I know what you’re thinking based on the title, but that’s not where I’m going with this! Maybe I’m showing that I’ve missed a whole chunk of the game here, but I really don’t think I am.
Have you ever looked to the eastern sea, from say the peak of Mount Lanayru, or even Tingel Island? Breath of the Wild has many small islands dotted around, but I’m thinking of those in the distance, far beyond the Necluda Sea.
These little islands are easiest to see from the summit of Eventide Island, and that’s the closest I’ve managed to get without swimming or trying to get a raft out there (which I’ve had little success at doing). I’ve tried many times but never made landfall.
So what’s on those islands? I have no idea. Is it an homage to some islands from The Wind Waker? Was there going to be content like Eventide Island, or possibly DLC content? Not that I’ve ever heard of. Is it just a silhouette to give the world of Hyrule greater depth? Possibly.
But, sticking with in-game solutions, I don’t think Link has the time to be sailing to islands on the horizon. Nor has he the time to cross the canyons to the North and West of Hyrule. The lands beyond are not his to save… yet. Whether he’ll explore them in the future with Princess Zelda all depends on whether he can save her now or not.
Still, I think it was an interesting choice to include these inaccessible islands. When you reach the edge of the world, you’ll always wonder what’s beyond. So why not include a little of that on the horizon? Why not add a little bit more wonder?
