Announced at Nintendo Direct June 2024, the next instalment in the hugely popular The Legend of Zelda series — Echoes of Wisdom — will be coming to Nintendo Switch on 26 September.

This new entry in the franchise looks like it'll really break the mould too. That's because for the first time ever in a mainline Zelda game, you'll be playing as the titular character herself — the wise Princess Zelda. And it'll be up to her to find Link and other Hyruleans who've been stolen away by mysterious rifts that have appeared all over her kingdom.

Let's find out more about this latest title in the long running Zelda series. From its price and pre-order details to its big cast of characters and brand-new combat styles.

What is The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom's release date?

You'll be able to step into Zelda's royal shoes on 26 September 2024. That gives you plenty of time to refamiliarise yourself with the franchise if you haven't played a Zelda game for a while.

In fact, our piece on The history of The Legend of Zelda should get you clued up again on all the main characters, timelines, and much more in just a few minutes!

How much will The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom cost?

Almost all The Legend of Zelda games feature huge maps to explore, epic storylines, and hours upon hours of gameplay. So, for around £49.99 — we're sure you'll get more than your money's worth with Echoes of Wisdom.

Can I pre-order The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom?

You can pre-purchase The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom right now from Currys and get the game delivered to your doorstep on launch day.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom platforms and crossplay

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a Nintendo exclusive, so you'll only be able to play the game on a Switch console.

If you're rocking a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S and still want to get your fantasy kicks though, you might enjoy Star Wars Outlaws or the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows. Or check out our entire range of console games instead.

How to play The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

We're pretty used to playing as Link in The Legend of Zelda games. But in this new adventure, the familiar sword-wielding protagonist has vanished. Meaning Princess Zelda must step up into the lead role and find the cause of those strange rifts cropping up all over Hyrule.

Does this mean Zelda will don a green cap and a sword and shield to fight off enemies? No, although it looks like she'll be wearing a dark tunic to stay incognito. And according to Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the iconic Zelda series, there will be a "new gameplay style that breaks conventions seen in past The Legend of Zelda games."

We reckon he's talking about the 'Tri Rod' Zelda’s wielding in this game — a powerful staff that can create "echoes". In the words of Nintendo, these are "imitations of things found in the environment" that you can summon later to solve puzzles and defeat enemies with. Just wave the Tri Rod at an object like a table and recreate it whenever you like to get a leg up over a wall blocking your path. Or create echoes of rocks you can throw at foes!

You can learn and create echoes of all kinds of things while making your way across Hyrule and avoiding those dangerous rifts. And there are amazing regions to explore too, including the scorching sands of the Gerudo Desert, the scenic rivers of Jabul Waters, and the treacherous trails up Eldin Volcano.

How many hours of gameplay will The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom have?

We can't say for sure, but The Legend of Zelda games have always offered massive adventures that take many hours to complete. For example, 2023's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom provides about 59 hours of gameplay according to How Long to Beat.

This new title looks like it might be on a smaller scale, but we'd still expect at least 10-15 hours to get through the main quest. Then there's a bunch of extra side missions to take on too, which you can keep track of in the handy 'Adventure Log'.

Who are the main characters in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom?

Princess Zelda is leading the charge on this journey with Link out of action. But she'll have a loyal fairy called Tri by her side throughout, who bestows Zelda with the Tri Rod right at the start of the game.

Many different races make up each of Hyrule's diverse regions too, from the River Zora of Jabul Waters to the volcano-dwelling Gorans. There are even Business Scrubs dotted around the place, who'll create nutritious smoothies from ingredients you collect so you can restore health.

You'll come across as many dangerous monsters as friendly faces in this game too though. But guess what? You can also make echoes of enemies when you beat them! Then they'll fight by your side when the going really gets tough.

And if you ever need to get somewhere fast, just call upon your noble steed. Not only can you cover more ground on horseback, but you can gallop right over weaker enemies and small obstacles with ease. All you have to do is make a carrot echo to lure them in.

What The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom features are player-customisable?

Princess Zelda won't have to wear that dark tunic all the way through the game. You can spend the Rupees you collect to buy different outfits and change up her look whenever you want to.

Or use them to equip Zelda with accessories that'll enhance some of her abilities. Like Zora's Flippers, which help you swim faster while wearing them. Or a Frog Ring charm, which lets you jump higher to get over tall obstacles in the way.

What are the different The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom game mode options?

Like most Zelda games, Echoes of Wisdom will be a single-player adventure that revolves around its main story. As we mentioned though, there will be a variety of side quests both big and small to complete too.

Any more questions?

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