The paid expansion pass for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild adds two extensive DLC packs and several bonus items to Link’s adventure. DLC 1 “The Legendary Trials” is aimed primarily at players who are looking for additional challenges and practical features for exploration: These include the Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, the Hero’s Path, the Travel Medallion and several new armors. DLC 2 “The Champions’ Ballad”, on the other hand, expands the actual story about Zelda, Mipha, Daruk, Revali and Urbosa and brings 16 new shrines, five additional memories, a completely new dungeon, improved combat skills and with the Master Cycle Zero even an antique motorcycle to Hyrule.
If you follow our 100% walkthrough for Breath of the Wild, you should plan for both additional packages. While most of the DLC content doesn’t count toward the base game’s original 100% card rating, it adds additional shrines, armor, horse gear, memories, quests, and some of the best rewards in the entire game to a full save game.
What is included in the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass?
| Contents | Most important innovations |
|---|---|
| Expansion Pass Bonus | Three Treasure Chests on the Great Plateau, including the Nintendo Switch shirt |
| DLC 1 – The Legendary Trials | Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, Path of the Hero, Travel Medallion, Korok Mask and eight other hidden armor pieces |
| DLC 2 – The Champions’ Ballad | New story, 16 shrines, five memories, combat skills+, new dungeon, Monk Maz Koshia, Master Cycle Zero, nine pieces of armor and Ancient Horse Equipment |
Expansion Pass Bonus – three Treasure Chests on the Great Plateau
Appear immediately after activating the expansion pass three additional Treasure Chests on the Great Plateau. One of them contains the exclusive Nintendo Switch shirt, the other two contain useful items for Link’s journey. These three chests are neither part of “The Legendary Trials” nor “The Champions’ Ballad”, but are a standalone bonus of the expansion pass. The Nintendo Switch shirt is primarily a cosmetic item, has little defense and can be used with the Great Fairies cannot be improved.
DLC 1 – The Legendary Trials
The first major additional package focuses on new challenges and functions for an existing save game. The Trial of the Sword and the Travel Medallion are particularly important, but the Hero’s Path and the Korok Mask are also extremely useful for 100% exploration Hyrule’s. If you are looking for a completely new challenge, you can also start a separate game in master mode.
| DLC-1 Content | Function |
|---|---|
| Testing the sword | Three-part combat test to fully awaken the Master Sword |
| Master mode | Separate difficult game mode with stronger opponents |
| Path of the Hero | Shows the distance traveled on the left over the last 200 hours of play |
| Travel Medallion | Creates a freely placeable fast travel point |
| Korok Mask | Reacts to as yet undiscovered Koroks nearby |
| Eight hidden armor pieces | Majora’s Mask, Midna’s Crown, Tingle Set and Phantom Set |
Trial of the Sword – Master Sword Fully Awaken
The Trial of the Sword becomes available after you draw the Master Sword from its socket in the Korok Forest. Then place the blade back in the base to begin the test. Link starts each stage with virtually no equipment, armor, or supplies and must collect weapons, food, and other supplies right within the trial.
The challenge consists of three sections – beginner, intermediate and master exam – with a total of more than 45 combat and intermediate levels. After each fully completed stage, the Master Sword’s base strength increases by ten points. After the last test, the blade permanently has its full basic strength of 60 attack points as long as it is ready for use. However, this does not mean that the Master Sword is then indestructible: if its energy is exhausted, it must continue to regenerate for around ten minutes. You can find our walkthrough in the guide to the sword exam.
Master Mode – Breath of the Wild on Hard
The Master Mode is a separate game mode and begins a new adventure on the Great Plateau. This will not overwrite your normal score. Most normal enemies appear at least one level stronger than in standard mode, and there are also particularly powerful golden variants. Enemies recognize Link more easily and begin to regenerate their lost health after a short time if you do not inflict any further damage on them.
New floating platforms are also appearing throughout Hyrule, with enemies and additional Treasure Chests waiting. Even on the Great Plateau you will encounter powerful monsters much earlier. The save system is also stricter: Master Mode has a separate manual save and only one autosave slot, while your normal save is retained regardless.
