Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Retrospective - The Great Calamity

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

The release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on November 20, 2020, was a landmark moment for fans of The Legend of Zelda series. Positioned as a direct prequel to the universally acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the title offered players a chance to witness the legendary Great Calamity firsthand. Developed by Omega Force and published by Nintendo, this game moved beyond simple spin-off status to become an essential narrative companion, immersing players in the rich lore of Hyrule and exploring the pivotal, tragic events that directly set the stage for Link's epic adventure. It provided a vivid, action-packed look at the historical conflicts that shaped a ruined kingdom and the heroes who fought to defend it.

Witnessing the Great Calamity

At its core, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity delves into the catastrophic Great Calamity, a pivotal conflict frequently referenced through memories and ruins in Breath of the Wild but never before experienced in full. The game offered a unique and powerful opportunity to see Hyrule at its peak and witness its dramatic fall. However, the story presented a significant twist: the arrival of a small, time-traveling Guardian named Terrako creates an alternate timeline. This divergence from the established lore of Breath of the Wild allows the heroes to be forewarned of the impending disaster, providing a chance to change their fate. This narrative choice allowed players to not just passively watch the tragedy unfold, but to actively fight to prevent it, creating a powerful "what if" scenario that stands as a unique chapter in the Zelda saga.

The Hyrule Warriors Formula Returns, Evolved

As a title bearing the "Hyrule Warriors" moniker, Age of Calamity masterfully employs the signature "Musou" style of gameplay. Players engage in vast, hack-and-slash battles against overwhelming armies of Bokoblins, Lizalfos, and Guardians, commanding powerful heroes with unique abilities. The genre's blend of intense action and strategic battlefield management is enhanced with mechanics directly from Breath of the Wild. Characters can use the Sheikah Slate to unleash Runes like Magnesis and Stasis, exploit elemental weaknesses, and perform Flurry Rushes after a perfect dodge. This brilliant integration of beloved mechanics into the high-octane format created a gameplay experience that felt both familiar to BotW veterans and thrillingly new.

Bridging Narratives: A Prequel's Crucial Role

The role of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity as a companion piece to Breath of the Wild is immense. It powerfully illuminates the personalities and relationships of the four Champions—Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa—transforming them from tragic figures in flashbacks into fully-realized, playable heroes. The game provides crucial context for their motivations, their bond with Princess Zelda, and the sacrifices they made. While its alternate timeline means it isn't a direct historical record leading into Breath of the Wild, it serves as an emotional prequel, deepening the player's appreciation for the characters and the stakes of the Calamity. It stands apart from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which would later explore the even more ancient Imprisoning War and the Zonai, making Age of Calamity a distinct and focused look at the era immediately preceding Link's 100-year slumber.

Gameplay and Story Highlights

Age of Calamity delivered a compelling narrative that explored the desperate fight for Hyrule's future across a roster of fan-favorite characters. Players commanded not only Link and Zelda but also the four Champions, a young Impa, and even unexpected allies brought through time, like Sidon and Riju. A highlight of the experience was piloting the colossal Divine Beasts, laying waste to entire armies in epic-scale battles. These moments, combined with a story that carried the emotional weight of a world-altering war, provided both thrilling action and significant character development, giving players the cathartic experience of fighting for the Hyrule they had only ever known in ruins.

Expanding the Rich Tapestry of Zelda Lore

Titles like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity play a crucial role in expanding the intricate tapestry of the Zelda universe. They offer alternative perspectives and delve into historical events that mainline games might only hint at, providing a more complete picture of Hyrule's enduring saga. This approach satisfies the insatiable appetite of long-time fans for deeper lore while also offering an exciting, action-focused entry point into a beloved world. Age of Calamity stands as a testament to the franchise's world-building, proving that its history—even an alternate version of it—is just as captivating as its present. It remains an unmissable experience for anyone invested in the world of Breath of the Wild and the legendary heroes who fought to protect it.