10 characters we would love to see return in Tears of the Kingdom

Now that a proper title and release date are finally on the table for Breath of the Wild’s much anticipated sequel, the countdown is on for fans to dream up who they can’t wait to see again in Tears of the Kingdom before its arrival on May 12, 2023. Some characters are logical choices, while others are a wild but blissful pining. Anything can happen, right? Here’s the ultimate fan’s wish list for characters who could return to the Legend of Zelda series in Tears of the Kingdom.

10. Teba

Being designated as Champion Revali’s surviving descendant, Teba returning in Tears of the Kingdom would be the logical choice. Although somewhat quiet and bland in Breath of the Wild, the standoffish Rito became much more interesting in Age of Calamity with his witty, dry sense of humor, and if he makes a comeback in Tears of the Kingdom it can only get better from here.

9. Yunobo

With a shy disposition and a heart of gold, now would be the perfect time for Daruk’s adorable descendant to return again in Tears of the Kingdom. Yunobo proved to be a great character with a lot of potential in Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity. It would be awesome if he grew up with more confidence in his powers by Tears of the Kingdom, perhaps even in a similar manner to Prince Komali in The Wind Waker. We’re rooting for this little guy, goro!

8. Bolson

Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a new Legend of Zelda game without a few quirky characters sprinkled into the mix. From Tingle to Groose, it would be hard for fans not to imagine some zany personality slipping into Tears of the Kingdom for a little comic relief. There’s already the fashionable Bolson in Breath of the Wild, and believe it or not, his return would make a lot of sense. If Breath of the Wild was about finding hope after destruction, then Tears of the Kingdom could be about building strength in adversity. Who better to rebuild a stronger Hyrule than Bolson’s construction company? What more, players would love to see how the development of Tarrey Town is advancing.

7. Riju 

Riju is definitely someone who could return in Tears of the Kingdom, as she is not only the Champion Urbosa’s descendant, but is the active governing chief for the entire Gerudo tribe. Urbosa’s callbacks to Ganondorf in Breath of the Wild, and the magical Gerudo writing in the first Tears of the Kingdom trailer may indicate that Riju could even receive a more prominent role than previously thought. At the very least, fans might get to see an older and more in depth version of the beautiful and mysterious Lady Riju.

6. King Dorephan

The King of the Zora might not be the first character who comes to mind for a Tears of the Kingdom comeback, but he may be the character that fans never knew they wanted. Think about it. This chad was the only one besides Link who slayed a Guardian like nobody’s business. He went against the nasty Lizaflos and became a local hero. In short, King Dorephan would be a great co-op character in combat. Not only that, but this Zora king’s heart is as big as his gigantic self. He supported Link through his feelings for Mipha and his tragic amnesia of them in Breath of the Wild. It’s easy to see where Sidon gets his great attitude from.

5. Kass

With his fascinating songs, fun side story, and beautiful Rito family, Kass is without a doubt a character that the fans want back. The happy Rito minstrel delivered doses of cheer to many players in Breath of the Wild’s otherwise desolate and silent landscape. Whether or not Kass will actually return with his tunes in Tears of the Kingdom is a bit of a question mark since his visits with Link were part of Breath of the Wild’s side quests. Still, the chance is fairly good that he will stick around as an NPC in Tears of the Kingdom. Players might even get to see his adorable children grown up.

4. Sidon

Need we say more? Being another character who has survived by the end of Breath of the Wild, there’s a strong chance that fans will see the dashing Zora prince once again. That’s comforting to think about since we’re told that Tears of the Kingdom could possibly be one of the darkest Legend of Zelda adventures to date. Sidon’s never-ending spigot of hope would definitely cheer Link up (and the players, too) in even the gloomiest situations. His unforgettable smile would make him a great candidate for winning the Hyrulean Peace Prize. Someone’s got to be positive around here! 

3. Fi

Ever since that major tease with the Master Sword was revealed in one of the Breath of the Wild cutscenes, Skyward Sword fans are hoping that Link’s calculative sidekick might make a comeback in Tears of the Kingdom. But if she does, there’s a monkey wrench thrown into the mix. Link’s serious encounter with Malice leaves the Master Sword in pretty bad shape, making it a likely bet that restoring the legendary blade will play an important part in the game’s progress — and less likely for Fi to be fit for company. Ouch. Poor Fi!

2. Midna

There’s plenty of speculation flying around about the Twili making a return in Tears of the Kingdom, and for good reason. The somber tone in the trailers and all that green, glowy business can be easily associated with Twilight Princess at first blush. Fans have been waiting for Midna to come back for a very long time. Why not make a grand entrance now? If she does, be prepared for the sad reality that the Hero of Twilight won’t be around for his favorite imp friend this far into the future. Except for Wolf Link. Maybe. That counts, right?

1. Ganondorf 

Okay, maybe this feels like cheating. Out of all the characters who could make a comeback in Tears of the Kingdom, the infamous King of Evil has the highest chance of all. Like a 99.99 percent chance. But technically Nintendo hasn’t given the official word whether or not Ganondorf is returning in a new mainline Legend of Zelda title, so counting him on this list might seem justified. And there’s a very good reason that fans are excited. Not counting spinoffs, it’s been sixteen years since Ganondorf’s last appearance in a Legend of Zelda game with Twilight Princess in 2006. Sounds like a new Super Smash Bros. makeover is way overdue.