The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 was arguably the biggest game we heard about at the Nintendo Direct at E3 2021. (Metroid Dread was also pretty exciting news, but I digress.) We didn't get many new gameplay or story details, but we did learn one very important piece of administrative information: Breath of the Wild 2 will be released in 2022.

This information came from the Nintendo Direct livestream from E3 2021, where the 40-minute show concluded with the announcement of Zelda. We heard about the two DLC packs for Hyrule Warriors: an ingenious "Game & Watch" system was also announced to celebrate Zelda's 35th anniversary. Finally, a new trailer for BotW2 was shown, which can be viewed on YouTube:

The rest of the trailer itself offers the first look at the gameplay of Breath of the Wild 2. He also jumps high into the sky and paraglides from place to place. The graphics are very similar to the first "Breath of the Wild," from Link's blue tunic to the soft-focus watercolor-like environments.

This time around, Link's exploration of Hyrule's skies is aided by a new ability that allows him to defy gravity and travel to a floating temple. Other Tom's Guide writers have noted that this has a definite "Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" feel to it. That seems appropriate, considering that "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD" will be released next month and players will be able to relive Link's first aerial adventure.

Besides that, what we know about BotW2 is the same as before. Link and Zelda explore an eerie red energy-like thing that threatens Hyrule and eventually emerges from the ground to swallow Hyrule Castle. The game is a direct sequel to the original Breath of the Wild, which is relatively rare in the Zelda series.

We will have more information on "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2" as it becomes available. In the meantime, we now have a release window of at least 12 months.