Hyrule Warriors

Hyrule Warriors is a Legend of Zelda spin-off game for the Wii U that was released on the 19th of September 2014, the 20th of September 2014, the 26th of September 2014 and the 14th of August 2014 in Europe, Australia, North America and Japan respectively. It combines the world of with the action of 's  series and was developed by Team Ninja and Omega Force.

A Nintendo 3DS port and new version of the game has also been released,. The game was ported again for the Nintendo Switch in 2018 as, combining all content from both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions.

Story
Long ago, Ganondorf was defeated and his soul splintered into four fragments. Three of them were were sealed in different moments in time, while the fourth was trapped by the Master Sword. But Ganondorf plots his resurrection through Cia, a sorceress who protects the balance of the Triforce while maintaining neutrality. Cia becomes fascinated with the spirit of the Hero of Legend, with her amorous feelings for the hero providing Ganondorf an opportunity to purge her inner light. As a result, Cia becomes consumed in her desires, opening the Gate of Souls, a portal to different time-space realities of Hyrule, to amass an army of monsters. Seeking to unite the Triforce and conquer Hyrule, she uses her subordinates Volga and Wizzro to wage war against Princess Zelda and the Hyrulean army.

As Cia's forces attack Hyrule Castle, Link, a Hyrulean soldier-in-training, rushes out to aid the other troops, discovering he possesses the Triforce of Courage. However, the castle is taken and Princess Zelda is unaccounted for in the aftermath, so the Hyrulean general Impa asks Link to aid her in finding the princess. While still searching, Link and Impa meet Sheik, a Sheikah warrior who claims to know Zelda's whereabouts, and Lana, a white sorceress from the same clan as Cia. The group heads to the Valley of Seers hoping to close the Gate of Souls, but Cia traps Link and Sheik, who is revealed as the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. Cia steals both Triforce pieces, combining them with her own Triforce of Power, and uses the completed Triforce to open portals in time and space to the resting places of Ganondorf's spirit fragments.

To restore Hyrule to normal, Link, Impa, and Lana each lead their own campaign to drive out Cia's armies and close the Gates of Souls in each era. Along the way, they are aided by each time period's native heroes, including Darunia and Princess Ruto from, Agitha and Midna from , and Fi from SS undefined. During this time, Sheik reveals herself to be Princess Zelda in disguise, and Lana explains that she and Cia were once the same person, with Lana embodying the light Ganondorf purged from Cia's heart. Meanwhile, three of Ganondorf's spirit fragments are released, allowing for his body to be resurrected. No longer needing Cia, he attempts to take the Triforce, but Cia sends Link and Zelda's pieces back to their owners and uses her own piece to lock Ganondorf away.

After retrieving the Master Sword, Link prepares to confront Cia, with the Sword's power strengthened by his bonds of friendship. He defeats her and she fades away, with Lana inheriting her piece of the Triforce. Using the completed Triforce's power, the time-displaced heroes are sent back to their own periods and Hyrule is restored to normal, with Lana closing the Gate of Souls. However, due to the Master Sword's removal, the last of Ganondorf's spirit fragments is released, and Ganondorf is fully resurrected, summoning Ghirahim and Zant from across time and space. With their combined efforts, Ganondorf manages to retake all three Triforce pieces from their bearers, using it to strengthen his army and take over Hyrule Castle. However, Lana summons the heroes from Hyrule's history, and the combined group of heroes defeat Ghirahim and Zant before venturing towards Ganon's Tower. Link manages to defeat Ganondorf, but he uses the Triforce to transform himself into Ganon. With the help of Zelda's Light Arrows, Link defeats Ganon, and the heroes use the Triforce to seal him away once more. The heroes of the past are returned, Lana resumes watching over the Triforce in Cia's place, and Link and Zelda return the Master Sword to its pedestal to prevent Ganondorf's escape.

Gameplay
The gameplay is very similar to Koei Tecmo's Dynasty Warriors series of video games, in which characters fight large armies of enemies and generals on a battlefield, but instead uses the setting and characters from. As such, it is the most combat-intensive Zelda game thus far, with hordes of enemies on the screen at once.

