Uncover the Untold Secrets of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Indestructibility

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom maintains the controversial durability mechanics introduced in its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, the game fails to implement a valuable lesson learned from its sequel. Breath of the Wild caused a stir by introducing the concept of weapons, shields, and bows breaking after extended use, deviating from the traditional gameplay of the series. To compensate for this change, Tears of the Kingdom offers a wide variety of weapons. Despite the anticipation surrounding the sequel and speculations about durability mechanics, certain trailers unintentionally confirmed their return. Nonetheless, Tears of the Kingdom introduces the Fuse ability, allowing players to create powerful and practical equipment combinations. Although the game improves its approach to weapons and shields in certain aspects, it overlooks a durability change that could have significantly enhanced the player's experience.

Both Zelda: Breath of the Wild And Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Need A Durability Meter

Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom utilize the durability mechanic to encourage players to engage in combat and explore the game world. This mechanic not only ensures that players constantly replenish their arsenal of weapons, shields, and bows, but also allows for the acquisition of stronger and more durable gear. Tears of the Kingdom, in particular, offers the Fuse ability, which allows players to coordinate their gear choices, such as equipping a hammer-like weapon for mining or a rocket-fused shield for gaining height quickly and easily.

However, the fact that every weapon, shield, and bow eventually breaks means that players have to deal with durability issues. They are alerted to this through in-game prompts and a flashing inventory, indicating that it may be time to search for a replacement. While durability has been introduced in previous Zelda games, Breath of the Wild was the first to make it a central gameplay mechanic, and any shortcomings in its implementation could be overlooked. However, despite having a stamina meter and the opportunity to learn from its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom disappointingly lacks a durability meter.

Games After Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Can Do Better

A durability meter would have greatly enhanced the gameplay experience of Tears of the Kingdom, particularly considering its new Fuse ability. Players have discovered optimal fuse combinations and a bonus for breaking weapons, highlighting the necessity for a clearer indication of durability. By having this information, players can avoid wasting valuable resources and strategically choose which weapons to utilize or discard based on their remaining durability.

If the rumors of a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom are true, it is likely that many core mechanics from the game and Breath of the Wild will be reused. Even if the next Zelda installment does not use the same engine but incorporates similar mechanics, the inclusion of a durability meter should not be overlooked for a third time. Just as other Zelda games have introduced magic meters and stamina wheels, an improved method of conveying a weapon's durability should become a standard design feature.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch.