If Switch port for The Wind Waker are quickly dimming, there is no reason that future titles cannot follow its example in making dramatic alterations to at least one major aspect of the franchise.

The Legend of Zelda is already visibly experimenting with its standard formula quite heavily with the recent release of Echoes of Wisdom. The most recent Zelda title is the first to feature Princess Zelda as the protagonist; this diverges strongly from her normally less-prominent role as a ing character in Link’s own quests. Moreover, it is worth noting that Link will likely return as the protagonist in the franchise’s next title. But on the other hand, The Wind Waker does provide a perfect example of how the series could continue to evolve Zelda’s own role in the franchise.

A Version Of Tetra Should Be Part Of A Future Legend Of Zelda Game

One Of Wind Waker's Best Characters Should Appear Elsewhere

The Wind Waker’s version of Princess Zelda is immediately notable for how much she dislikes the moniker. First and foremost, Tetra is a pirate captain, and while she does retain an ultimately kindhearted nature, Tetra’s unique design and personality ensure she more than stands out among her other incarnations across the franchise. Even her ‘true’ identity as Princess Zelda of Hyrule is arguably more of a technicality than anything else, and even something that is a clear source of irritation for her when she is referred to as such in Phantom Hourglass.

Although Tetra does transform into a more traditional princess-like appearance whilst trapped beneath the Great Sea, the fact that this is ultimately temporary helps demonstrate that she does not truly identify herself as ‘Princess Zelda’.

If a future Zelda title were to repeat this change, having a Zelda divulged so strongly from the very concept of being a princess would undoubtedly have an incredible impact on players. This would allow Zelda to move even further beyond her traditional role than what Echoes of Wisdom has allowed, which is the kind of change that has already led to some of the best Zelda games. By minimizing or the influence of her royal status, Zelda (or, as the case may be, Tetra) could have any number of new and interesting origins and backstories to influence her character.

This inversion of Princess Zelda’s typical characterization, even of that seen in the most recent titles, has the potential to open up entirely new avenues of storytelling for the series.

It should be noted that this would not necessarily need to be a new version of Tetra specifically, but her characterization does provide a clear framework for any similar version of Zelda. Naturally, a new Tetra would not necessarily be a pirate, depending on the specific nature of the Hyrule she exists in, but it is easy to see her as being a fairly rebellious individual in any case. Furthermore, this inversion of Princess Zelda’s typical characterization, even of that seen in the most recent titles, has the potential to open up entirely new avenues of storytelling for the series.

Tetra’s Example Offers New Zeldas Endless Possibilities

Zelda Doesn't Always Have To Be A Princess

A new non-royal Zelda, should she still have hidden ties to Hyrule’s Royal Family, would presumably discover or acknowledge this connection during her in-game journey, but she would not necessarily be defined by it. Essentially, a new version of Tetra could have any backstory imaginable, and understandably prefer that life to the trappings of nobility. In addition to providing an interesting narrative spin on her character, this could also open her up to being a full companion and partner to Link in a quest to save Hyrule, which in turn creates the possibility of many interesting new gameplay features.

Many past Zelda games have given Link companions who are either autonymous or controllable to some extent, but a future title could allow one to freely switch control between its Link and Zelda. This would mesh well with the concept of a more Tetra-like character, who would presumably wield her own unique arsenal of weapons and items to complement Link’s own assortment. There are countless different mechanics that could be put into place with such a system, both in of combat and puzzle-solving.

Tetra is one of, if not the most popular alternate form for Princess Zelda in the entire Legend of Zelda, and this fact alone would make her return in any form a hugely popular development for long-time fans of the franchise. However, Tetra also represents a level of personal independence and freedom that Princess Zelda rarely enjoys. Repeating The Wind Waker’s unique take on her character would not only allow for a new Zelda to be more easily defined beyond her royal status, but also create the potential for a wide array of gameplay mechanics surrounding her to be implemented.