The player controls various characters throughout the game, called "Warriors", beginning with Link before unlocking the likes of Princess Zelda, Impa and Lana, and others, through story as well as Adventure Mode progression. Most of the hordes of enemies are based on weaker enemies, like Bokoblins, and often appear alongside greater foes such as King Dodongo, encouraging players to think tactically. Warrior characters also fight alongside regular Soldiers and other playable characters, and the game will alert if an ally requires assistance. The game also features multiple locations throughout Hyrule that function as battlefields.

Though there is less of an emphasis on exploration and puzzles and more on combat compared to other Zelda series games, characters can still use common items from prior games in the series, such as Bombs, Bows and the Hookshot. These items can serve as weapons, and can uncover secrets on the map or allow Warrior characters access to previously unreachable areas and shortcuts. Many of the Warriors' signature moves appear in the new combat system, such as Link's Spin Attack, which takes the form of a Special Attack in Hyrule Warriors (based on "Musou Attacks"—one of the trademarks of Dynasty Warriors). Each character is able to use his or her particular Special Attack after filling a yellow Special Attack Gauge, either by defeating hordes of enemies of collecting Force Fragments. Another usable technique is called Focus Spirit. By filling up the green Magic Bar at the top-left of the screen and then pressing the R button, the Warrior will enter Focus Spirit, enhancing their attack and attributes. During Focus Spirit, characters also gain temporarily access to an even more powerful Special Attack.

Warriors fight using a class of Weapons, with each class featuring different move sets and containing three levels of Weapons, one stronger than the last. An example is Link's default Weapon—the Knight's Sword, which is part of the Hylian Sword class. New Weapons and classes can be unlocked through either story progression or through Adventure Mode. Warriors can also obtain individual Weapons based on the acquired level of a Weapon by picking up dropped Weapon bags during battle. These individual Weapons have randomized stats (in the form of a star rating) and Skills.

Warriors can be strengthened and further customized at the Bazaar, which offers four markets — the Badge Market, Training Dojo, Apothecary, and the Smithy. Rupees are used to buy upgrades, which are earned in battle by fighting enemies. The Badge Market allows Badges to be crafted using Materials received from battles to strengthen or add new abilities to Warriors. The Training Dojo instantly levels up Warriors in exchange for a determined fee of Rupees. The Apothecary is used to create Mixtures that grants a Warrior one passive ability for the duration of one battle. Lastly, the Smithy is used to customize individual Weapons by transferring Skills from one Weapon onto the empty slots of another. However, doing so will sacrifice the source Weapon.

Discovering new items and opening Chests is also present in the game; Various chests are scattered across the battlefield, some of which are hidden under boulders or in secret areas. They can contain new items for characters to use, Heart Containers and Pieces of Heart to increase their health, or other various items like Sealed Weapons.

Modes
Legend Mode is the game's main story mode and is divided into eighteen chapters called "Scenarios." Each Scenario takes place on a battlefield stage based on original locations and those from several eras of Hyrule, with some stages being featured more than once. Free Mode allows any Scenario from Legend Mode to be replayed with any unlocked character.

Adventure Mode is an alternative gameplay mode, which takes the form of a grid in the shape of the overworld from the original. Each block in the grid represents a battle with specific requirements, such as defeating a certain number of enemies under a specific time limit or taking out a certain number of Captains while avoiding devastating attacks. Depending on how well the player performed in the battle, they are given a rank ranging from either A, B, or C. Completing battles with a specified rank unlocks the blocks that would be accessible from that location in The Legend of Zelda, although some also require the path to be found using items like the Raft. Some blocks award in Item Cards, which are based on items from The Legend of Zelda, like the Compass, Candle, or Bombs. These cards can be used to unlock additional awards in certain blocks of the grid, which will appear as either completion or A-Rank awards alongside the previous ones. New Weapons, as well as new characters, Heart Containers and Pieces of Heart can be unlocked through this mode.

If network access or the Master Quest rules are active, the battle could be temporarily replaced with a new battle that will give unique rewards, such as upgrades for the DLC characters or rare drops for Link.

