What if the next Legend of Zelda game gave fans everything they’ve been dreaming of? After the open-world revolutions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the franchise stands at a crossroads. While those games redefined freedom and exploration, many longtime fans are now craving a return to deeper storytelling, more structured progression, and the classic dungeon experiences that defined Zelda’s golden age. So today, let’s imagine what the perfect Zelda game for the Switch 2 could look like — one that blends beloved traditions with bold new ideas to create a legendary adventure that truly feels like the next evolution of the Legend of Zelda series.

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Before we get into things, recently I asked community members what they wanted from the next Zelda game, and from that feedback I’ve built this step-by-step guide for how to build the perfect Zelda game. Without further delay, let’s dive in.

Story & Lore

One of the biggest things fans are asking for in the next Zelda game is a return to rich, structured storytelling. They want a clear narrative arc—with a beginning, middle, and end—that carries emotional weight and explores fresh, meaningful lore. Instead of relying on recycled history about ancient evils or fallen kingdoms, players crave new myths, new lands, and bold narrative risks. Think light and dark world hopping, or venturing into distant realms we’ve never seen before. While open-world freedom was fun, it often came at the cost of a focused plot. This time, fans are hoping for a story that guides the experience—where exploration serves the narrative, not interrupts it. A Zelda game where the legend truly unfolds as you play, not just hides in optional memories or background details.

World Design

When it comes to world design, fans are asking for a more guided, purposeful approach—something that blends the open-world wonder of Breath of the Wild with the structured progression of classic Zelda titles. Instead of a massive sandbox where everything is accessible from the start, players want a world that unfolds gradually, with new areas becoming accessible as you earn items and abilities—like a 3D Metroidvania. This design makes exploration feel rewarding and intentional, encouraging you to revisit earlier zones with new tools to uncover secrets. A return to the classic map structure—distinct regions, themed biomes, and dungeon-tied progression—would bring back that feeling of discovery layered with challenge. The next Zelda doesn’t need to shrink its world; it just needs to make it meaningful again.

Dungeons

If there’s one thing Zelda fans are united on, it’s the desperate need for the return of classic 3D dungeons. Not shrines, not Divine Beasts — real, sprawling, puzzle-filled dungeons with unique themes, mini-bosses, and memorable final battles. Players want at least a dozen of them, each one tied directly to the story and world progression. These aren’t just challenges—they’re milestones, each unlocking a powerful new item that doesn’t just solve puzzles but transforms how you interact with the world. Think Hookshot, Mirror Shield, or the Hammer — tools that are fun in combat and open up new areas to explore. Bringing back meaningful dungeons would revive the core gameplay loop that made Zelda legendary: explore, conquer, grow stronger, and uncover deeper secrets with each new victory.

Art Style

Visually, fans are ready for a bold new direction — one that blends modern graphics with a darker, more realistic tone. There’s a growing desire for an art style that echoes the atmosphere of Twilight Princess, but with the power of today’s hardware to make it truly stunning. While cel-shaded and stylized looks like those in Wind Waker or Tears of the Kingdom have their charm, many players want a more mature, immersive aesthetic that feels mythic and grounded. Not necessarily gritty, but rich with shadow and depth—where the world feels alive, mysterious, and a little dangerous. A darker art style could complement a more serious story, creating a Zelda that’s visually unforgettable and tonally distinct from its recent predecessors.

Gameplay Innovations

Fans aren’t just looking backward—they want the next Zelda to innovate in ways that feel meaningful and fresh. Like how Majora’s Mask introduced transformative masks, or how Tears of the Kingdom revolutionized exploration with Zonai abilities, the perfect Zelda game should bring in a bold new mechanic that redefines how you interact with the world. But it’s all about balance — honoring the tight, deliberate design of classic Zelda while layering in modern gameplay systems. Players want more diverse enemies, challenging regional bosses, and smarter combat encounters. At the same time, there’s fatigue around bloated inventories, excessive crafting, or dialogue-heavy sequences that slow the pacing. The goal? A focused, refined adventure where every new ability feels earned and every discovery reshapes how you play.

Other features fans want

A great companion can elevate a Zelda game from memorable to legendary—and fans are eager for a new partner who adds emotional depth, gameplay variety, and a real sense of connection. Characters like Midna, Navi, and even Fi each brought something unique to the adventure, and the next game has an opportunity to reimagine that bond in a deeper, more interactive way. Alongside this, players are asking for more customization—whether it’s personalized gear, or even the ability to furnish Link’s home. These features may seem small, but they go a long way in making the world feel personal and alive. Blending these elements into a more guided yet flexible journey could strike the perfect balance between immersion, agency, and emotional impact.

In the end, building the perfect Zelda game for the Switch 2 isn’t about recreating the past — it’s about evolving the series with purpose. Fans aren’t asking for a total return to linearity or a complete rejection of open-world freedom. They want a game that tells a powerful story, unfolds through expertly crafted dungeons, and blends fresh mechanics with the timeless heart of the franchise. A darker, more mature tone. A world filled with mystery and progression. A companion who matters. These are the ingredients of a Zelda game that doesn’t just ride the success of its predecessors — but redefines what comes next.

Let me know what you think in the comments.