Many people consider The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild one of the best video games available. Other games have tried to emulate its gorgeous, open-world setting, but Breath of the Wild remains beloved. It feels hard to believe that it released almost five years ago now. So, of course, fans got excited when Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. After all, what could top the first Breath of the Wild game except its own modern sequel? Nintendo debuted footage of the game at E3 2021 and shared a planned 2022 release date. But unfortunately, Nintendo has now delayed Breath of the Wild 2‘s release. The new release timing for this Zelda sequel? Spring 2023.

Of course, waiting to play an anticipated game always feels disappointing. But the footage for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 looks incredible. And it makes sense that crafting such an elaborate game takes time, especially with such high fan expectations. Breath of the Wild 2 does feel more like a game that should release in spring, anyway, now that we think about it. It can bloom to life around us as the world does.

Zelda Breath of the Wild 2's release date has been delayed. Link holding a decaying Master Sword
Nintendo

The release date delay video shares some footage from the game, most of which we already saw. But it also offers a bit of a new look at Breath of the Wild 2, including Link holding a corrupted, decaying Master Sword. Could part of Link’s new quest revolve around fixing it? Could something threaten to decay Hyrule’s magic?

We don’t know yet. But we can’t wait to find out. Here’s the Breath of  the Wild 2 footage already out in the world:

The game promises to let you explore the air and earth. And, of course, it will call on you (as Link) to once again save the day. Darker things loom in the distance threatening Hyrule, though. We suppose we’ll want to do more than sightsee and float through pastel skies. Although, we can’t wait to get lost in those aspects of the game after Breath of the Wild 2‘s release. Along with the delay in release date, Nintendo shared that Breath of the Wild 2 would have a variety of new encounters and gameplay elements. We hope to learn more about that soon.

In the meanwhile, dust off your original Breath of the Wild and get lost in the adventure all over again. Spring 2023 and Zelda: Breathe of the Wild 2 will appear before you know it.