Daily Debate: What Setting Should The Next Legend Of Zelda Take Place In?

If you’re reading today’s Daily Debate question and thinking “Hyrule, duh!”: well played, but also let’s get creative for a bit. Obviously, a Zelda game has to take place in Hyrule, it’s as much a perfect pairing as peanut butter and jelly. Here’s where I’m leading this open-ended question, though: what should the setting of Hyrule be in the next game in The Legend of Zelda series?

Over the course of the series, Hyrule constantly changes. There are major landmarks that are always in place (Death Mountain, Lake Hylia, etc.) but there’s a lot that’s different as well: how they’re situated on the map, their aesthetic and look, the time period, and how the game world behaves. The Wind Waker was probably one of the biggest departures, with the reveal that (SPOILER) you’ve been sailing over the old ruins of Hyrule this entire time.

So let’s think outside the box! I keep thinking about a mockup of The Legend of Zelda in a steampunk setting by artist Aaron Diaz and how fully-realized it was (seen here). We keep moving along the famous timeline, so at some point do you think we’ll hit the equivalent of Hyrule’s Industrial Revolution, modern-day society, or even something that’s sci-fi inspired? Sound off below and let’s hear your ideas!