The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has, in true Zelda fashion, raised as many questions as it answered. This long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild picks up where the last game left off. We find Link and Zelda in the beginning, exploring the runes under Hyrule Castle, and are launched into the game from there.
The hours and days of adventures that follow are a heart-pounding race to rescue Zelda and save the world. And while you find answers in your quest, you're bound to walk away wondering about some things.
Spoilers regarding The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ahead.
5 What's Next?
The first question that every person asks at the end of a Zelda game. The adventures just keep getting bigger and grander, and you always wonder, "How will Nintendo top this?" Somehow, they always manage.
While there's no confirmed new Zelda game at this time, it seems silly to think Nintendo would just end a 30-year franchise. So we have to assume we'll see another Zelda game in the future. Will it go for a threequel, something otherwise unheard of in the development of the Zelda timeline? Probably not, although there's still much to be explored in this version of Hyrule. While we restart Tears of the Kingdom for our second/third/fourth playthroughs, it's a question that will stay in the back of our minds - how is Nintendo going to follow up this epic journey?
4 Will We See The Zonai Again?
Most of the races in Tears of the Kingdom - the Sheikah, Gerudo, Rito, Zora, and Hylians - have appeared before in the Zelda franchise. Tears of the Kingdom was the first to feature the Zonai, an ancient race that was referenced in Breath of the Wild. As such, they're unique to this particular timeline of the Zelda universe. Unfortunately, they're long dead by the time Link discovers them, with nothing but their Constructs left behind, tending to everyday chores for masters that are never coming home.
Their story is left largely untold, aside from some bits and pieces we learn in the flashbacks to Zelda's past adventures. But their influence is still felt even in present time, despite them being gone. And it begs the question - will they come back in later games? Ones that aren't tied to the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom timeline? Will we learn more about them? They're a fascinating people with a lot to offer.
3 Will Hyrule Ever Fully Recover?
Breath of the Wild featured a Hyrule just trying to survive a hundred years after the devastating events of the war. Tears of the Kingdom features a Hyrule that wants to thrive. People no longer live in fear of monsters; they instead want to set out and see the world, establish their own businesses, and fight for their homes. People who have never experienced a moment of peace in their lives are determined to make the most of this fragile moment before the world falls apart again. The many peoples of Hyrule are ready to stop fighting and truly live.
There are hints throughout the game that even before the opening, people were already having a hard time despite the reconstruction efforts. The gloom that has been seeping out from under Hyrule Castle has been making its way through the lands, causing illnesses and wreaking havoc. And yet, progress is still being made. Lookout Landing is under construction. The skyview towers are being built. People are finding new homes and re-opening their businesses. The story of Hyrule is very much one of hope against the odds. And all we can do is hope that one day, it'll be back to its former glory.
2 What Else Did Zelda Experience In The Past?
While we see flashes of Zelda's past adventures throughout the game, we know there has to be more to it. There could be an entire game based on this premise - Zelda and her journey through time, from princess to the Sage of time, to becoming the Light Dragon. Not to mention learning more about the history of Hyrule and the Zonai.
What was it like for her to strike out completely on her own, without the help of Link or her friends, in a place where she was forced to depend on strangers for guidance? How did she adjust? We know from Breath of the Wild that Zelda struggles with feeling weaker than others. Did those insecurities affect her in the past? How did she push past them? It's impossible to not wonder about these things, even knowing we'll never get an answer.
1 Are Link and Zelda Together?
The relationship between hero and princess has mostly been left ambiguous over time. Skyward Sword was the first game to introduce them as childhood friends and almost lovers, while Breath of the Wild made Link the bodyguard to a reluctant Zelda and eventual friend before Calamity Ganon attacked. The beginning of Tears of the Kingdom finds them together and seemingly comfortable with one another. After being reunited in the end, Link catches Zelda and holds her close as they fall out of the sky together.
There are even hints that they're living together - specifically, sharing the house that Link can build in Breath of the Wild. When you find the house, you can go in and find evidence that Link has been staying there with Zelda, perhaps even overnight (there's only one bed). It's about as explicit as we've ever seen their relationship, but it still doesn't give us a full idea of what they really are. Obviously something beyond princess and bodyguard. Two lonely people who have outlived almost every other important person in their lives? Friends? Or something more?