How 2025’s Biggest Indie Game Can Influence the Next Zelda Title

The Legend of Zelda franchise has a remarkable ability to evolve while retaining its core essence. Titles like Breath of the Wild have redefined open-world gaming, whereas Echoes of Wisdom beautifully balances nostalgia with modern gameplay. This ongoing reinvention is a crucial element of its success, captivating a diverse audience that eagerly anticipates each new release.

To maintain its innovative edge, The Legend of Zelda borrows extensively from standout games in the industry. For instance, the development of Breath of the Wild drew inspiration from Skyrim, enhancing its immersive environment. As fans eagerly await the next installment, they are keen to see how contemporary AAA titles will influence its design. Yet, amidst this sea of inspiration, there’s one indie gem that deserves particular attention.

A Look at Eternal Strands: A Creative Indie Masterpiece

A Unique Blend of Gameplay

Eternal Strands, developed by Yellow Brick Games, showcases the talents of industry veterans including Mike Laidlaw, known for his writing on Mass Effect. This title has received widespread acclaim for its innovative narrative that reimagines the Monster Hunter framework, allowing players to explore expansive open areas in pursuit of crafting resources and overcoming colossal bosses through strategic climbs to exploit their vulnerabilities. This unique design has solidified Eternal Strands as one of the premier indie RPGs of 2025.

The game distinguishes itself through its combat mechanics, integrating elemental magic. Players can wield a combination of fire, ice, and telekinesis to defeat foes. Tactics include dismantling a giant’s armor, incapacitating a dragon with ice, or creating and hurling ice projectiles at enemies. This innovative approach offers myriad ways for players to creatively engage with the combat system, providing a liberating experience that feels refreshingly dynamic.

Watch Eternal Strands Gameplay

While Eternal Strands navigates traditional storytelling and mission design, its adventurous and creative gameplay makes it reminiscent of a classic Nintendo title. It could fittingly launch on the upcoming Switch 2 and would be an incredible addition to Nintendo’s catalog. More importantly, Nintendo should draw inspiration from the captivating gameplay mechanics of Eternal Strands for future Zelda titles.

Leveraging Ideas from Eternal Strands for the Next Zelda Game

Inspiration for Combat Mechanics

Eternal Strands character holding a sword and shield.

The primary gameplay elements of Eternal Strands—including its large-scale boss fights and intricate open worlds—are key features that could greatly benefit the Zelda series. Although Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom showcase expansive battles, the combat mechanics often take a backseat. Even though Tears of the Kingdom enhanced combat through more interactive elements like resource-enhanced arrows, its execution may alienate some players who find the gameplay complex.

Conversely, Eternal Strands emphasizes its captivating combat mechanics, creating an experience that is accessible yet challenging. Players can easily grasp its magical combat system while grappling with the deeper intricacies as they progress. Its interactions—where abilities can drastically impact enemy movements—create a richer combat experience than what has been previously explored in Zelda titles.

Envisioning a More Compact Zelda Experience

A Shift from Vastness

Zelda from Echoes of Wisdom surrounded by heart pieces. — Custom Image by: Katarina Cimbaljevic

Recent titles like Echoes of Wisdom indicate that the future of the Legend of Zelda may benefit from a more refined approach. While Echoes of Wisdom isn’t diminutive, its innovative mechanics contrast with the overwhelming scale of previous installments. The shorter gameplay can be seen as an advantage, allowing for a more focused experience.

By adopting the area structure featured in Eternal Strands, the next Zelda title could successfully blend expansive exploration with captivating detail. With the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, we could witness an even more visually stunning rendition of Hyrule than ever before.

A compact, combat-centered Zelda game would be a refreshing departure from its predecessors, allowing for a unique interpretation within the franchise. This approach would not only differentiate the next entry from Tears of the Kingdom but also breathe new life into the series, enabling Nintendo to innovate its gameplay mechanics. Such a strategy may captivate audiences and inspire developers for years to come.

Source: PlayStation/YouTube

Source & Images