Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity was just released this past weekend, giving players an exciting prequel to the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild; one that sheds light on the events that led to Calamity Ganontaking control of Hyrule.
Gameplay-wise, players shouldn't expect Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity to be an exploration game like its predecessor, but as a proper prequel to the original, the story will be the aspect that most fans are looking forward to, as it has been revealed to be in the series' canon, and will even reveal details that weren't shared in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
One question that players have been asking themselves is whether they need to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild before playing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. The truth is that both games complement each other perfectly, and it wouldn't hurt the experience playing one before the other.
The Legend of Zelda Series Producer Eiji Aonuma actually reveals that playing either of the aforementioned games before the other will give them proper context to understand the other; he goes as far as recommending players to replay The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild after completing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
"If you play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild after playing Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, I think the emotions you feel towards Link right from the very first scene will be different than before.
"I recommend that players who already cleared The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and players who haven't experienced it yet try playing through The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild again after Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity," Aonuma revealed during a recent interview with Game Informer.
So, there you have it. Aonuma himself reveals that playing both games will still provide more than enough context to understand the whole story, as the order players play these games in will not impact negatively the experience.
All things considered, chances are that not many players have missed out on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it is nice to know that Hyrule Warrios: Age of Calamity can be enjoyed by those who haven't played the first game, and then tackle The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Join the struggle that brought Hyrule to its knees. Learn more about Zelda, the four Champions, the King of Hyrule, and more through dramatic cutscenes as they try to save the kingdom from Calamity. Play the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game to see firsthand what happened 100 years ago.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is currently available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.