Trailer footage has revealed that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s world may be even larger than anticipated. As the sequel to Breath of the Wild, it has long since been assumed that TOTK will have an expansive open world, particularly with the inclusion of the new sky islands. However, it now appears that there will be even more new aspects of Hyrule to explore that will expand TOTK's map size even further.
As more information has come to light regarding the eagerly anticipated next entry in the Zelda franchise, some details have naturally been more surprising than others. One of the best examples of this is the reveal that Link will have access to a variety of vehicles in Tears of the Kingdom, including both land and air transport. It is also clear that navigating the sky and various floating islands will be a major part of TOTK, with trailer footage indicating that plenty of time will be spent among the clouds. However, it has also been revealed that the sky won’t be the only new destination for Link.
Tears Of The Kingdom Map: TOTK Will Feature Underground Caves
Interesting views of subterranean areas were unveiled as part of the most recent trailer for Tears of the Kingdom. An enormous cave is shown to be filled with Lizalfos and a Bokoblin, which mines resources amidst rock formations and strange trees. Later on, Link is chased by a Hinox through a rocky tunnel. It seems that Link will be venturing underground in addition to traveling through the skies in the BOTW sequel. Moreover, these cave systems appear to be extensive, suggesting that Hyrule’s underground will provide a large amount of space to explore, with monster camps and perhaps some unique puzzles to solve in the new environment.
TOTK’s Caves Could Vastly Expand Tears Of the Kingdom's Map Size
Of course, it has always been clear that at least part of Tears of the Kingdom will take below ground, with Link and Zelda being shown encountering the corpse-like Ganondorf below Hyrule Castle in trailers. However, beyond this, little has been seen taking place below ground until now. Instead, all attention has been focused skyward with Hyrule Castle rising into the air, possibly carrying Ganondorf with it to become Tears of the Kingdom’s final boss. But now it appears that Hyrule’s underground will have its own part to play in Link’s quest. Perhaps this will even lead to Link uncovering relics of the Zonai, such as new weapons or vehicles.
With the introduction of these new caves, it is clearer than ever that the surface world is only the beginning in TOTK. In addition to the intriguing sky islands now floating over Hyrule, these dark caverns may be hiding their own secrets to uncover. Unique environmental features like mining camps could be accompanied by traces of the Zonai, puzzles, or any number of surprises. In any case, it now seems near-certain that TOTK’s map will be much bigger than its predecessor’s, and presumably just as full of side quests and hidden details. As a result, Tears of the Kingdom is shaping up to easily be Link’s largest adventure ever.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube