Is Tears of the Kingdom Using the Same Map? Kind Of

A quick glance at the Tears of the Kingdom map may trick you into thinking that it uses the same map as its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. But, though the game is played in the same region of Hyrule, a lot has changed in regard to the map and locations available for you to explore.

This article will provide you with in-depth information on all you need to know about the new Tears of the Kingdom map.

Changes Introduced in the New Tears of the Kingdom Map

Many gamers have questioned the discovery of the exact Hyrule Map in Tears of the Kingdom and claimed that reusing the map locations makes the game boring. However, the map has two new main features, and most of the old areas have received an uplift. Here’s an overview of the most notable changes.

The Sheikah Tower and Shrines

These locations were notable features of BOTW but are now missing from the map. You will now find glowing flowers in place of the tower. Ultimately, even though you may notice prominent landmarks from Breath of the Wild, a lot more locations have been added to the Tears of the Kingdom map.

Sky Islands

The creation of Sky Islands has introduced verticality to the Hyrule map. Whereas it once was a flat surface in BOTW, the floating islands in Tears of the Kingdom have made the map more expansive. It has brought about new mechanics like Ascend, which will help you reach the Sky Islands.

The Great Sky Island is one of the largest of the new aerial additions, but the changes are not only upwards. The floating Islands are quite wide and expansive boasting different landscapes, positions and even climate. There are many different locations for you to explore the Sky Islands, including shrines and new traversal techniques that will help you swim through spheres of water.

Underground Depths

The Tears of the Kingdom map also includes a new underworld dimension. Different rules apply in this region, and you’ll need Brightbloom seeds to light your way. The combination of a dimly lit environment and narrow passages alongside slim trim branches means a little misstep could cost you a reload.

Kakariko Village

Kakariko Village is one of the areas that has undergone the most change in the sequel. It seems like during the Upheaval, the Sky Islands launched a fierce attack on this village and it is now dotted with ring-like ruins. Life has really changed for the people of Kakariko village in Tears of the Kingdom as they struggle to rebuild.

Gerudo Town

You will notice in your odyssey across Hyrule that Gerudo town has become silent. This is because people in the location have gone into hiding, rendering it a ghost town. In somewhat good news, Link doesn’t have to sneak into the town anymore.

Hyrule Castle

Remember the Hyrule Castle? It’s now a floating castle in Tears of the Kingdom. It also appears much cleaner and the region is flourishing.

Zora’s Domain

The shrine that used to be inside Zora’s domain is no longer there. It seems that the appearance of Gloom destroyed it. The central statue that symbolized Zora has also been changed. This location has undergone the least change in Tears of the Kingdom.

The Shrine of Resurrection

The Shrine of Resurrection is also gone. When standing in its original location, you can catch a glimpse of the floating islands and Hyrule while here but the layout has significantly changed. The cave that contained the Shrine holds some new encounters, so don’t discount this location just yet.

The Lost Woods

While this location are featured again and seem familiar, but some things have changed. Locating the center of the woods is so much different and the Gloom’s dark magic has destroyed the once beautiful Korok home.

Why the Map Is Reused for Tears of the Kingdom

Many people have insinuated that re-using the same map of Hyrule has deemed the game worthless compared to its precursor. But, the developers posted why they incorporated the same overall map in Tears of the Kingdom. They insist that it was in the plan since the beginning and it only serves to make it even better.

Here’s their explanation on why the map was re-used:

• The designers had many ideas that couldn’t be perfectly executed in Breath of the Wild. So, for this concept to merge well with Tears of the Kingdom, it had to cover the same region of Hyrule. It wouldn’t make sense to translate the ideas onto another map.
• The additional features added to the map aimed to refresh the user experience. The disappearance of different locations and addition of other aspects such as cliffs, Sky Islands and the Underworld have created a fun novelty in the game. Even if you had mastered the map of Hyrule like the back of your hand, this new world in Tears of the Kingdom has a lot of surprises awaiting.

There is a lot more to explore in Hyrule with Tears of the Kingdom. So, if you were eagerly waiting for this follow up after indulging in the predecessor, then you are in luck. Be ready to see Hyrule in a totally different light. It’ll leave you wondering whether you truly know Hyrule.

FAQs

Which game is Tears of the Kingdom a sequel to?

Tears of the Kingdom is a sequel to “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and is built on most of the ideas that could not be executed in BOTW due to time constraints.

Can you only play Tears of the Kingdom using Nintendo Switch?

Yes. You can play the game in either hand-held or home console mode.

Is Tears of the Kingdom a Multi-player game?

No. The game, much like most previous Zelda titles, are single player only.

Which location changed most in Tears of the Kingdom?

At the top of the list is the Hyrule castle. It’s now floating, and where it was long ago seen as a castle lying in ruin in Breath of the Wild, the castle now looks better than ever. Kakariko village comes in a close second due to the damage that was left behind by the floating islands.

Enjoy an Immersive and Refreshing Experience with Tears of the Kingdom

Nintendo developers aren’t one to shy away from a challenge and they hit it right off the bat with this one. Tears of the Kingdom provides you with better exploration opportunities than Breath of the Wild. Even though Tears of the Kingdom still covers the Hyrule region, the new locations add an exciting twist to the game, allowing players to discover a new side of Hyrule.

Which map change in Tears of the Kingdom excites you the most? Let us know in the comments section below.