Nintendo Direct: Hyrule Warriors 2025 Release Confirmed

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has been officially confirmed as a canonical prequel to 2023's Tears of the Kingdom during the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase. Discover more details about this exciting game and what adventures await!

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Joins Zelda Canon

Setting the Stage for Tears of the Kingdom

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has been established as official backstory preceding The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The July 31, 2025 Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase unveiled a cinematic trailer showcasing scenes from the Imprisoning War, featuring familiar characters including Princess Zelda, King Rauru, Queen Sonia, and Mineru engaged in battle.

While series mainstay Link remains absent - fitting the game's ancient timeline setting - the trailer concludes with a cryptic scene: a mysterious Construct reforming within what appears to be an underground altar, leaving players with intriguing questions.

The game expands upon lore introduced in Tears of the Kingdom, dramatizing the Imprisoning War where Gerudo leader Ganondorf betrays Hyrule. King Rauru and allies unite to seal the dark threat, preserving Hyrule from eternal darkness. Where ToTK presented this through cutscenes, Age of Imprisonment delivers an interactive experience of this pivotal historical conflict.

Beyond story sequences, the trailer offered glimpses of signature hack-and-slash gameplay featuring spectacular area attacks. Highlights included King Rauru and Zelda's combined lightbeam technique and Mineru's powerful whirlwind assaults, maintaining the series' tradition of battling enemy hordes and formidable bosses.

While lacking a specific launch date, the game is confirmed for Winter 2025 release.

For ongoing updates about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, explore our featured article below!