The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Introduces a New Playable Character

Echoes of Wisdom shakes up tradition with Zelda as the main playable character, using the Tri Rod to create echoes for puzzles and combat. The ESRB has rated the game E10+, confirming Link as a second playable character with classic sword and shield gameplay, as well as the ability to shoot arrows.

A Reversal of Roles - Zelda Takes Center Stage in Echoes of Wisdom

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has officially been rated by the ESRB, which confirms Link as the second playable character alongside Princess Zelda. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was first revealed during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct, subsequently becoming one of Nintendo's most anticipated releases. Fans don't have to wait long either, as the game will be launching this September.

Echoes of Wisdom is breaking a lot of new ground by not featuring Link as the main playable character, with the role being taken up by Zelda herself. Historically, Zelda has rarely been a playable character outside of spin-offs, with Link firmly established as the series' hero. There has been some wiggle room for making Zelda playable, though usually with some different caveats that still placed Link front and center. In Echoes of Wisdom, the roles have been essentially reversed, with Princess Zelda embarking on her own quest to save the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganondorf's evil forces.

The ESRB rated Echoes of Wisdom as E10+, while also giving some brief insight into what to expect from the game. The rating notes how Zelda will be Echoes of Wisdom's main playable character, as she tries to dispel the rifts that have appeared in Hyrule. The rating also describes how players will be able to control Link, as he retains his classic sword and shield gameplay, along with the ability to shoot arrows from his bow.

Zelda's Leading Role, But Link Remains a Key Contributor in Echoes of Wisdom

Link not being totally absent from Echoes of Wisdom was a bit of a given, as the initial reveal trailer started with a fake-out that had Link fighting Ganondorf, before he fell into the dimensional rift and used his last arrow to free Zelda. As such, it's a bit unclear if Link will only be playable at the start of the game, or if he'll later re-join Zelda, either as a playable character during the final battle, or midway through as Zelda dispels the rifts in Hyrule. At the very least, players can expect a little bit of traditional top-down Zelda gameplay with Link.

Princess Zelda plays very differently from Link in Echoes of Wisdom, where she utilizes the Tri Rod instead of a sword and shield. This staff allows her to create "echoes" of objects she finds in her adventures, which can be used to solve puzzles, explore dungeons, or even aid in combat. Objects that players can recreate include tables, beds, and even other enemies. Echoes of Wisdom is looking to be one of the most creative games in the franchise, juggling these two gameplay styles.