As I look back on the incredible journey through Hyrule that was The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, I find my mind keeps drifting not just to the epic battles or the sprawling landscapes, but to the faces that made it all feel real. Sure, the world was beautiful and the story was gripping, but let's be real—what really stuck with me were the people. The quirky, brave, and sometimes downright hilarious characters who felt less like pixels on a screen and more like friends I'd made along the way. With Nintendo moving on from Tears of the Kingdom and no direct sequel in sight, there's a bittersweet feeling in the air. The mechanics might evolve, like with the new Tri Rod in Echoes of Wisdom, but for me, the true spirit of the game lives in its characters, and I desperately hope some of them get to come along for the next adventure.

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Now, I know the series has its staples. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are pretty much a given, and honestly, I'd be lost without them. Even the merchant Beedle, with his... unique enthusiasm, feels like a comforting constant. But it's the newer faces from Tears of the Kingdom that have carved out a special place in my heart, and honestly, it would feel like a major loss to leave them behind. I mean, can you imagine exploring a new corner of Hyrule without the possibility of running into them? It just wouldn't be the same.

Take Tulin, for instance. That little Rito warrior stole the show for so many of us. According to a fan survey from late 2023, he landed in third place for favorite character, right behind Link and Zelda themselves! That's no small feat. He wasn't just a sidekick; he was the Sage of Wind, a symbol of growth from his appearance in Breath of the Wild. His courage and loyalty weren't just plot points—they were the wind beneath my paraglider during some of the toughest climbs. The online forums are full of love for him, and for good reason. Excluding a character with that kind of fan connection? That's asking for trouble, if you ask me. The fanbase has spoken, loud and clear.

And then there's Purah. Oh, Purah. From her first appearance, she's been a fan favorite, and her role in Tears of the Kingdom only solidified that. She's the brilliant, energetic scientist who somehow makes ancient Sheikah tech feel both awe-inspiring and... relatable? She's that friend who's way too smart for her own good but is always there to help, even if her methods are a bit unconventional. Since Breath of the Wild, players have become genuinely attached to her. She represents a thread of continuity, intelligence, and warmth in a world that can often feel vast and lonely. To not have her guiding light, or at least her chaotic genius, in a future game would leave a Purah-shaped hole in the narrative, you know?

Character Why They're Beloved Role in Tears of the Kingdom
Tulin Embodies growth, courage, and pure-hearted loyalty. The wind at your back. Sage of Wind, key ally in the Rito storyline.
Purah Brings intelligence, humor, and a vital link to Hyrule's technological past. Leading researcher, provides essential support and upgrades.

But it's not just about popularity polls or filling roles. Each of these characters brought something significant to the table:

  • They fleshed out the lore in a way that felt organic, not like a history lesson.

  • They offered more than just utility; they offered companionship and emotional stakes.

  • They made Hyrule feel lived-in. It wasn't just Link's story; it was their world too.

As the franchise presses on past Tears of the Kingdom, ignoring these contributions would be a shame. I get that fitting everyone into a new narrative is a challenge for the developers—a real head-scratcher, for sure. But it's a challenge worth tackling. At the very, very least, couldn't we have Tulin back as the definitive Rito representative? And give Purah a lab in whatever new region we discover next?

Their absence would be felt. Deeply. Future games would be richer for their presence, carrying forward not just mechanics, but the heart and soul that players like me fell in love with. So here's my hope, cast out into the great sea of speculation: let the spirit of Tears of the Kingdom live on through its people. Let their stories continue. Because in the end, a kingdom is nothing without its citizens, and Hyrule's citizens have never been more memorable.

Insights are sourced from Wikipedia - Video game, whose overview of how games use narrative, worldbuilding, and recurring character archetypes helps frame why Tears of the Kingdom fans latch onto companions like Tulin and stalwarts like Purah—not merely for their gameplay utility, but for the continuity and emotional texture they add to Hyrule as a living setting.