Hero’s Path – retrace the last 200 hours
The Path of the Hero expands the world map with a particularly practical function. If you activate the mode, a green line traces Link’s previous route through Hyrule. About the last ones can 200 hours of playtime be played back. You can change the playback speed and see exactly which regions you have already visited intensively and which areas you may have missed completely.
The Hero’s Path is particularly valuable for our 100% walkthrough. If a Korok, a map location or another hidden discovery is later missing, you will immediately recognize large untraveled areas. Along with the Korok Mask, this card feature is one of the most useful tools in the entire expansion pass.
Find Travel Medallion
The Travel Medallion allows an additional freely placeable fast travel point. Unlike shrines and towers, you can set the point yourself: Activate the medallion and ‘s current position is saved as a teleport destination. If you want to mark a different location later, simply place the medallion there again; Only one such travel point can be active at a time.
The medallion is located in the basement of Lomei Labyrinth Island in the far northeast of Akkala. The EX task takes you via Kleti’s rumor mill at the South Akkala stable to the labyrinth island. After you have completed Lomei Labyrinth Island and the shrine there, you can descend into the underground area and find the EX treasure chest with the teleport medallion among numerous deactivated and active guards.
Korok Mask – Essential for all 900 Koroks
The Korok Mask is specifically designed for players who really want to collect all 900 Korok Seeds. You can find them in the Lost Woods. If there is a previously unsolved Korok puzzle nearby, the mask will start to rattle and alert you acoustically and visually. However, you won’t get an exact arrow to the Korok – you still have to discover the actual Location yourself.
It is therefore advisable to wear the Korok mask as often as possible, especially during our regional tours through Hyrule. You can find all the remaining armor pieces from the base game and the DLCs in our guide to all armor in Breath of the Wild.
DLC 1 – eight hidden armor pieces
In addition to the separately listed Korok Mask, The Legendary Trials contains eight other hidden armor pieces that are based on well-known characters and items from previous Zelda games. The corresponding EX tasks will lead you to Treasure Chests, which are spread across the Hyrule Field and other regions.
| Armor | number | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Majora’s Mask | 1 part | Hides Link from several common monster types |
| Midna’s Helmet | 1 part | Antique Defense ↑ |
| Tingle set | 3 parts | Complete: Night Pace ↑ |
| Phantom Set | 3 parts | Attack ↑ |
| Total | 8 parts |
Majora’s Mask is particularly powerful because Bokoblins, Moblins, Lizalfos and various Stal opponents do not initially recognize Link as an enemy. The Phantom set, on the other hand, is ideal for early fights, as each part already has a high level of basic protection and also increases attack power. These DLC armors cannot be upgraded at the Great Fairies.
DLC 2 – The Champions’ Ballad
The second additional pack is much more closely linked to the plot of Breath of the Wild. “The Champions’ Ballad” can only be started after you have completed all four main objectives around Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh and Vah Naboris and thus freed the four Titans. Link then hears Zelda’s’s voice and is called back to the Shrine of Resurrection on the Great Plateau.
This begins a multi-stage test that takes us through all the new shrines, the four warrior ballads, the illusion worlds and finally into a completely new dungeon in our Walkthrough to the Ballad of the Champions.
trial and the destroyer
In the Shrine of Resurrection, Link first receives the Destroyer, a special weapon with an extreme effect: a successful hit defeats practically any normal opponent immediately, while at the same time Link’s own maximum health is reduced to a tiny remainder during this test, so that even one enemy hit can be fatal. With this you have to wipe out four marked monster camps on the Great Plateau.
After each completely defeated camp, a new shrine appears. Once you have completed the four shrines, the destroyer will break into four parts and mark four new stone monuments in the regions of the four Divine Beasts.
16 new shrines – but only four additional Spirit Orb
DLC 2 adds total 16 new shrines added. The first four appear in the trial on the Great Plateau and actually reward Link with one normal one each Spirit Orb. This can give you an additional heart or another segment of the stamina wheel at the end.
The remaining twelve shrines function differently: three each belong to Mipha, Revali, Daruk and Urbosa. Instead of normal Spirit Orb you will get a warrior symbol. Three symbols of a warrior region then allow you to challenge the associated Ganon curse again in an illusionary world.
| DLC Shrines | number | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| trial | 4 | 4 Spirit Orb |
| Mipha’s ballad | 3 | 3 Ruta symbols |
| Revali’s Ballad | 3 | 3 Medoh symbols |
| Daruk’s Ballad | 3 | 3 Rudania symbols |
| Urbosa’s Ballad | 3 | 3 Naboris symbols |
| Total | 16 | 4 characters + 12 warrior symbols |
Defeat the four Ganon curses again
After completing three warrior trials, you return to the respective titan. There Link is transported to a so-called illusion world and has to defeat Water Curse, Wind Curse, Fire Curse and Thunder Curse Ganon again. This time, however, you can’t just use your strongest weapons and dishes: Each illusionary world gives Link a set set of equipment and limited supplies that fit the theme of the respective Champions.
This makes the fights interesting again despite Link’s advanced score. Thunder Curse Ganon in particular can pose a serious challenge again with the limited equipment.
Mipha’s Grace+, Revali’s Gale+, Daruk’s Protection+ and Urbosa’s Fury+
For each Ganon Curse defeated again, Link receives an improved version of the corresponding warrior ability. The basic effect remains the same, but the recharge time is significantly reduced. Revalis Sturm+ in particular is one of the most practical abilities for further exploration Hyrule’s.
| Warrior Ballad | Reward |
|---|---|
| Mipha’s ballad | Mipha’s Grace+ |
| Revali’s Ballad | Revalis Sturm+ |
| Daruk’s Ballad | Daruk’s Protection+ |
| Urbosa’s Ballad | Urbosa’s Fury+ |
Five new memories
The four warrior ballads simultaneously tell new stories about Mipha, Revali, Daruk and Urbosa. After each successful illusion battle, Kass performs an additional song and Link sees a new scene from before the devastation. After completing the entire ballad, a fifth memory follows with Zelda and all five Champions. DLC 2 thus supplements the total of 18 memories in the base game five more scenes.
You can find a complete overview in our guide to the memories in Breath of the Wild.
The Final Trial – a new dungeon
Once all four Warrior Ballads have been completed, Monk Maz Koshia calls Link to the Shrine of Resurrection again. The pedestal travels deep underground, revealing an entirely new dungeon: the Final Trial. The structure is reminiscent of a fifth Titan and combines mechanics from the four original Titans. Link must activate several areas and rotate or move the massive interior of the machine to open the way to the final control area.
Unlike the four normal Titans, the Final Trial can be revisited later. However, there is still a surprise waiting for the first conclusion at the end.
Monk Maz Koshia – the secret DLC final boss
At the end of the dungeon, Priest Monk Maz Koshia personally confronts Link. The Sheikah Monk teleports, creates doppelgangers, and uses several unusual techniques, making the fight one of Breath of the Wild’s most varied boss encounters. If you defeat Monk Maz Koshia, the central plot of the Champions’ Ballad is practically completed.
Master Cycle Zero – Link’s own titan
The big reward is the Master Cycle Zero. Monk Maz Koshia refers to the ancient motorcycle as Link’s own Titan and transfers it to the Sheikah Slate as a new module. You can then summon the motorcycle almost anywhere in Hyrule and refuel it with a variety of materials.
The Eponator can be controlled more precisely than a horse, can jump and copes excellently with uneven terrain. However, some regions such as the Gerudo Desert and the burning areas of Death Mountain remain excluded. We explain in detail how the motorcycle is unlocked, controlled and fueled efficiently in our guide to the Master Cycle Zero.
Image of the Champions
After the ballad is finally completed, Kass also gives Link the image of the Champions. Zelda, Link, Mipha, Daruk, Revali and Urbosa can be seen together after the appointment of the Champions. If you have completely purchased Link’s house in Hateno Village, you can hang the picture there on the wall.
