Though details about the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are still sparse, this hasn't stopped fans from speculating on what it could bring or change to the Zelda series, with some hoping that not only will Fi return but that she will bring new functionality to the game. Last seen in Skyward Sword, Fi was a divisive companion among the Zelda community, but in recent years and with the game's Switch remaster, many Zelda fans have since defended Fi. After being hinted at in Breath of the Wild through references and Easter eggs, fans now believe her return is inevitable.

If Fi was to return to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, then fans hope that she will be able to add a new dimension to exploring and learning more about the world beyond what Breath of the Wild could offer. Between Fi's characterization as more an AI than a spirit fitting in with Sheikah technology, and the uncertain status of the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom, it does seem that Fi could reintroduce mechanics last seen in Skyward Sword. Provided the game learns from the criticisms of Fi from Skyward Sword, players could see features return such as dowsing or in-game hints.

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How Fi's Return Has Been Teased

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When Breath of the Wild launched, it was a far cry from previous Zelda games, with changes such as the introduction of weapon durability to the removal of collectible hearts. However, the game was bursting with references and Easter eggs throughout, from locations inspired by or lifted from earlier Zelda games to various names referencing to earlier characters. Among these teasers were several that paid homage to Skyward Sword, some of which fans believed hinted at Fi's return for Breath of the Wild's sequel.

Examples of these include small references like lines from Zelda about hearing a voice in the Master Sword, but it wasn't until the Trial of the Sword was introduced via DLC that fans became convinced of Fi's return. This stems from both the trial's focus on restoring the Master Sword's true power and the sound that plays upon the sword's power being "unlocked" which was uncannily similar to the sound effect that played when Fi entered or exited the sword in Skyward Sword. However, as all this came before Tears of the Kingdom was even confirmed, fans couldn't be sure of this theory.

What strengthened this idea was that not only did Nintendo release the HD remaster of Skyward Sword which changed how Fi worked, but trailers for Tears of the Kingdom seem to be hinting that there is something wrong with the Master Sword. Now fans are sure that Nintendo purposefully remastered Skyward Sword despite fan demand for a Twilight Princess Switch port to refresh players' memories about Fi and how she operates. This is so that, come Tears of the Kingdom's launch, they will be familiar with her as a character and open to the reintroduction of her mechanics.

How Fi's Mechanics Could Return

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While Fi's return could influence Tears of the Kingdom's story, there is more to her that could functionally improve the game. For instance, one of the most well-known mechanics Fi and the Master Sword performed in Skyward Sword was dowsing. With the Sheikah Slate's return uncertain for the time being, the dowsing mechanic could easily replace the Sheikah Sensor in order to locate nearby items, structures, or areas of importance. Especially if Link is on the ground, while the Sensor gave a general sense of direction, being able to dowse could better help the player pinpoint things or places they are looking for with greater precision.

Another of Fi's functions from Skyward Sword that could return is her habit of providing hints on enemy weaknesses. This could be particularly more useful in Tears of the Kingdom than Breath of the Wild, as the latter didn't overcomplicate enemy designs and gave them basic weaknesses such as Talus's ore deposit or a Guardian's eye. But as trailers have already shown, Tears of the Kingdom's enemy design is expanding this, and Fi's input on how to strategize in combat or what weapons might work best could be lifesaving for players, especially those unfamiliar with Breath of the Wild.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to release on May 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

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