Challenge Mode is another alternative gameplay mode, where players are given challenging battle scenarios to complete. First added to the game with the Version 1.2.0 update, the mode is greatly expanded upon following the Version 1.6.0 update and release of the Boss DLC Pack, which adds additional sections to the mode. This included Ganon's Fury, wherein the dark beast Ganon becomes playable. Challenge Mode and its derivatives are absent in.

The game also features a local co-op mode. In co-op, one player uses the GamePad as their screen. The Wii U Pro Controller and Wii Remote with Nunchuk control styles are available options for both multiplayer and single player. In single-player, the GamePad functions as a battle status log sub-menu, akin to how it was used in.

Hero Characters
Heroes will accompany the player as allies on the map.


 * The Hero, Link: A strong young soldier in Hyrule's Army, who possesses the Triforce of Courage. He is kind, can speak with fairies, and has a strong sense of justice. His main fighting style revolves around swordplay with a sword and shield, but he can also use fast magical weapons like the Magic Rod, as well as heavy weapons like the Ball and Chain. He can even have the Great Fairy carry him around in a bottle and attack for him. Through DLC, he can also mount Epona and fight on horseback; by scanning the Link or Toon Link amiibo, he can ride on top of the Spinner.
 * Hyrulean General, Impa: Attendant and vassal of Zelda. She is the leader of a family charged with supporting Hyrule's royal family from the shadows, and is immensely loyal to Zelda. She fights with a giant longsword, which she uses back-handed. Her fighting style consists of quick and precise attacks as well manipulating water to take the shape of weapons. Her second style uses a naginata and allows her to manipulate fire.
 * Sheikah Warrior, Sheik: An individual of questionable origin, Sheik is revealed to Link and Impa during a time of great need. Though quiet and betraying very little emotion, Sheik never-the-less finds ways to make a lasting impact on fellow warriors with a very distinct way with words. Introduced as a Sheikah, Sheik is ready and able to assist Hyrule's efforts, even if Impa is highly skeptical.
 * The White Sorceress, Lana: A sorceress with a deep knowledge of spells, monsters, and using spells on monsters. Lana and Cia have an unspoken hostility, even beyond the normal anger that war brings out. Lana is fiercely determined to put a halt to Cia's plans, even at the cost of her own life or happiness. Her default weapon is a book which gives her the ability to form barriers which, when shattered, can cause immense damage to enemies. Her second style is a spear allowing her to access the power of the Great Deku Tree. She can also summon giant bosses like King Dodongo or a Cucco with her Summoning Gate.
 * Princess of Hyrule, Zelda: The princess of Hyrule, who leads her army against Cia's. She is very dignified and beautiful. She uses a rapier and a bow in battle as well as having a unique mechanic where she summons orbs of light in order to enhance her attacks, but can also use the Baton, which lets her use music as a weapon. Through DLC she can go into battle with the Dominion Rod to summon and control statues as well as attack with the rod and the orb of magic on top.
 * Goron Chief, Darunia: Leader of the Gorons, Darunia is an extremely powerful force, even within his tribe. And just like all Gorons, his rock-like body makes him tough to mess with. While he can sometimes be very stubborn, he does so out of love for his Goron brothers. Darunia swings around the Hammer like it weighs nothing at all, even though it weighs a ton!
 * Zora Princess, Ruto: A bit of a tomboy, Ruto is the princess of the Zoras. She may come off as a snooty, spoiled brat—and she is—but Ruto is also quite refined and dedicated to her cause. She does what she has to in order to protect those she loves most, and that certainly includes her future husband, Link (it’s complicated). Using the Zora Scale, she can summon giant waves that crash into enemies as well as create bubbles of water that she can swim through.
 * Princess...of Insects?, Agitha: The self-proclaimed princess of the insect kingdom. Agitha keeps a bright smile on at all times and looks at the world through a sweeter lens than her allies. But just because she's so cheery doesn't excuse her from battle! Her parasol is her standard weapon, though her real strength resides in the bugs she summons forth in times of need.
 * Twilight Princess, Midna: The Twilight Princess, who has wandered away from her family for unknown reasons. Although she is smart and kind, she has a tendency to look down on others and get into trouble because of her sharp tongue. She was turned into her current form by Cia, and thus seeks to return to her normal form. In battle, she uses magic and can summon Twilit wolves in order to ride or use as attack beasts.
 * The Goddess Sword, Fi: The spirit of the Goddess Sword sealed inside the Statue of the Goddess in Skyloft. With extensive knowledge and a highly analytical mind, Fi thinks things through logically and offers advice and wisdom to whoever holds the sword. Her body is made of a blue, metal-like material. Fi floats and moves in the air, and transforms into a sword to attack.

