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Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review: the ultimate creative sandbox
Is Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom worth it in 2026? Our review covers Ultrahand, the sky and the Depths, the Switch 2 Edition, difficulty and how it compares with Breath of the Wild.
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom is one of the most inventive open-world games ever made, a vast playground that rewards creativity at every turn, especially in its sharper Switch 2 Edition.
What we like
- +Ultrahand and Fuse enable astonishingly creative solutions
- +Enormous world across sky, surface and underground Depths
- +Freedom to tackle challenges in almost any order or way
- +Critically acclaimed, with a Metacritic score in the mid-90s
- +Switch 2 Edition improves resolution, frame rate and adds HDR
What could be better
- −Reuses the map of Breath of the Wild as its surface
- −Original Switch version can struggle with frame rate
- −Weapon durability still frustrates some players
- −Building controls take time to master
- −Story is told in fragments, which can feel repetitive
Best for: Players who love exploration, experimentation and huge adventures
Visit Nintendo (developed by Nintendo EPD) →The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to Breath of the Wild and one of the best-reviewed games of the decade, and this Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review looks at whether it is still worth buying in 2026. Released on Nintendo Switch on 12 May 2023, it sold more than 10 million copies in its first three days, and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition followed on 5 June 2025.
Based on Nintendo's official information, published critic reviews and extensive player reports, here is what makes Tears of the Kingdom special, what holds it back and which version you should play. Story details are limited to the opening set-up.
What is Tears of the Kingdom about? (no spoilers)
Some time after the events of Breath of the Wild, Link and Princess Zelda investigate a strange phenomenon beneath Hyrule Castle. Something ancient and malevolent stirs, Zelda vanishes, and Hyrule is thrown into upheaval: islands now float in the sky, and chasms open into a dark world below. Link sets out to find Zelda and discover what happened.
As in its predecessor, the story unfolds through exploration and discovered memories rather than a strict linear path, which suits the game's emphasis on freedom.
Gameplay: Ultrahand, Fuse and creative freedom
The heart of Tears of the Kingdom is a set of new abilities that turn Hyrule into a construction kit. Ultrahand lets Link pick up objects and glue them together, so players build bridges, boats, cars, flying machines and far stranger contraptions, often powered by fans, wheels and other ancient Zonai devices. Fuse attaches materials to weapons, shields and arrows, creating everything from long spears to exploding arrows.
Ascend lets Link rise through ceilings, Recall rewinds an object's movement, and Autobuild recreates saved designs. Together they mean most puzzles and obstacles have many valid solutions, and the internet is full of players' creations. The trade-off is that building with a controller can feel fiddly at first.
- Ultrahand: move and combine objects to build vehicles and structures
- Fuse: combine items with weapons, shields and arrows
- Ascend: pass upward through solid ceilings
- Recall: rewind an object's movement through time
- Autobuild: rebuild saved or discovered designs quickly
World and exploration: sky, surface and the Depths
The game spans three layers. The surface is Breath of the Wild's Hyrule, remixed with new caves, settlements and changes. Above it float sky islands, and below lies the Depths, a huge, dark underground region where light is scarce and a hazard called gloom temporarily reduces Link's maximum health.
Returning to a familiar map is the most common criticism, and players who explored Breath of the Wild thoroughly will recognise much of the terrain. In practice, the new layers and abilities change how you move through it so much that it rarely feels like a rerun. A thorough playthrough takes many dozens of hours, and completionists report well over 100.
Switch 2 Edition vs original Switch version
On the original Switch, Tears of the Kingdom is a technical marvel, but it runs at a modest resolution and its frame rate can dip during busy scenes. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition improves resolution and frame rate, adds HDR support and adds features through the Nintendo Switch App, including Zelda Notes.
If you own a Switch 2, the upgraded version is clearly the better way to play. Owners of the Switch version can buy an upgrade pack, and Nintendo has also made the upgrade available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. On an original Switch, the game remains fully playable and very enjoyable.
Tears of the Kingdom vs Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild introduced the open-world formula; Tears of the Kingdom expands it with building, more varied dungeons, the sky and Depths, and a stronger story. Most critics consider the sequel the bigger and more ambitious game. You don't strictly need to play Breath of the Wild first, as the game is understandable on its own, but you will appreciate the returning world and characters more if you have.
Awards and reception
Tears of the Kingdom received universal acclaim, with Metacritic scores of 96 on Switch and 95 for the Switch 2 Edition. It won Best Action/Adventure Game at The Game Awards 2023 and was nominated for Game of the Year, and by mid-2026 it had sold more than 22 million copies, making it one of the Switch's best-selling games.
Who should play Tears of the Kingdom?
It is a single-player game that can easily fill months of casual play.
- Fans of Breath of the Wild who want more
- Creative players who enjoy building and experimenting
- Explorers who like discovering secrets at their own pace
- Families with children around 10 and up (rated PEGI 12 / ESRB E10+)
- Less suited to players who want a tightly scripted, linear story
Key specs
- Developer / publisher
- Nintendo EPD / Nintendo
- Release date
- 12 May 2023 (Switch); Switch 2 Edition 5 June 2025
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 (Switch 2 Edition)
- Genre
- Open-world action-adventure
- Players
- Single-player
- Age rating
- PEGI 12 / ESRB E10+
- Metacritic
- 96 (Switch), 95 (Switch 2 Edition)
- Sales
- More than 22 million copies (as of mid-2026)
Alternatives to consider
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: The groundbreaking predecessor, simpler to learn and the natural starting point.
- Elden Ring: A darker, far tougher open-world adventure for players who want a stiff challenge.
- Super Mario Odyssey: A lighter, joyful Nintendo adventure for players who want exploration in shorter bursts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom worth it in 2026?
+
Yes. It is one of the highest-rated games of the decade, with a vast world and creative building mechanics that remain unmatched. On Switch 2, the Switch 2 Edition makes it look and run better.
Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
+
No, the sequel can be enjoyed on its own. However, it reuses Breath of the Wild's Hyrule and characters, so playing the first game adds context and appreciation.
What does the Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition add?
+
It offers improved resolution and frame rate, HDR support and extra features through the Nintendo Switch App, including Zelda Notes. Switch owners can upgrade with a paid upgrade pack, and it is also available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
How long does it take to beat Tears of the Kingdom?
+
Playtime varies widely. Players focusing on the main story typically need dozens of hours, while completionists often spend well over 100 hours exploring everything.
Is Tears of the Kingdom suitable for kids?
+
It is rated PEGI 12 in Europe and E10+ in North America, with fantasy combat and no gore. Younger children may need help with puzzles and building.
Is Tears of the Kingdom better than Breath of the Wild?
+
Most critics say it is the bigger and more ambitious game thanks to building, the sky islands and the Depths. Some players prefer Breath of the Wild's sense of discovery in a world they hadn't seen before.
Does Tears of the Kingdom have weapon durability?
+
Yes, weapons still break. The Fuse ability softens this by letting you combine materials with weapons to make them stronger, but players who disliked durability in Breath of the Wild may still find it annoying.
Tears of the Kingdom takes an already brilliant formula and blows it wide open. Its building tools, three-layer world and freedom of approach make it one of the most creative games you can play, and the Switch 2 Edition finally gives it the performance it deserves. The familiar map and fiddly controls are minor complaints next to what it achieves. If you own a Switch or Switch 2, it is essential.
How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.
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