During Thursday night’s Game Awards presentation, Nintendo unveiled a new trailer for the Champions’ Ballad pack of downloadable content for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The real surprise, though, was the release date: that very same night.
Zelda fans have wondered for months exactly when during the “holiday season” the DLC might drop. Now, with no warning, it’s upon us. This beautiful addition to a beloved series, one that just won Game of the Year and other prestigious honors, is finally complete.
There’s so much to digest, even in the trailer alone. It seems players are able to control the four Champions before the events of Ganon’s attack. We will be able to learn more about the lives of the Champions and Princess Zelda. Hopefully, these are developments that will make the game’s promising but light story feel more complete.
Upon beginning the new Champions’ Ballad main quest line, Link is given a new challenge on the Great Plateau, and along with it, a new weapon: the One-Hit Obliterator. This strange weapon is just what it sounds like: a one-hit killer. However, when using this power, Link will also die from one hit. I’ve only put a few minutes into this challenge, but it appears to be quite a doozy.
A brand new set of costumes and items are available for Link to find. As usual, many are callbacks to prior titles: Ravio’s hood from A Link Between Worlds, Toon Link’s blue tunic from The Wind Waker, and Zant’s helmet from Twilight Princess are the most notable. A new horse saddle and bridle offer more practical upgrades, including the ability to summon your horse, no matter the distance.
Just like the rest of the game, there’s a lot to do and explore in this new update. If it lives up to expectations, the best part of the Champions’ Ballad will be the story additions the game receives. But whether it’s deeper lore, new challenges, or retro costumes that you desire, it seems that this DLC pack (free for those who have already purchased the $20 DLC pass) will fit the bill nicely.