Villain Characters
Villain characters that function the same way as heroes, having a presence on the battlefield.


 * The Dark Sorceress, Cia: The Sorceress that was once tasked with maintaining the balance of the Triforce. Her jealousy of Link and Zelda causes her heart to be consumed by a dark force. She wields the Scepter.
 * Dragon Knight, Volga: A warrior that traded his soul to obtain great power from Cia. He wields the Dragon Spear.
 * Twisted Wizard, Wizzro: The spirit of a cursed ring, given form by Cia. He wields a Ring.
 * Usurper King, Zant: An evil Twili who covets the Twilight throne. He wields Scimitars.
 * Demon Lord, Ghirahim: The Demon Lord who tried to resurrect his master; the sealed leader of demons. He wields a Demon Blade.
 * The Demon King, Ganondorf: The evil being that was sealed away in four pieces. He wields Great Swords. He is responsible for Cia's corruption and is the true main antagonist.

Playable Characters
Multiple playable characters besides Link are available, and each possesses a unique set of moves. Some playable characters can also use different weapon types. Characters are unlocked as the player progresses through Legend Mode and Adventure Mode, and some are available as downloadable content.

Listed below the character are the weapons they can wield and the element attribute of the weapon, along with their method of obtaining.

Development
Hyrule Warriors was announced on December 18, 2013, on a Nintendo Direct. The game was announced as a collaboration with Koei Tecmo. As such, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated that the game would not be the next main series installment of The Legend of Zelda series, but rather a spinoff from the Dynasty Warriors series. The game, however, was produced by long-time Zelda developer Eiji Aonuma.

Timeline Placement
Eiji Aonuma has stated that Hyrule Warriors exists as a "separate dimension" and is not part of the main series. However, he goes on to suggest that while the game does not slot into any particular part of the timeline, it has links to different periods of the timeline, and that characters have been "brought together". He said that he had been thinking of it as being similar to .

Limited Editions
Two limited editions of the game were released in Japan. The premium box edition included a copy of the game, an art book, a Triforce table clock, and the Courage and Wisdom DLC costumes set. The treasure box edition, exclusive to Amazon Japan and GAMECITY, also included the extras from the premium box, plus the Power DLC costumes set, a scarf like the one used by Link in the game, a Treasure Chest replica with sound, and a set of five postcards featuring Link, Impa, Zelda, Lana, and Ganondorf.

A limited edition including a copy of the game and the scarf was also released in North America and Europe. The North American version is an exclusive to the Nintendo World Store.

3DS Version
A Nintendo 3DS port and new version, titled Hyrule Warriors Legends, was accidentally leaked on Tecmo Koei's official Japanese YouTube channel before quickly being taken down, a couple days before the intended announcement at E3. It was later revealed at Nintendo's Digital Event at E3 2015. The port includes new features, Scenarios and Adventure Mode maps not present in the original game, as well as the inclusion of new characters. These include Tetra, King Daphnes, and Toon Link from, Skull Kid from , and a new character, Linkle. Also included is a new weapon for Ganondorf, the Trident. These characters and Ganondorf's Trident can also be unlocked for use in the Wii U version with a code included in the purchase of the 3DS version or by purchasing the Legends Character Pack DLC. New DLC packs are slated for release for Hyrule Warriors Legends, some of which can also be bought for the Wii U version with reduced content.

Downloadable Content
Hyrule Warriors is the first Zelda game to incorporate downloadable content, utilizing a bevy of methods that include exclusive pre-order bonuses, a series of paid expansions, interactivity with the amiibo line of figures, and several free updates.

Updates
Several free patches have been released for Hyrule Warriors. These updates expand content and patch certain bugs. Unlike the DLC packs, these are downloaded free and automatically upon release.

Version 1.1.0 was released on August 14, 2014 in Japan only. It included certain bug fixes for improved game stability. These bug fixes were included in the Version 1.2.0 update for Europe and North America.

