Daily Debate: What Dungeon Bosses Could Return as Overworld Bosses in Tears of the Kingdom?
Posted on February 10 2023 by John Piland
Through the latest trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, we’ve seen more of the game than in all the previous trailers put together. There’s a lot to unpack, and keen-eyed viewers and analysts are surely on the job of picking apart every last detail. On my second viewing, one thing stood out to me in particular: a three headed dragon on the Bridge of Hylia.
The Zelda series has a history of dragons, and features one three-headed fiend in particular — Gleeok. Appearing three times as a boss in the original The Legend of Zelda, Gleeok terrorizes Link with one more head each encounter, starting with one and moving to three. The creature has reappeared in various games throughout the franchise, such as Oracle of Ages and in the form of Gleeokenspiel in Cadence of Hyrule. Additionally, while not Gleeok itself, Skyward Sword does feature a similar creature known as the Staldra. Now it seems to be returning again, and as a far greater threat than ever before.
Breath of the Wild was keen on bringing back classic enemies, so it’s nice to see Tears of the Kingdom following in those footsteps. Just looking at it is terrifying, and if it’s that big zoomed out, its size up-close must be tremendous. The fact this battle looks to take place on and around a bridge is exciting. Players who’ve fought dragons in other games like Skyrim or Elden Ring know the potential these fights carry. As someone who loves horseback battles against dragons in Elden Ring, the possibilities with the unique mechanics of the coming game against such a beast excite me.
Dragon overworld bosses are something I’ve wanted in Zelda since before Breath of the Wild, and I’m hoping the game doesn’t stop at the bridge. With the reveal of vehicles, the potential for a sky battle against a raging, draconic beasts is nothing short of exciting — not to say it wasn’t before. Add to that the possible underground exploration, and the thought of being chased by a dragon through the cavernous depths of Hyrule is equally enticing. Aquamentus, the dragon from the original Zelda‘s first dungeon, is one such dragon I think would make an ideal final boss for the game’s starting area.
Hinox and Lynels were but the start of what I hope is a trend throughout Tears of the Kingdom and games to come with revitalized Zelda-enemies plaguing Link in the lands of Hyrule. From Moldorm to Stallord, from Digdogger to Gohma, the potential for overworld nemeses is endless. Plus, if we have underwater exploration, just imagine what they could do with a boss like Morpheel.
What former enemies or dungeon bosses would you like Link to face in his overworld journeys in Tears of the Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
John has been a Zelda fan for over 10 years now and is proud to say the series has had a major impact on his life (and wallet). After years of going to Zelda Dungeon for guides or the latest news on the series, John achieved their dream when they joined the writing team in 2019; John can hardly believe how long it’s been. A librarian, he loves meticulously arranging his library of Zelda games and collectibles. After what felt like an eternity of waiting for Tears of the Kingdom, John looks forward to the future of the Zelda franchise with enthusiasm, whether that’s the upcoming movie, a new spin-off/remake, or the next big game.
