Missing game mode in Zelda remake could cost fans extra

As we reported last week, an IGN interview with Zelda producers Eiji Aonuma and Hidemaro Fujibayashi offered the first hint that Master Quest, the more challenging mode currently missing from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, could be added later as DLC. That prospect may not sit well with fans, particularly if it comes with an additional price tag. Now, findings from dataminers have lent further weight to the theory.

Dataminer MrCheeze has discovered several entries in the game's files that appear to reference the missing mode. Alongside multiple mentions of the abbreviation "MQ," the code contains identifiers such as "HasMQ," "IsMQModeExist," "NewGameMQ" and "ReleaseMQ." While none of these entries amounts to official confirmation, they strongly suggest that Master Quest is being referenced.

Master Quest files discovered, but a free update looks unlikely

Well-known dataminer OatmealDome has uncovered further details that make the situation even more interesting. According to their analysis, parts of Master Quest are already present in the game's files. These reportedly include a mirrored game world, modified dungeon puzzles and challenges, and even the cows inside Lord Jabu-Jabu's belly that fans may remember from the original Master Quest. There's a catch, however: OatmealDome's findings suggest that accessing the mode may require players to own a DLC.

On Reddit, many fans are still hoping Nintendo will add Master Quest through a free update. After all, the mode was included at no extra cost in the 2011 Nintendo 3DS remake. Given OatmealDome's discoveries, however, that possibility currently seems less likely. Nintendo has yet to comment officially, though, so whether Master Quest will actually be sold as paid DLC remains an open question. Until then, fans can still hope for a free release.