Version 1.2.0 was released on September 1, 2014 in Japan, on September 19, 2014 in Europe, and on September 26, 2014 in North America. It added Challenge Mode, the ability to choose the background music for missions, and Link's 8-Bit Wooden Sword. It also included certain bug fixes, including crashes and a bug that reduced maximum health. In Europe and North America, this also included the bug fixes from Japan's Version 1.1.0 update. The update is further updated to Version 1.2.1 and unlocked the Dark Link costume if the "Hero of Hyrule Pack" DLC was purchased.

Version 1.3.0 update was released on September 30, 2014 in Japan, and on October 16, 2014 in North America and Europe. It added Cia, Volga and Wizzro as playable Warriors, as well as the option to turn off most mid-battle cutscenes. It also included certain bug fixes, including the "skin swap" glitch.

Version 1.4.0 update was released on November 27, 2014 worldwide. It added compatibility to the game with the amiibo figures. It also raised the level cap of Warriors to 150 and the Material limit to 999. It also added new Medals to collect and new potion types and mixtures to the Apothecary as well. In addition, it included certain bug fixes, including the "Zant blender" glitch.

Version 1.5.0 update was released on January 29, 2015 in Japan and Europe, and on February 5, 2015 in North America. It raised the level cap of Warriors to 200, and added new Medals, Mixtures, and weapon skills. The Smithy's functionality was also expanded, allowing the option to remove skills from weapons, appraise sealed skills, and sell weapons without having to reach the storage limit first. It also introduced a bug that slowed down load times.

Version 1.6.0 update was released on February 26, 2015 in Japan and Europe, and on March 12, 2015 in North America. It raised the level cap of Warriors to 255, and added new Medals and Mixtures. It also expands Challenge Mode, by adding extra Scenarios and keeping Warriors' scores tallied by the number of Rupees collected. In addition, it corrects the load time bug introduced in Version 1.5.0.

Version 1.6.1 update was released on March 26, 2015 in Europe, and on April 2, 2015 in North America. It included certain bug fixes for improved game stability.

Version 1.7.0 update was released on June 16, 2015 in North America. It added the Classic Tunic costume for Link to coincide with the E3 announcement of Hyrule Warriors Legends on the 3DS. It also briefly made reference to the eventual compatibility to come with Hyrule Warriors Legends.

Version 1.8.0 update was released on January 21, 2016 in Japan, and on March 23, 2016 in North America. It added compatibility with Hyrule Warriors Legends, making it possible to transfer characters and weapons introduced in that version of the game to the Wii U version.

Version 1.8.1 update was released on February 9, 2016 in Japan only. It included a minor bug fix pertaining to amiibo use with the Gamepad.

Version 1.9.0 update was released on May 19, 2016 worldwide. It added Medli as a playable Warrior.

Version 1.10.0 update was released on June 30, 2016 worldwide. It included minor bug fixes and some minor character tuning. It also added compatibility for the Pack.

Version 1.11.0 update was released on September 1, 2016 worldwide. It included minor fixes and added compatibility for the &  Pack.

Version 1.12.0 update was released on October 31, 2016 worldwide. It included minor fixes and added compatibility for the A Link Between Worlds Pack.

Pre-order bonuses
Several select pre-order bonuses had included a set of costumes for Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganondorf, based on their assorted attire in, , and SS undefined. The costumes were sorted into various DLC packs which differed based on the game's region.

In North America, Link and Zelda's costumes were released as retailer-exclusive bonuses; the costumes for, the  costumes for , and the SS - costumes for. Ganondorf's two "Demon King" costumes, from and, were available as a bonus for registering the purchase game with  between September 26 and October 23, 2014.

In the UK, Link and Zelda's costumes were included as a pre-order bonus from, and their  costumes were included in the Limited Edition release of the game. Their SS - costumes were never released as a pre-order bonus. Ganondorf's costumes were available through the same Club Nintendo promotion as in North America. In Greece, Link's and Zelda's costumes were a pre-order bonus from Nortec.

