Zonai’s Fight for Hyrule’s Past
Fans have been speculating about the role of the Zonai tribe in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, as it has long been extinct by the time Breath of the Wild takes place. However, it appears Zelda will encounter these ancient warriors face-to-face in Tears of the Kingdom. Throughout the final trailer, Zelda can be seen wearing an outfit in the style of the Zonai's barbarian armor and conversing with a mysterious figure wearing ancient garb. They explain that Link is their last defense against evil before Zelda is seen holding realizing the unique role she has to play.
Zelda and the Zonai appear to be mounting an offensive in the past, as the Zonai tribe's existence predates the history of Hyrule. Known to be proficient users of magic, with a unique bond to both animals and divine creatures, the Zonai tribe may enlist Zelda in their battle against extinction. Given the focus of the trailer, it is likely the enemy will be an early incarnation of Ganondorf. Zelda appears to believe that Link can reach her in the past, possibly hinting that both past and present could join forces in a final confrontation.
Link and the Champions’ Fight for Hyrule’s Future
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Hyrule is a far cry from where players left it in Breath of the Wild. The trailer hints that Ganondorf's return is directly responsible for the destruction of Hyrule and the Master Sword in the present, an act that also appears to corrupt Link's arm. Link's arm eventually overcomes this corruption, transforming into the version seen in past trailers.
Following his separation from Zelda, Link's corrupted arm is imbued with Ultrahand and other abilities that he uses to battle Ganondorf's forces in the present. Tears of the Kingdom's final trailer reveals that Link will not be fighting alone, as Breath of the Wild's new Champions are shown fighting alongside him without the help of the Divine Beasts. Together, Link and the champions fight to ensure the future of Hyrule, though a final victory likely requires the combined efforts of warriors past and present.
With The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's final trailer, Nintendo hints at the epic adventure awaiting fans next month. Battling in the past and present, players will attempt to provide the Kingdom of Hyrule with a brighter future. The method by which both eras could collide has yet to be seen, but both Link and Zelda are confirmed to play active roles in ensuring that Ganondorf's timeless grasp on Hyrule is brought to an end.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to release May 12, 2023, for Nintendo Switch.