Hyrule is full of some of the most creative fantasy races in RPGs. The originalBreath of the Wildincluded many of them, but there are many more that fans would like to see return in the upcoming sequel,Breath of the Wild 2.
The inclusion of more races could help revitalize Hyrule and encourage exploration considering the fact thatBreath of the Wild 2will use the same map as the original game. Here are just some of the races of Hyrule that should return.
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The Deku
Deku appear in many of thegames in theLegend of Zeldafranchise, but are perhaps best known from the opening ofMajora’s Mask, when Link is transformed into a Deku Scrub. While they are another diminutive forest-dwelling race like the Koroks who appear inBreath of the Wild, the Deku have a far more complicated relationship with the outside world than their goofy cousins. In some games in the series, they are hostile until defeated, at which point they will usually try to sell items to Link.
Their distrust of outsiders and connection to the forests of Hyrule help make those woodlands feel more alien, more threatening, and more fantastical. Their design is among the most unique inZelda, with small wooden bodies, large hole-like mouths, and leaves which resemble hair and even clothing at times. They’re sometimes prone to rage as well, with the Deku king inMajora’s Maskimprisoning an innocent monkey for the disappearance of the tribe’s princess. These chaotic forest spirits make a great addition to anyZeldagame.
The Mogma
The Mogma appear inSkyward Swordas a sentient race of mole people. Obsessed with treasure, they rarely emerge above ground, and spend much of their time greedily digging for rupees. Some of them, like Tubert, also run gambling games that add a great deal of flavor to the world of Hyrule. Despite their greed, the Mogma were among the races who helped the Goddess Hylia fight Demise, and they could return from deep underground to fend off Ganon’s return inBreath of the Wild 2.
They were also constantly at war with theBokoblinsin their previous appearance, and could be valuable allies if the creatures return to aid Ganon in the next game. The fact that they live underground and are rarely seen fully above the surface also helps explain their absence inBreath of the Wild, which could be easily remedied without additions to the lore inBreath of the Wild 2.
The Subrosians
The Subrosians are a secretive race who live in the lava world of Subrosia, beneath Holodrum fromOracle of Seasons. Their world can be accessed through portals in their previous appearances, and the appearance of Subrosians in Hyrule could be a great addition, particularly around Death Mountain.
Though Death Mountain is already inhabited bythe Gorons, the appearance of Subrosians could help make the area feel unique again, as well as give the Gorons a new challenge to face in the upcoming game.Breath of the Wild 2could explore this race more and reveal something about their mysterious origins.
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The Minish
The Minish, sometimes called the Picori, are a tiny race of people that appear inThe Minish Cap. They resemble mice with feathered tales and humanoid faces, with the same pointy ears that the Hylians have. Some of the most interesting characters in the franchise, like Ezlo the Minish Cap or Vaati the Sorcerer were once Minish.
Earlyconcept art forBreath of the Wildshowed Link interacting with the Minish in one of their villages. The reintroduction of the Minish people, and the possibility of Link being shrunk down to their size, could be another great way for Nintendo to breathe new life into the map ofBreath of the Wild 2.
The Minish are also invisible to many adult Hylians, which could help explain their absence inBreath of the Wild. If Link gains the ability to see the Minish, however, then villages could be revealed across Hyrule, incentivizing players to explore the world all over again. The return of the Minish could also see the return of the race’s most powerful artifact, the Picori Blade. If Ganon returns andthe Master Swordis shown to be incapable of truly sealing him away for good, the Picori Blade might just do the trick.
The Yetis
Yetis appear inTwilight Princessand are, as a player might expect, large ape-like people with white fur who live in the snowy climates of Hyrule. Like the other races that could appear inBreath of the Wild 2, the Yetis could bring new life to some of the extreme climates already explored in the originalBreath of the Wild.
One of the biggest challenges facesBreath of the Wild 2will be figuring out how to revitalize its map and encourage exploration again when the game takes place in the same map of Hyrule. It’s possible thatBreath of the Wild 2will utilize a time jumpto bring a lot of change to the kingdom at once, but introducing some familiar races from previous games, or even some totally new ones, could be a great way for the game to draw in fans who already explored every nook and cranny of the original game’s Hyrule.
More details aboutBreath of the Wild 2and its story, however, remain to be seen. With theBreath of Wild 2teaser trailerreleased back in 2019 and little news from Nintendo since, much is uncertain about the upcoming sequel, the creatures it will include, and when it will be released. WithBreath of the Wildone of the best selling games for the Switch, however, many will be excited to return to Hyrule and see faces both familiar and new.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2is currently in development for the Switch.
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