The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomcontains many references and callbacks to previous entries in theZeldafranchise, but mostly its predecessor,Breath of the Wild. However, both titles, but especiallyTears of the Kingdom, contains Easter eggs to one beloved installment in Nintendo’s video game series:The Wind Wakerfor GameCube.
AlthoughThe Wind Wakerwas a divisive entry in the franchise when it released due to its reinvented art style, it has since become a beloved fan-favorite, especially after its HD release on the Wii U. In more ways than one,Tears of the Kingdompays homage to many elements of the franchise that started in the seafaring GameCube title.
6The Wind Temple
Obviously,the Wind Temple inTears of the Kingdommakes a callback toWind Waker, given the use of wind as a main mechanic in both the GameCube game and theTears of the Kingdomtemple. This may fly over the heads of someZeldafans, though thankfully others hardcoreWind Wakerlovers caught this Easter egg in the Switch title.
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The boss that players fight at the endofTears of the Kingdom’s Wind Temple is Colgera, a flying insect monster. Its name bears a great similarity to another boss inWind Wakerknown as Molgera, who also serves as the climax of that game’s Wind Temple. Furthermore, there are lots of musical similarities between Colgera’s theme and Molgera’s.
5Koroks
Although they also appeared inBreath of the Wildin a similar capacity, Koroks make a return inTears of the Kingdom. InWind Waker, these forest-dwelling tree spirits were introduced as descendants of the Kokiri, protected by the Great Deku Tree. InBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, they fulfill this duty again while also being discoverable in the overworld.
Although Link will mostly encounter Koroks while exploring Hyrule, collecting Korok Seeds players can later use to upgrade their inventory sizes,Tears of the Kingdomintroduces a new method of gaining Korok Seeds. Wild Koroks need help getting to their friends in far distances,forcing some players to do devious thingsto the Koroks achieving these goals.
4Armor Of The Wind
Like many other installments inThe Legend of Zeldafranchise,there are several referential armor setsthat Link can acquire inTears of the Kingdom. One of these sets, known as the Armor of the Wind, comprises three pieces can be found in The Depths of Hyrule. When brought together, they dress players similarly to Link’s outfit fromThe Wind Waker, complete with that iconic spiral belt.
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Furthermore, there’s anotherWind Waker-inspired clothing piece that players can find inTears of the Kingdom. Known as theIsland Lobster Shirt, this chest armor can be found as a reward in Lurelin Village, offering little defense but aHeat Resistancebonus. Fans ofWind Wakerwill recognize this shirt as Link’s starting outfit from the GameCube game.
3Sea-Breeze Boomerang
Along with armor sets,there are also weapons that players can discoverinTears of the Kingdomthat harken back to previousZeldagames. One of these returning weapons is theSea-Breeze Boomerang, whose design imitates theBoomerangweapon fromWind Wakerthat can be used to lock onto different targets at one time.
It’s not the only boomerang weapon inTears of the Kingdom, but it is the only one based on a boomerang design from a previousZeldagame. It can be found by exploring The Depths, but impatient players can also get one by tapping a Toon Link amiibo to their Nintendo Switch device. This can only be tried once a day, with a random chance of the item dropping.
2Rito Tribe
Of the five dominant races that inhabit Hyrule inTears of the Kingdom, the Rito are the only ones who originated inThe Wind Waker. In the GameCube title, the bird-like species are described as descendants of the Zora,though the two races co-exist inBreath of the Wild, as well asTears of the Kingdom.However, the Zora’s design differs greatly from their original look.
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Although the Rito were originally inspired by a species exclusive to theOcarina of Timemanga, their introduction inThe Wind Wakeris their more proper entry point in the series. In the Wind Temple, Link is even accompanied by Turin, a Rito companion who is also one of the Sages. He plays a role similar to that of Medli in the GameCube title’s Earth Temple.
1Lurelin Village
Although it may be unrecognizable to some fans, many consider Lurelin Village a recreation of Outset Island, Link’s home fromWind Waker. The seaside town houses many fishermen, similar to the characters who players encounter in the early parts of the GameCube game. Additionally, its role inTears of the Kingdomhas further allusion toWind Waker.
Upon nearing Lurelin Village, players will discover thatthe town has been overtaken by pirates. This may reference the arrival of Tetra and her crew, which ignites the main events ofWind Waker. Additionally, the music of Lurelin Village resembles the Kokiri Forest theme fromOcarina of Time, potentially referencing Outset Island also being Link’s home.
