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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment launched on 6 November 2025 and is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo says. Announced on 2 April 2025 as a new story about the Imprisoning War, the game follows Princess Zelda, King Rauru, the Sages and their allies as they face Ganondorf.
Release date and platform
Nintendo first introduced the game on 2 April 2025 as a Switch 2 exclusive planned for that winter. It set the release date as 6 November 2025, then reported that the game launched on that date. Nintendo’s current launch information identifies no other platform.
Nintendo’s launch announcement confirms availability and exclusivity.
What the story is about
The game depicts the Imprisoning War, placing Princess Zelda in the fight against Ganondorf alongside King Rauru, the Sages and new characters including Korok Calamo. Nintendo describes it as an untold story that leads to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, showing events that game had previously hinted at.
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- Battle hordes of enemies in the untold story of the Imprisoning War Fight the war for Ancient Hyrule! Step on to the battlefield as Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other legendary heroes as you fight to reclaim your homeland—and live the story of Demon King Ganondorf’s invasion that was only briefly alluded to in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game.
- Fight alongside new and familiar heroes to defend Hyrule from the Demon King Princess Zelda is not alone in this war! Join Mineru, the Sages, and even some brand-new heroes in battles against Ganondorf’s forces. Combine powerful Zonai Devices with your heroes’ signature abilities to take down powerful bosses and their legions of minions.
- Use save data from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to get additional weapons If you have save data from the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game on your system when you play, you’ll receive a Eminent Guard’s Claymore. If you have save data from the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game, you receive a Eminent Guard’s Sword. These weapons can be redeemed after returning to the Hyrule map upon completion of The Howling Tempest mission.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
The original announcement introduced the premise as the untold story of the Imprisoning War in a Nintendo Direct presentation on 2 April 2025.
How combat works
Combat combines large-scale battles with character-specific abilities and team attacks. Confirmed features include:
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- Battle hordes of enemies in the untold story of the Imprisoning War
- Distinct fighting styles for different heroes.
- Sync Strikes, which let allies team up in battle.
- Zonai devices used strategically, including devices that create effects such as water and wind.
- Combos against hordes of enemies, as well as boss battles.
Nintendo’s release-date announcement and launch report describe these gameplay elements.
Co-op: split-screen or GameShare
The game supports two ways to play with another person:
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![Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QYVf1rHEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session.
- Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the session in which it was shared.
- Shared game will not be playable after the session ends.
- Nintendo Switch 2 and GameChat required for each user engaging in GameShare via GameChat. Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. During the GameChat open-access period, GameChat can be used without a membership.
- Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com.
| Mode | Setup | Access limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Local split-screen | Two players play on one console. | No separate GameShare session is needed. |
| GameShare | Two systems connect; only one player needs to own the game. | The receiving player’s access ends when the sharing session ends. |
Nintendo’s regional announcement notes that a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use GameChat in the Philippines. That is a region-specific caveat, not a universal statement about every territory; check local Nintendo guidance for GameChat requirements where you live.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Optional amiibo rewards
Compatible amiibo can grant in-game items, including crafting materials. Zelda-series amiibo provide different materials from figures in other series, but amiibo are optional rather than required to play.
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Nintendo Support says the game permits five amiibo scans per day, and each individual amiibo can provide a reward once per day. For NFC scanning, use the touchpoint appropriate to your controller. See Nintendo Support’s amiibo guidance for scanning details.
Rewards for existing save data
If the console has save data from either of these games, Nintendo says the corresponding weapon can be redeemed after completing the Howling Tempests mission:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| Save data | Weapon reward |
|---|---|
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | High Guard’s Claymore |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | High Guard’s Sword |
Nintendo’s launch report lists the save-data rewards and the mission requirement.
Who can play it?
The essential requirement is a Nintendo Switch 2, because Nintendo identifies the game as exclusive to that system. Players can choose solo play, two-player split-screen on one console, or GameShare with a second system during a sharing session. Amiibo and qualifying save data add optional rewards; neither is presented as a requirement to access the game.
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