Producer hints Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake DLC may arrive after release date

Enjoying glowing reviews, the Ocarina of Time remake release date has arrived. While the Switch 2 game keeps the beloved characteristics of earlier versions, it has one notable omission. Developers left out Master Quest with its more challenging gameplay and reshuffled dungeons. However, Nintendo hasn’t ruled out the mode returning as DLC.

Zelda producers Eiji Aonuma and Hidemaro Fujibayashi spoke to IGN in a recent interview. Aonuma addressed whether the studio had considered reintroducing content like Master Quest that didn’t make the final cut. He responded:

So certainly anytime that we release a game, if there's an opportunity for the devs to consider what might come in the future, we want to leave that possibility open to them and support their interests. But I don't think that we would announce anything specific at this time.

Aonuma emphasized Switch 2 additions headlined by the Hall of Fallen Heroes. Although he didn’t commit to the mode reemerging in an Ocarina of Time DLC, he also didn’t dismiss the scenario. It debuted as a bonus disc for the 2002-03 GameCube port, rather than the 1998 N64 classic. The alternative experience was then part of the 3DS version that launched in 2011.

Is the remake too easy?

Master Quest has been a popular request to satisfy nostalgic Zelda loyalists. Already not the most difficult to complete, reviews note how quality-of-life features simplify the remake further. The option would offer more confounding puzzles and unpredictable enemies.

Several other types of new content could surface after the Ocarina of Time remake release date. Perhaps the most likely are cosmetics, which may or may not be paid bonuses. One clue is the Link and Young Zelda amiibos that are set to ship in 2027. Scanning them will unlock masks inspired by the N64 title. Nintendo could package additional items in a post-launch download.

It’s questionable that any Ocarina of Time DLC will include unfamiliar areas of Hyrule to explore. The endeavor would consume valuable resources for the Nintendo EPD studio. Some fans are already worried the Switch 2 game has delayed the next mainline Zelda entry.