Should You Play the Breath of the Wild DLC Before Tears of the Kingdom?

With The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom just one week away from release, there has never been a better time to finish playing Breath of the Wild. For some folks that may just mean finishing the main story and collecting everything, but there’s more to Breath of the Wild than the base game.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC is an expansion pass that offers multiple DLC packs. Each pack includes special armor and items as well as additional DLC sidequests that continue your journey as Link. If you’re wondering whether or not you should pick up the expansion pass before diving into Tears of the Kingdom, here’s a quick rundown of what comes with it.

The Master Trials – DLC Pack 1

The first DLC in the Breath of the Wild expansion pass has a variety of benefits. The Master Trials DLC comes with two additional modes: Master Mode and the Hero’s Path Mode. Master Mode allows you to increase the tier of enemies you face and make combat all that more challenging. Whereas Hero’s Path Mode allows you to see where you’ve been so you can identify Korok seeds and Shrines you might have missed.

Outside of the additional modes, the main draw of this DLC is the Trial of the Sword quest. This is a challenge mode where you must survive a gauntlet of multiple enemy-filled levels. With 51 total levels, it is the most challenging trial in the game, but it ends with a power up to the Master Sword that is worth it.

This DLC pack also comes with 8 new clothing items (such as Majora’s Mask), a Travel Medallion that allows you to travel to locations outside of shrines, and a Korok Mask that shakes when you’re near a Korok seed.

The Champion’s Ballad – DLC Pack 2

The second DLC pack focuses less on additional modes and more on the expansion of the storyline. The Champions Ballad DLC features a new questline that can only be started after you complete the main quest to free the Divine beasts. After a mysterious voice beckons to link to challenge the Divine Beast Tamer’s Trials, he must prove himself by defeating enemies, solving new Shrine quests, and even challenging an all-new dungeon. Additionally, Kass the bard will be continuing his quest to complete the unfinished song.

Outside of the new quest, this DLC pack also comes with 9 additional clothing items hidden in treasure chests across Hyrule. It also comes with Ancient Horse gear that allows you to increase the number of spurs equipped as well as call your horse to you now matter how far away it is.

Where to Buy the Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass

The best way to get access to the Breath of the Wild DLC content is to purchase it directly from the Nintendo eShop. The expansion pass combines both DLC packs for $19.99, so you get access to all of the additional content listed above.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom arrives on May 12. You can already preorder the game ahead of time to make sure you can play it on day 1. Check out our hands-on preview of the game below: