Some of The Legend of Zelda's most colorful and memorable characters have been featured in multiple titles, but many have not made an appearance in years. With the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 on the horizon, there is a chance that even some of the least-used Zelda characters could finally return.
Breath of the Wild 2 could theoretically incorporate new versions of any character, previously recurring or not, but having some potential relevance or usefulness makes certain characters seem more likely than others. Aside from Impa and the core trio of Ganon, Link, and Zelda, the only recurring character in the original BOTW is Beedle.
First appearing in The Wind Waker and then Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, Skyward Sword, and Breath of the Wild, Beedle is a comic relief character, to some extent, but he also serves the practical purpose of buying and selling goods as a merchant. A few of Zelda's underutilized characters could serve similar gameplay - or story - functions in Breath of the Wild 2.
Malon Could Shake Up BOTW 2's Horse Management
Absent from the Zelda series since The Minish Cap in 2004, Ocarina of Time's Malon could play a role in how BOTW 2 handles horses, calling back to her involvement in Ocarina's Lon Lon Ranch. In Breath of the Wild, Link can bring tamed horses to one of many stables around Hyrule for registration. Malon's ranch could act similarly, but on a much grander scale: It could house numerous farmhand NPCs with side quests, sell Lon Lon Milk for recipes, or offer horse-riding minigames. Malon could also be the means by which Link obtains Epona in BOTW 2, no longer locking the iconic horse behind an amiibo.
Sheik Could Make Up For Zelda's Loss Of Power In BOTW 2
Breath of the Wild 2 could also be the game to bring back Ocarina of Time's Sheik. Trailers for BOTW 2 show Zelda and Link traveling together, though some shots suggest the two will become separated. While theories about Zelda being playable in BOTW 2 have swirled since its reveal, Zelda herself explains in Breath of the Wild's true ending that her awakened powers have dwindled after Calamity Ganon's defeat. To survive against the monsters and Yiga assassins, Zelda could use what remains of her power to transform herself into Sheik and blend in amongst BOTW 2's Sheikah Tribe. Given Zelda's scholarly research into Sheikah technology, she could then utilize ancient Sheikah equipment and weaponry to compliment her ninja-like alter-ego.
Other Underutilized Characters BOTW 2 Could Bring Back
Though they may not have as strong of potential roles as Malon or Sheik, there are certainly other infrequently featured Zelda characters who could make a reappearance. Linebeck from Phantom Hourglass, the Hero's Shade from Twilight Princess, and Irene from A Link Between Worlds could all be worked into the game. While these inclusions might be initially confusing given BOTW 2's place on the Zelda timeline, the series has often reused character names and designs in creative ways. Perhaps the same will hold true in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, allowing classic characters to join the series once more.