The Legend of Zelda's Biggest Miss: Kass and The Zonai

One of the most beloved characters from Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Kass, was noticeably absent from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Kass was a nomadic minstrel who played his accordion and shared wise words with Link as they journeyed throughout Hyrule. Despite playing an integral role in some of the game's shrines and DLC, Kass did not make an appearance in Tears of the Kingdom. Fans had been hoping for Kass to return for the sequel since the game was first announced, and while it was unclear at the time what role he could play, the release of Tears of the Kingdom reveals where Kass could have fit in. The character seemed to have been replaced by another Rito named Penn, a journalist investigating leads throughout Hyrule. However, Penn's storyline hints at Kass's possible place in the game, giving hope that future DLC may bring back the fan-favorite character.

Kass, The Zonai, and The Stable Trotters

Kass played a crucial role in helping players locate and access hidden shrines by searching for ancient songs while traversing Hyrule in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This resulted in players encountering Kass regularly throughout the game, knowing that he was essential for finding new shrines, which added to his appeal as a character. However, what truly endeared Kass to players was his wholesome and wistful personality. Although his story reached a satisfying conclusion in both the base game and The Champions' Ballad DLC, his return was never guaranteed.

Despite Kass's absence from Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it is clear that his character and music have made a lasting impact on the series. As a prominent figure in exploring the ancient history of Hyrule, Kass could have easily fit into the game's storyline as a member of The Stable Trotters or even as part of shrine quests. However, it is possible that Nintendo chose to omit Kass in order to avoid any potential plot holes. Nevertheless, Kass's legacy lives on through his music and the influence he has had on the world of Hyrule.

Kass's Potential Return in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Speculations are rife about Kass's return to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as part of future DLC, although he didn't make an appearance in the base game. While there is no official confirmation yet, it is highly likely that the game will follow in the footsteps of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and receive an expansion. If that happens, Kass could play a crucial role in the DLC, as he did in The Champions' Ballad DLC, and his presence could be justified through newly discovered songs from the rich Zonai history.

With Kass being a Rito, he would have the advantage of having complete access to the vast and expanded world of Hyrule, including the mysterious sky islands and the depths beneath. The only challenge that lies ahead would be to create new quests and shrines to unlock these unexplored areas. With the addition of fresh lore, Kass would be the perfect companion for Link to uncover the hidden secrets left behind by the Zonai, such as uncovering long-forgotten technology in a new "dungeon" along with the Master Cycle Zero, just like The Champions' Ballad. Bringing back Kass would not only strengthen the continuity of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it would also satiate the fans' desire for both games.