Exploring the Potential of Mounts in Future Zelda Games

Looking at the impact of custom mounts in 'Tears of the Kingdom' and why they should remain a significant part of the series.
Exploring the Potential of Mounts in Future Zelda Games

Highlights

  • Link's Ultrahand ability in 'Tears of the Kingdom' brought a new level of creativity and exploration to Hyrule.
  • While Ultrahand is being retired, mounts could continue to play a vital role in upcoming Zelda titles.
  • From traditional mounts like Epona to innovative custom vehicles, mounts have been a fundamental aspect of Zelda games and could evolve further in future releases.

In 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,' players experienced the groundbreaking Ultrahand ability, offering unparalleled in-game creativity. Ultrahand allowed players to construct various structures, many of which functioned as mounts for enhanced traversal across the vast open world of Hyrule. Despite Nintendo moving on from Ultrahand post 'Tears of the Kingdom,' there remains one feature that could seamlessly integrate into future installments.

While details about the next 'Legend of Zelda' game are scarce, speculation abounds regarding its direction post 'Tears of the Kingdom.' If the series maintains the open-world format seen in 'Breath of the Wild' and 'Tears of the Kingdom,' incorporating diverse mounts in each new release, even without Ultrahand, seems like a natural progression. With players accustomed to exploring Hyrule on various vehicles, omitting mounts in future games could feel regressive.

Expanding the Role of Mounts in The Legend of Zelda

A Legacy of Mounts in The Legend of Zelda

Since 'Ocarina of Time,' the series has sporadically featured mounts like Epona, Link's trusted companion, enabling quicker and more efficient traversal. 'Breath of the Wild' took this further by allowing players to tame wild horses for riding, alongside the option of summoning Epona via Amiibo, a fan favorite. The introduction of the Master Cycle Zero in 'The Champions' Ballad' DLC marked a significant shift, offering a motorcycle for rapid travel, deviating from traditional mounts.

'Tears of the Kingdom' revolutionized mounts by empowering players to design and build their own, adhering to the game's physics. While mounts are not new to the series, the freedom to create diverse mounts represents a substantial departure.

Innovating Mounts in Future Zelda Titles

'Breath of the Wild' and 'Tears of the Kingdom' have set a new scale for the series, indicating a departure from its smaller-scale origins. Given this, the introduction of new mounts appears imperative to navigate expansive worlds efficiently. Introducing flying mounts or unique taming options could be the next step, maintaining the series' evolution. Nintendo could draw inspiration from player-created vehicles in 'Tears of the Kingdom' for future titles, ensuring mounts remain integral to the Zelda experience.

The potential for mounts in 'The Legend of Zelda' is vast, as demonstrated by the custom vehicles in 'Tears of the Kingdom.' Leveraging player creativity could shape the direction of future Zelda games. The legacy of mounts is firmly established in the series, underscoring their significance in the evolving landscape of Hyrule.