The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has made a massive comeback with its Nintendo Switch 2 remake, introducing a new generation of players to one of the most beloved adventures in gaming history, and Echoes of Hyrule arrives alongside the remake for those interested in Hyrule. Not surprisingly, the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launched to universal acclaim, hitting a 96 Must-Play Metascore after 80 reviews.
While Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are understandably the biggest names in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Hyrule itself is home to dozens of interesting personalities. Some help Link along his journey, while others have their own problems, relationships, and stories that unfold in the background. Characters like Malon, Saria, and the residents of Kakariko Village contribute to what makes the world feel alive, and a new release is taking a closer look at the people who usually remain on the sidelines, offering a very different way to experience the world of Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Hyrule Available Now
A new book titled The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Hyrule explores the events surrounding Ocarina of Time through the perspectives of its supporting characters and NPCs. Written by Anna-Victòria Teixidó, who also goes by Kurusonna, the 332-page hardcover tells a collection of interconnected stories that place these overlooked characters at the center of the action. The stories unfold chronologically, beginning before the timeline/events of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and eventually taking readers beyond Hyrule itself. Link isn’t completely absent, either, but his role is different from what fans are accustomed to.
Echoes of Hyrule is available in two editions, with the standard Deluxe Edition priced at €25.95 (roughly $30 USD) and the more expensive Hero of Time Edition costing €35.95 (roughly $41 USD). The Deluxe Edition includes the complete 332-page hardcover, an Ocarina of Time GP Card print, and two exclusive bookmarks. Meanwhile, the Hero of Time Edition is available exclusively through Game Press and comes with several additional collectibles. These include an Ocarina manual, a character map, two art prints, an Ocarina of Time GP Card, two bookmarks, and a numbered certificate. Truthfully, it’s a whole new way to explore the map of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
There’s also quite a bit of work behind the presentation of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Hyrule. The hardcover measures approximately 17 by 24 centimeters and features thread-sewn binding, while María Lozano, also known as Maiku, provides the interior illustrations. Cover artwork comes from Víctor Polonio, with a prologue written by Carlos Martínez, better known as Seijurou. However, there’s one important distinction worth making: Echoes of Hyrule is not an official Nintendo release. Game Press specifically acknowledges that the book has no affiliation with Nintendo, meaning its stories are fan-created interpretations of the world rather than additions to the official Legend of Zelda canon.
Still, the timing of Echoes of Hyrule is particularly interesting, considering the renewed attention surrounding The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time following its successful Switch 2 remake. The games have occasionally explored Hyrule from different perspectives, most notably with Princess Zelda taking the lead in Echoes of Wisdom, but there’s plenty of room to examine the lives of characters outside the usual central cast. And with a new generation now discovering Ocarina of Time, those smaller stories might be just as interesting as the adventure that made them possible.
- Released
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November 5, 2026
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
