Koei Tecmo's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment arrives as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 6, 2025. This hack-and-slash prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom explores Ganondorf's earlier bid for control over Hyrule. The game features a large cast of playable characters and battles against thousands of enemies.
Overview
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment marks the third entry in Koei Tecmo's crossover series blending Dynasty Warriors gameplay with The Legend of Zelda universe. Developed by a new AAA studio at Koei Tecmo led by Yosuke Hayashi, it builds on the style of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which tied into The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The title delves into backstory elements, focusing on Ganondorf's previous attempt to seize Hyrule, set as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Gameplay and Features
Players can expect intense hack-and-slash action with a roster of playable characters battling hordes of enemies—described as thousands in scale. The experience emphasizes large-scale combat, similar to prior entries in the series, where timing attacks and crowd control are key to victory. As a Switch 2 exclusive, it leverages the console's capabilities for enhanced performance in portable and docked modes.
Release Details
The game launches on November 6, 2025, priced at $70. It arrives amid a strong lineup of Switch 2 titles, positioning it as one of the system's early major exclusives. No additional platforms have been announced, underscoring Nintendo's focus on its new hardware.
This release surprises fans, as many anticipated a different Warriors title for Switch 2, but it delivers a fresh Zelda-themed adventure in the musou genre.