Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment takes you to Hyrule in Zelda’s distant past. The Imprisoning War, glimpsed in Tears of the Kingdom, becomes the setting for large battles. Zelda joins Rauru and other allies against Ganondorf’s army, combining character abilities, Zonai technology and tactical decisions across the battlefield.
A standalone adventure for Nintendo Switch 2
Age of Imprisonment was released on November 6, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo, it follows a different conflict from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Its action focuses on battlefield missions, with the ancient history of Tears of the Kingdom providing the setting.
You can play alone or with a second player in split-screen co-op. GameShare also supports play on separate consoles. Online GameShare uses GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2.
Send allies where they are needed
Clearing groups of enemies is only part of each mission. Use the map to direct allies toward new objectives, then switch characters to respond when several positions need help. Sending someone ahead can save a long journey across the battlefield.
Keep an appropriate Unique Skill ready when a powerful enemy prepares a dangerous attack. Zonai Devices add further ways to exploit an enemy’s weaknesses. Nearby allies can perform Sync Strikes together, with different pairings producing different effects.
Put materials and weapons to use
Materials from enemies and treasure chests support your next mission. At a field camp, material effects can help with movement or charging attacks. Liberating an outpost can provide another place to prepare as the battle advances.
At the weapon facility, Zonaite Steel improves your equipment. Melt down unwanted weapons for more material and pay attention to seals that add useful effects. The steel must match the weapon category you want to improve.
Save-data bonuses
Tears of the Kingdom save data unlocks the High Guard’s Sword; Age of Calamity save data unlocks the High Guard’s Claymore. Redeem these rewards after completing The Howling Tempests and returning to the Hyrule map.
Free updates and postgame battles
The free updates add challenges and rewards after the main story. Phantom Ganon can affect battles you have already completed, introducing stronger enemies and opportunities to obtain more Pure Zonaite Steel. Forbidden difficulty provides a further challenge above Very Hard.
To follow the events connected with Zelda’s journey, explore our Tears of the Kingdom walkthrough.
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|
| Release date | November 6, 2025 |
| Developer / publisher | Koei Tecmo / Nintendo |
| Players | 1–2; split-screen co-op and GameShare |
| German age rating | USK 12 |