Though details about the upcomingThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomare still sparse, this hasn’t stopped fans from speculating on what it could bring or change to theZeldaseries, with some hoping that not only will Fi return but that she will bring new functionality to the game. Last seen inSkyward Sword, Fi was a divisive companion among theZeldacommunity, but in recent years and with the game’s Switch remaster, manyZeldafans have since defended Fi. After being hinted at inBreath of the Wildthrough references and Easter eggs, fans now believe her return is inevitable.
If Fi was to return toThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, then fans hope that she will be able to add a new dimension to exploring and learning more about the world beyond whatBreath of the Wildcould offer. Between Fi’s characterization as more an AI than a spirit fitting in with Sheikah technology, and the uncertain status of the Master Sword inTears of the Kingdom, it does seem that Fi could reintroduce mechanics last seen inSkyward Sword.Provided the game learns from the criticisms of Fi fromSkyward Sword, players could see features return such as dowsing or in-game hints.
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How Fi’s Return Has Been Teased
WhenBreath of the Wildlaunched, it was a far cry from previousZeldagames, with changes such as the introduction of weapon durability to the removal of collectible hearts. However, the game was bursting with references and Easter eggs throughout, from locations inspired by or lifted from earlierZeldagames to various names referencing to earlier characters. Among these teasers were several that paid homage toSkywardSword, some of which fans believed hinted atFi’s return forBreath of the Wild’ssequel.
Examples of these include small references like lines from Zelda about hearing a voice in the Master Sword, but it wasn’t until the Trial of the Sword was introduced via DLC that fans became convinced of Fi’s return. This stems from both the trial’s focus on restoringthe Master Sword’s true powerand the sound that plays upon the sword’s power being “unlocked” which was uncannily similar to the sound effect that played when Fi entered or exited the sword inSkyward Sword. However, as all this came beforeTears of the Kingdomwas even confirmed, fans couldn’t be sure of this theory.
What strengthened this idea was that not only did Nintendo release the HD remaster ofSkyward Swordwhich changed how Fi worked, but trailers forTears of the Kingdomseem to be hinting that there is something wrong with the Master Sword. Now fans are sure that Nintendo purposefully remasteredSkyward Sworddespite fan demand for aTwilight PrincessSwitch port to refresh players' memories about Fi and how she operates. This is so that, comeTears of the Kingdom’slaunch, they will be familiar with her as a character and open to the reintroduction of her mechanics.
How Fi’s Mechanics Could Return
WhileFi’s return could influenceTears of the Kingdom’sstory, there is more to her that could functionally improve the game. For instance, one of the most well-known mechanics Fi and the Master Sword performed inSkyward Swordwas dowsing. With the Sheikah Slate’s return uncertain for the time being, the dowsing mechanic could easily replace the Sheikah Sensor to locate nearby items, structures, or areas of importance. Especially if Link is on the ground, while the Sensor gave a general sense of direction, being able to dowse could better help the player pinpoint things or places they are looking for with greater precision.
Another of Fi’s functions fromSkyward Swordthat could return is her habit of providing hints on enemy weaknesses. This could be particularly more useful inTears of the KingdomthanBreath of the Wild,as the latter didn’t overcomplicate enemy designs and gave them basic weaknesses such as Talus’s ore deposit or a Guardian’s eye. But as trailers have already shown,Tears of the Kingdom’senemy designis expanding this, and Fi’s input on how to strategize in combat or what weapons might work best could be lifesaving for players, especially those unfamiliar withBreath of the Wild.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis set to release onMay 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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