Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Is Wrong to Not Add DLC

A Missed Opportunity

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom delivers countless hours of entertainment, but the absence of DLC means it misses the chance to build on one of Breath of the Wild’s standout elements. Many fans hoped for additional content that could extend the game’s appeal, so the lack of DLC for TOTK has been a letdown. Considering how well BOTW utilized its DLC to enhance the game, it’s surprising that TOTK didn't follow suit.

There are plenty of indications that TOTK was primed for DLC. While the main storyline reaches a satisfying conclusion, several smaller narrative threads feel unresolved, such as Penn's quest to find meaning in Kass's deserted home. Moreover, DLC could have introduced new areas and gameplay mechanics, possibly focusing on the Sky regions, which offer untapped potential. Despite these possibilities, the absence of DLC means that one particularly beloved feature from BOTW will not enhance TOTK.

A Master Trials Equivalent Could Have Elevated TOTK

One of the highlights of Breath of the Wild’s DLC was The Master Trials, which included the Trial of the Sword, a three-part endurance test that increased the Master Sword’s power upon completion. This feature stood out because it pushed players to their limits, similar to the Eventide Island Shrine quest, by restricting equipment and creating a level of challenge unparalleled in the rest of the game. Unfortunately, TOTK lacks a comparable challenge, and with no DLC planned, it appears this gap will remain unfilled.

The Trial of the Sword leveraged BOTW's various mechanics, from using Sheikah Slate runes strategically to mastering skills like paragliding and bullet time archery. While both BOTW and TOTK encourage players to use these mechanics in Shrines, the Trial of the Sword offered a difficulty level beyond any standard Shrine. The absence of a similar trial in TOTK denies players a chance to test their skills to the fullest, missing an opportunity to deliver a challenging endgame experience.

It’s important to note that The Legend of Zelda series has a history of difficult gauntlets. Both The Wind Waker’s Savage Labyrinth and the Cave of Ordeals in Twilight Princess offered optional but challenging trials that didn’t interfere with the main game’s progression. This allowed for a higher difficulty level, something that TOTK’s Shrines, even those that restrict equipment, don't quite replicate.

TOTK’s Master Sword Feels Weaker Compared to BOTW’s

Beyond the challenge itself, completing the Final Trials in BOTW allowed Link to wield the Master Sword at its peak power of 60 at all times. Outside of this DLC, the sword only reached this strength near Guardians, Blights, or Calamity Ganon, enabling Link to face his toughest foes at full power. In TOTK, however, the Master Sword's power still fluctuates, and there’s no way to make its higher power permanent.

The Final Trials also significantly boosted the Master Sword's durability, making it a more reliable weapon overall. The absence of a similar feature in TOTK means the Master Sword can’t be considered the best weapon in the game. Stronger alternatives exist, such as the Gloom Club, which boasts the highest strength without needing Fusion.

Additionally, the Master Sword's apparent weakness in TOTK diminishes the impact of Zelda's sacrifice in the storyline. Despite transforming into the Light Dragon to repair and strengthen the legendary blade over many years, the Master Sword’s power doesn’t exceed its state in Breath of the Wild. In fact, players may find it harder to defeat monsters in TOTK than in BOTW after completing the DLC, suggesting the sword’s strength has regressed, contrary to the lore.

The Potential of a DLC Gauntlet Challenge in TOTK

Although some unanswered questions from TOTK might be addressed in the next Zelda installment, it’s uncertain if Echoes of Wisdom will feature its own equivalent of the Trial of the Sword. Given TOTK’s direct sequel status to BOTW, it had a perfect chance to build upon the Trial of the Sword and create a new gauntlet, but this opportunity wasn’t realized. With TOTK’s new mechanics, there was vast potential for a fresh blend of challenging puzzles and combat.

A revamped gauntlet in TOTK could have incorporated the series' established elements, like resource management and minimal armor, while also pushing players to make tough choices between using items for Fusing or constructing elaborate devices with Ultrahand. Although the game encourages creativity, players rarely face scenarios demanding innovation with limited resources—Zonai Devices are always available from dispensers, and other materials are similarly abundant. A gauntlet challenge could have subverted this norm, providing a thrilling test of ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Without DLC, TOTK feels like it missed the chance to fully realize its potential. The Master Trials could have served as a blueprint for a new challenge in Breath of the Wild’s sequel, but nothing as compelling or rewarding materialized for TOTK. Even with the new opportunities presented by Fusing, it’s disappointing that the Master Sword feels weaker in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, as the series progresses, there remains hope for a future installment to introduce its own challenging gauntlet, keeping the spirit of adventure and innovation alive.