DLC 2 – all nine hidden armor pieces
In addition to the actual warrior plot, DLC 2 contains nine hidden pieces of armor. Important: The Master Cycle Zero is not one of these nine items. This only means two complete three-piece armor sets and three individual pieces of clothing.
| Armor | parts | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Bodyguard Set | Royal Guard Cap, Royal Guard Uniform, Royal Guard Boots | Complete: lower stamina consumption for multiple actions |
| Phantom Ganon Set | Phantom Ganon Helmet, Phantom Ganon Armor, Phantom Ganon Boots | Sneak ↑; Stal Camouflage and Bone Weapon Attack ↑ |
| Ravio’s Hood | 1 | Lateral climbing faster |
| Zant’s Helmet | 1 | Prevents freezing |
| Island Lobster Shirt | 1 | heat protection and additional raft function |
| Total | 9 parts |
The Bodyguard Set is completely hidden in Hyrule Castle, while the Phantom Ganon Set and the three pieces are scattered across different regions. You can find all Locations in our guide to all armor and DLC outfits.
Antique bridle and antique saddle
DLC 2 also improves the horses. The Antique Bridle is located under the cherry blossom tree on Satori Mountain and gives the equipped horse two additional canter spurs. You can find the Antique Saddle at Malanya’s Spring, southeast of the plateau stables. With it you can teleport your horse directly to Link from a very long distance by whistling, as long as you are in an area where horses are allowed to appear.
Both parts are sought in the EX task “Antiques for the Horse”. Epona and the giant horse cannot carry the ancient equipment. We explain all Locations and horse values in detail under Horses, Epona and Antique Horse Equipment.
DLC 1 or DLC 2 – which content is more worthwhile?
Since both packages are offered together via the Expansion Pass, you don’t have to choose between them. However, in terms of content, they fulfill very different tasks. The Legendary Trials primarily improves exploration and offers demanding combat challenges: Path of the Hero, Travel Medallion, Korok Mask and the fully awakened Master Sword remain permanently useful for the rest of the game. “The Champions’ Ballad,” on the other hand, is the much larger story package and expands the stories of the four Champions, adds new shrines and a large dungeon and ends with the Master Cycle Zero.
All DLC content for 100% – Checklist
| DLC target | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Three Expansion Pass Chests | Collect |
| Trial of the Sword – Beginner | Complete |
| Trial of the Sword – Advanced | Complete |
| Trial of the Sword – Master | Complete |
| Master Sword fully awaken | 60 basic attack |
| Travel Medallion | Find |
| Korok Mask | Find |
| Eight hidden DLC-1 armor pieces | Collect all |
| trial | Complete |
| 16 DLC Shrines | Complete |
| Mipha’s ballad | Complete |
| Revali’s Ballad | Complete |
| Daruk’s Ballad | Complete |
| Urbosa’s Ballad | Complete |
| Four combat skills+ | Unlock |
| Five DLC memories | Unlock |
| Last test | Complete |
| Monk Maz Koshia | Defeat |
| Master Cycle Zero | Unlock |
| Image of the Champions | Get |
| Nine DLC 2 armor pieces | Collect all |
| Antique bridle | Find |
| Antique saddle | Find |
Breath of the Wild DLC on Nintendo Switch 2
You can still use the expansion pass on Nintendo Switch 2. However, it is important to distinguish between the classic Breath of the Wild expansion pass and the upgrade to Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: The Switch 2 upgrade improves, among other things, resolution, frame rate, loading times and supplements ZELDA NOTES, but does not automatically contain DLC 1 and DLC 2. The Expansion Pass remains separate downloadable content and can be used with both the regular Switch version and the Switch 2 Edition.
Is the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass worth it?
If you only want to play Breath of the Wild until the end of the main story, you don’t need the expansion pass. However, for a comprehensive or as complete passage as possible, it is definitely worth it. The Hero’s Path, Korok Mask and Travel Medallion alone make exploring the vast world much easier, while the Trial of the Sword gives the Master Sword its permanent full strength. “The Champions’ Ballad” also delivers some of the best shrines in the game, new background stories for Zelda and the four Champions, a completely new dungeon, an independent final boss and an extraordinary completion reward with the Master Cycle Zero.
If you want to complete all of the DLC content in a sensible order, you can follow our complete Breath of the Wild Walkthrough. There we integrate the Trial of the Sword, all EX Treasures, the Ancient Horse Equipment and the complete Champions’ Ballad directly into our 100% walkthrough of Hyrule.