Nintendo just dropped Wave 1 of the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass, which includes the Pulse of the Ancients DLC content. For those who pre-ordered the expansion pass, this includes a new costume and weapon for Link, Prototype ancient gear, and a Prototype ancient short sword. The Expansion Pass Wave 1 adds an entirely new playable character, new challenges in the royal ancient lab, new weapon types and action styles, as well as new challenging enemies for players to defeat.
The first half of the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity expansion pass was originally set to release in June, and the exact date was revealed during Nintendo Direct. Wave 2 is still planned for a November 2021 release date, but the specific date is unknown. Nintendo recently announced the inner workings of the DLC during Nintendo’s E3 2021 Direct, when it unveiled the playable Battle-Tested Guardian. It was the most exciting reveal of the DLC, especially since the Guardian would be the only new character added to the game in June, despite a laundry list of possible Legend of Zelda characters Nintendo could have used. The trailer for the expansion pass did reveal the Guardian's attacks, which includes a powerful blast from the Guardian’s eye cannon. Now, fans will finally get a chance to try it out.
According to Nintendo of America, the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass DLC has arrived, with new characters, stages, and more for players to explore. The announcement was posted to Twitter, and fans can now purchase or download the pass if they pre-ordered it. Wave 1 of the DLC includes the Royal Ancient Tech Lab location, fitted with new challenges, weapons to unlock, and new helpful features. The update also includes the bomb-throwing Moblin, a Giant Chuchu, and others for players to test their might against.
Though there is a lack of new Zelda characters in the expansion pass, aside from the Battle-Tested Guardian, the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass Wave 1 is filled to the brim with epic gameplay opportunities. Link can now be fitted with an illuminated flail, and Zelda can hitch a ride on the new Master Cycle. Both will likely aid the player in overcoming difficult challenges, such as the new enemies or the Apocalyptic difficulty level added to the game.
Nintendo has certainly made it clear that though Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a bit different from the beloved Zelda gameplay mechanics, the company will continue to flesh out and develop it, adding plenty of new reasons to play. As for Wave 2, the Guardian of Remembrance DLC pack, there’s plenty left to learn. The expanded roster could be a long list, or a short one, like Wave 1. However, there will be new stages, battle skills, and character vignettes, so it’s sure to be chalked full of new content.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass Wave 1 is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity