Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is set to grace the Switch 2, raising questions about its position within the intricate Zelda timeline. This title marks the third installment of the Hyrule Warriors series, which intertwines elements from the Zelda universe with the iconic Warriors gameplay. Announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, its release is anticipated this winter for the Switch 2.
The timeline of the Zelda series has long been complex, but the addition of the Hyrule Warriors spin-off only complicates matters further. Hyrule Warriors stands out for illuminating lesser-explored facets of the Zelda lore, often consisting of sequels and prequels that delve into the motivations behind pivotal events in the main series or introduce alternate narratives that veer the timeline into unique directions. Although details regarding Age of Imprisonment‘s storyline remain elusive, initial insights suggest it will have a clear and defined position within the Zelda canon.
Age of Imprisonment Within the TOTK Timeline
Well, Sort Of
Strikingly, Age of Imprisonment appears to take place during the events of the most recent main installment, Tears of the Kingdom, particularly correlating with the Dragon Tear Memories that Link encounters in TOTK. This aligns perfectly, mirroring how Age of Calamity serves as a prelude to Breath of the Wild and subsequently positions this title as a precursor to TOTK.
The trailer for Age of Imprisonment provides compelling visuals, including a confrontation featuring the Zonai King Rauru alongside a younger Zelda dressed in a white gown. Additionally, there is a scene depicting Rauru and Sonia as they confer a Secret Stone upon Zelda, showcasing her modern attire—a moment directly lifted from TOTK. Thus, it seems that the latest Hyrule Warriors entry will chronicle Zelda’s time-traveling adventure amid the happenings of TOTK.
The Position of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment in the Zelda Timeline
A Long Time Ago
The title itself provides significant insight regarding the era in which this new Hyrule Warriors game is situated. “Age of Imprisonment”predominantly refers to the Imprisoning War, a historic occurrence in the Zelda saga. Briefly summarized, the Imprisoning War unfolds thousands of years before the events depicted in TOTK—period shortly following the establishment of Hyrule. This conflict revolves around a faction of sages resisting Ganondorf, culminating in his confinement. This context aligns seamlessly with the visuals presented in the trailer. Therefore, it is highly likely that the new Hyrule Warriors game is set during the Imprisoning War, at a very early point on the Zelda timeline.
Nonetheless, the exact timing of the Imprisoning War remains somewhat ambiguous. This event serves as a backdrop in both A Link to the Past and Tears of the Kingdom, but their precise placement on the timeline—as well as the nuanced details of the war—differ significantly. Thus, Age of Imprisonment undoubtedly precedes A Link to the Past, but establishing a more detailed timeline remains challenging.
The Zelda timeline is intentionally multifaceted; the series presents itself as a collection of evolving narratives, an oral tradition that may differ over time. While positioning Age of Imprisonment in relation to TOTK is manageable, understanding its broader placement within the timeline poses significant challenges. As fans await the release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, greater clarity will likely emerge as players delve into its storyline.