One of the biggest reveals in Tears of the Kingdom’s final trailer was that champions like Sidon will at least occasionally be able to fight side-by-side with Link. Building off the character backstories established in the hack ‘n slash spin-off, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, it seems like the champions may actually be able to accompany the Hero of Time on his adventure at various points like fully-functioning NPC allies.

When Breath of the Wild came out, Nintendo released individual Amiibo for each of the game’s champions. So far Tears of the Kingdom only has a single figurine for Link. We’ll see if the new champions get the same treatment once the game finally arrives.

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Ganon

Ganon

Ganon art shows him looking as swole as ever.
Image: Nintendo

Ganon is back and he’s not just rehydrated. A necklace around his neck appears to contain seven slots, potentially for the tears referenced in the game’s title. Whether we’re in a race to get them first, or will collect them only to lose them to Ganon later on, remains to be seen. If every past Zelda is anything to go off of, the Gerudo King’s plan will eventually succeed, only for his final form to still be defeated by Link.

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3 / 6

Riju

Riju

Riju is back with two swords this time.
Image: Nintendo

Riju appears to be all grown up and taking over for her mom, Urbosa. Exchanging the latter’s sword and shield for two scimitars, she looks to be dual-wielding in style. While the artwork doesn’t show it, the final trailer appears to hint at an amber tear in her earring. What we don’t see is Patricia, Riju’s loyal Sand Seal. I’m hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

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4 / 6

Tulin

Tulin

A young Rito flies with a bow across his back.
Image: Nintendo

Apparently taking over the reins from Teba is the plucky Tulin, weidling a bow and a naive smile. The most youthful of the bunch, some players are already missing his dad. A few are even worried he might be destined for the grave as well, potentially giving Teba a Batman-like vengeance story. But he looks way too happy in the artwork, right? Right?

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5 / 6

Sidon

Sidon

Sidon is as smiley as ever.
Image: Nintendo

Sidon, the Zora Prince and one of 2017's most shippable allies, thankfully returns. The artwork doesn’t show it, but in the trailer he at one point wields a blue tear on his hand and the aquatic kingdom’s crown on his head. Tragedy once again looms as one possible explanation, or maybe his dad just decides to abdicate the throne and go chill in retirement. Either way, longtime fans are celebrating, even if he looks mostly unchanged. Wrote one commenter on the Zelda subreddit, “Like how Sidon is no different except he has a spear now lmao.”

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