In Japan, the costumes are not retailer-exclusive and are instead separated by character packs rather than game of origin; the "Courage Pack" for Link's costumes, the "Wisdom Pack" for Zelda's, and the "Power Pack" for Ganondorf's. The "Treasure Box" edition of the game included all three packs, while the "Premium Box" edition included only the Courage and Wisdom packs. The Courage Pack was also available as a pre-order bonus for the game.

The entire batch of costumes was released for regular purchase through the in Japan on December 18, 2014, in Europe on December 19, and in North America on December 27.

DLC Packs
Following the release of Hyrule Warriors, four DLC Packs under a season pass known as the Hero of Hyrule Pack have been released. They include the Master Quest Pack, the Pack, the  Pack and the Boss Pack. They are a series of paid expansions that includes numerous additions; including new characters, weapons, Scenarios and Adventure Mode maps.

Throughout 2016, an additional three DLC packs under another season pass known as the Legends of Hyrule Pack have been released, adding new characters and weapons from Hyrule Warriors Legends. They include the Pack, the Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks Pack, and the A Link Between Worlds Pack. A fourth, separate DLC Pack known as the Legends Character Pack was also released in 2016, adding new characters and weapons from Hyrule Warriors Legends.

Prior to October 16, 2014, the four DLC packs could all be pre-purchased as a bundle through the "Hero of Hyrule" Pack on the Nintendo eShop. The packs came at a discounted price of $19.99, and also included a Dark Link costume for Link for immediate use. The DLC packs would download automatically upon their release date. The Dark Link costume is also available for use if all four packs are bought separately outside of the "Hero of Hyrule" Pack. In Japan only, individual items from a pack can be purchased alone.

Following the release of Hyrule Warrior Legends for the 3DS, three of the four 3DS DLC packs will become available both in individual purchase and in a season pass for the Wii U version, entitled the "Legends of Hyrule" Pack. The packs will come at a discounted price of $9.99. A season pass for both the 3DS and Wii U versions can also be purchased for $19.99. However, unlike the 3DS version of the DLC packs which includes Adventure Mode maps and My Fairy outfits, the Wii U versions of these packs will only include new characters and weapons. In addition to these packs, there is also the separate Legends Character Pack, which includes the weapons and characters from the base version of the 3DS game.

Additionally, Medli was released separately as free DLC for both versions of the game in Version 1.9.0 alongside Hyrule Warriors Legends' Master Wind Waker Pack.

Purchasing the Link's Awakening Pack or the Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks Pack without the Legends Pack downloaded will grant Toon Link and Linkle with only their weapons from those packs.

amiibo Support
Hyrule Warriors is also compatible with the amiibo line of figures, as of the Version 1.4.0 update. Scanning Link or Toon Link's figurines for the first time will unlock the Spinner as a new weapon type for Link. Scanning the figurine of any character from the Zelda series (Link/Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, and Ganondorf) will provide a Weapon drop with at least three stars and in the third tier for that character, provided that the third tier is unlocked. If the third tier is not available for that character, then the amiibo will provide one third tier weapon that is available.

All other amiibo figures will also be compatible with Hyrule Warriors, and a maximum of five can be scanned each day for free random rewards. Scanning these figures will reward a player with either a randomly selected Material, a Weapon drop with at least three stars, or a random amount of Rupees. After the release of the Boss pack DLC, due to a glitch, it is also possible to be rewarded with Ganon's Rage and Cucco's Spirit from the game's hidden data.

Legends content
Hyrule Warriors is also compatible with content from Hyrule Warriors Legends for the Nintendo 3DS, as of the Version 1.8.0 update. By entering a code for the Legends Character Pack into the Nintendo eShop that is included with the purchase of Hyrule Warriors Legends, new playable Warriors and weapons are unlocked in the Wii U version. These include Tetra, King Daphnes, and Toon Link from ; Skull Kid from ; the original character Linkle; and Ganondorf's Trident weapon. These can also be added to the Wii U version without the purchase of the 3DS version by purchasing the Legends Character Pack from the eShop directly when the option becomes available to do so in summer 2016. Additionally, three of the 3DS version's DLC packs will be made available for the Wii U version with limited content, which will include only the new characters and weapons from those packs. These three packs can all be pre-purchased through the "Legends of Hyrule" Pack.