What is Breath of the Wild DLC 2 and when did it release
Breath of the Wild DLC 2 refers to the second standalone expansion released for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild following the original DLC pack. It arrived in two waves: the first part launched in November 2018, and the second part followed in December 2018, completing a three-part expansion series. This evergreen explainer covers what players can expect from the second DLC installment, including new shrines, story missions, areas, and gameplay changes that remain relevant across game versions.
Key takeaways at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Release pattern | Part 1 in November 2018; Part 2 in December 2018 | Nintendo |
| Pricing model | Individual purchase or Season Pass bundle | Nintendo eShop |
| New main mission | Explore the forgotten region of the Great Plateau and face a new trial | Nintendo |
| New areas | Snowfield Plateau, wooded highlands, and riverside locales | Nintendo |
| New shrines & gear | Roughly 4 new shrines, recipes, and armor sets | Community and patch notes |
Part naming and scope clarification
How the three-part structure is organized
Fans and players sometimes refer to the second large expansion simply as "DLC 2," but officially the content is split across three separate packs. Understanding this helps set expectations about scope and pacing. The second installment focuses on new environments and a distinct main quest rather than being a minor set of side quests. It builds on mechanics introduced in the original DLC while remaining accessible to players who did not purchase the first pack.
Release dates and availability details
Breath of the Wild DLC 2 first appeared on the Nintendo Switch and Wii U eShop in late 2018, with part 1 releasing in November and part 2 completing the narrative in early December. Owners of the Season Pass received both parts as part of a discounted bundle. Individual purchases remain available for players who prefer to buy each segment separately. Because these releases are historical, the timeline below captures the final confirmed dates for launch and full availability across regions.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 2018 | Part 1 launch | Introduces the new region and main mission |
| December 2018 | Part 2 launch | Concludes the story and adds final areas |
| Season Pass bundle | Combined access across all DLC | Cost-effective for players planning to experience full expansion content |
Explorable areas and environments
DLC 2 expands the map with several distinct biomes, offering fresh traversal challenges and new points of interest. Snowfield Plateau introduces slippery slopes and icy puzzles, while the wooded highlands provide verticality and riverine sections add stealth and exploration variety. These areas integrate into the existing open loop design without requiring a separate map screen, keeping the world feel unified. For players completing the map or chasing shrines, these zones house many of the later sets of challenges in the base game’s lifecycle.
Main mission and objectives
What you do in the second expansion
The central quest in Breath of the Wild DLC 2 tasks Link with exploring the forgotten reaches of the Great Plateau and completing a new set of trials. Objectives guide you through a mixture of dialogue, environmental traversal, and combat encounters designed to test skills learned throughout the base game. Unlike some side content, this mission advances a coherent narrative thread and concludes with meaningful choices that affect how the story of Hyrule is interpreted. Players who tackle this material gain insight into hidden histories and additional lore surrounding the Guardians and the Champions.
Gameplay changes and new items
Gear, recipes, and shrine density
- New armor sets and materials that alter defensive stats and set bonuses
- Additional cooking and elixir recipes tied to regional ingredients
- Roughly four new shrines featuring unique puzzles and Spirit orb rewards
- Enemy placements adjusted to match expanded exploration options
- Camera and movement refinements intended to improve comfort during extended sessions
Because these additions integrate into the core loop, they remain relevant for long-term players and newcomers alike. Performance considerations vary by platform, so players on docked versus handheld modes may notice differences during extended traversal in snowy or densely vegetated areas.
Installation and prerequisites
Before diving into Breath of the Wild DLC 2, verify that your title version is up to date through the respective system menu or eShop settings. On Switch, patch 1.x or later is commonly required to access the new content without errors. You need sufficient storage space on your console or microSD card, and if you are purchasing individually, a stable internet connection for download and license validation. Keep in mind that progress from the base game carries over, so there is no need to start from scratch to enjoy the expansion.
Value and player considerations
For players deciding whether to pursue the second DLC segment, consider how much you enjoy exploration, shrine completion, and side story depth. Individual pricing varies by region and retailer, but the Season Pass typically offers a lower effective cost per hour of content compared to buying separately if you plan to finish all DLC. Because these missions are designed to integrate with the base game, they do not require a completely fresh playthrough, making them suitable for returning players who want to experience the full breadth of Hyrule without committing to a brand new title.