Over a year later, players of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom see clear BOTW connection.
Players found a clear link to Breath of the Wild, the forerunner to The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, nearly a year after the game was published. Tears of the Kingdom is a straight follow-up to Breath of the Wild, hence the similarities between the two are almost endless, particularly considering that most of the former's map is one-to- one copy of the latter's Hyrule. One such translocation involving the Great Plateau seemed to be there in front of many spectators for more than a year, invisible.
The Great Plateau Chasms Connect directly to BOTW Ancient Shrines
Reddit user Elite4501 noted that each of the four chasms on the Great Plateau in Tears of the Kingdom lines up the sites of Ancient Shrines in Breath of the Wild. Many remarks reflect the idea of never discovering the connection, and observe that this is practically a unique quality in Tears of the Kingdom's game world, at least with reference to Breath of the Wild's Ancient Shrines particularly. In the comments, users Mr. Noh and Background NPC1213 note that Tears of the Kingdom chasms line-up with where Ancient Shrines were in Breath of the Wild is rather rare. Apart from the four on the Great Plateau, the Tingel Island Chasm, Hyrule Castle Moat West Chasm, Lake Hylia Chasm, and the chasms in every labyrinth opened under where Ancient Shrines originally stood.
Great Plateau Chasms Tears of the Kingdom Are Tied Directly to a Side Quest
Though chasms now replace the Great Plateau shrines and Tears of the Kingdom's 152 Shrines of Light more generally have replaced Breath of the Wild's Ancient Shrines, they are attached to a quest that essentially has them behave like shrines still. Link returns the four missing stone eyes to the Bargainer Statue directly underneath the wrecked Temple of Time in "A Call from the Depths". Completing the side quest will grant Link with either a Heart Container or Stamina Vessel, the equivalent of finishing four shrines.
The Value of the Great Plateau for Both Games
Although these four chasms are intimately linked to Breath of the Wild shrines, ultimately they are not surprising considering the significance of the Great Plateau Ancient Shrines. Breath of the Wild's tutorial region was the Great Plateau, and these four shrines granted Link the Sheikah Slate powers players need all through the game. With "A Call from the Depths" the most notable action on the Great Plateau in Tears of the Kingdom, the chasms serve as a subdued reminder. There is really very little to do here.
Testimony to World Design of Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom's world design is evidence of the fact that some die-hard fans have long overlooked what ought to be an obvious successor. Upon release, the similarities between the Surface and the Depth were observed rather rapidly; but, these chasms being repurposed have flown rather under notice. Between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the chasms are almost the only shrines left intact since they grant the same prize as four shrines.
Tears of the Kingdom: The Legend of Zelda - A Straight Sequel
Released in 2017, Breath of the Wild is expected to be followed by The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom. Tears of the Kingdom is an uncommon occurrence in Valhalla games; it is a straight sequel rather than a vaguely related one. Link will soar in Tears of the country and discover an enigmatic country among the sky.
