experimentation the franchise is known for. With that in mind, it makes the prospect of future Zelda spin-offs even more exciting, as the possibilities seem endless.

Spin-offs also provide an opportunity to put the spotlight on lesser known aspects of Zelda lore. For example, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity gave players much greater insight into a version of Hyrule that could only be seen through flashbacks in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With this in mind, the next Zelda spin-off game could give players the opportunity to learn more about one of the most beloved, and mysterious, races in the entire series.

Sheikah Should Be The Focus In The Next Zelda Game

A Sheikah-Focused Title Holds A Lot Of Potential

The Sheikah race serves as a great focal point for the next Zelda spin-off. Having appeared in multiple mainline entries, the Sheikah race is largely known for their unwavering devotion to the Royal Family of Hyrule. The depiction of the Sheikah as brave, ferocious and agile warriors has made them beloved by many players, but it also makes them perfect candidates as protagonists of their own adventure to save the kingdom of Hyrule.

This potential for a Zelda game focussed on the Sheikah has actually been recognized in the past. Back in 2020, concept art for a Zelda game starring Sheik was leaked online (via ShineSparkers), with the project being handled by Metroid Prime developer Retro Studios. While the project never left pre-production, the concept art gave fans a glimpse into the unique project, as Retro took a dark, dystopian approach that was unlike anything the Zelda series has seen before or since.

Retro's canceled project is a showcase of the untapped potential of a Zelda spin-off based on the Sheikah. Despite their appearance in multiple games, the Sheikah race remains shrouded in mystery, with little known about their history. The lack of knowledge regarding the Sheikah gives developers a blank canvas that allows them to truly experiment with the title and create a wholly unique experience in the Zelda series.

A Sheikah Story Could Introduce New Lore & Gameplay

The Game Could Place Heavy Emphasis On Stealth & Crafting

A Zelda spin-off game centered around the Sheikah opens the door to a wealth of narrative and gameplay opportunities. The sense of mystery surrounding the Sheikah naturally raises questions from players over their history and why there are only so few Sheikah in any given game. A Sheikah-focused game provides the perfect opportunity to provide these answers to an audience, creating a sense of intrigue among Zelda players that only broadens the appeal of such a project.

A Sheikah-focused title also has the potential to provide a gameplay experience that's distinct from the rest of the Zelda franchise.

A Sheikah-focused title also has the potential to provide a gameplay experience that's distinct from the rest of the Zelda franchise. For example, the Sheikah's agility and secrecy provides the perfect opportunity to create a game that's largely centered around stealth. Players would be asked to apply more patience and caution in high-stakes scenarios than they would in a traditional Zelda game, carefully analyzing their environment to create the best path forward.

It would make for a Zelda game that separates itself from the rest of the series while allowing players to fully immerse themselves as a Sheikah. Moreover, the Sheikah's technical capabilities showcased in Breath of the Wild could allow for an in-depth crafting system.

The ability to craft a range of items or weapons would not only add to that sense of immersion, but it allows for far more player freedom in how they want to approach the game. Plus, if combined with stealth-focused gameplay, it would add an extra level of strategy, as players will have to carefully choose the items that will assist them best in creating the ideal path forward.

Nintendo Has Proven It's Not Afraid To Mix Up The Zelda Formula

The Series Is Known For Its Experimentation

It's clear that if a Sheikah-focused spin-off ever came to fruition, it would be far different to what players may come to expect from a Zelda game. However, that's precisely why the game would be a great addition to the Zelda franchise overall. Even in the mainline entries, one of the defining parts of the Zelda series is how each title adds its own spin to the traditional formula in order to set itself apart.

The most recent Zelda title, Echoes of Wisdom, is a perfect example of this approach. Not only is Echoes the first mainline entry to put Princess Zelda in the lead, but its Echo mechanic drastically alters the traditional gameplay, as players must experiment with their surroundings to find their own solutions to puzzles or combat encounters. The way Echoes stands out from other entries in the Zelda series is proof of how Nintendo doesn't hesitate to make huge changes to better suit the overall experience, making a Sheikah-focused title a more likely and fitting addition to the franchise.

While it's still unclear what the next Zelda spin-off game will look like, it's hard to deny the huge potential that a Sheikah-focused title possesses. It would serve as an exciting opportunity for players to learn more about a beloved part of Zelda lore that remains constantly shrouded in mystery. Moreover, the endless possibilities for unique narrative and gameplay elements in a Sheikah-focused game would only strengthen the sense of creativity and experimentation that's core to the The Legend of Zelda series.

Source: ShineSparkers