Although we will likely have to wait a few more years for the next major release in The Legend of Zelda franchise, the producer has hinted at what we can expect in the future.

Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma hinted that the next game in the series may draw inspiration from Koei Tecmo’s action spinoff, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Released last month for the Nintendo Switch 2, Age of Imprisonment is the third full installment in the Hyrule Warriors series. It combines the world of The Legend of Zelda with the gameplay of Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warriors action games.

Age of Imprisonment recounts historical events from the Zelda timeline and features fast-paced hack-and-slash combat and the ability to switch between multiple characters. In a recent interview with the Japanese media outlet 4Gamer, Aonuma hinted at what players can expect from the next Zelda game and suggested that it may draw inspiration from Age of Imprisonment.

“Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the first Zelda title on the Nintendo Switch 2. To be honest, we wanted to be the ones to release the ‘first’ one ourselves! Still, the inspiration we’ve gained from collaborating with Koei Tecmo may be reflected in the next Zelda game. As you play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, we hope you’ll imagine those possibilities and look forward to our next Zelda game”, said Aonuma.

The Legend of Zelda franchise will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. The last main series game, Tears of the Kingdom, was released in 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, though an update was released for the Nintendo Switch 2. The last 2D version was released last year, so a new game in the traditional sense will likely not be ready in time for the anniversary. However, Nintendo is working on several The Legend of Zelda projects outside of games, including a live-action movie due out in 2027 and a new Lego set.

Source: VGC, 4Gamer