The Zelda Switch: Can You Play as Zelda in Breath of the Wild?

As a lifelong fan of the Zelda series, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and saving the kingdom from the clutches of evil. But there’s always been one question that’s nagged at me, a question I’m sure many of you have pondered as well: “Why can’t I play as Zelda in Zelda: Breath of the Wild?”

After all, she’s not just the namesake of the series, but also a key character with her own unique abilities and charm. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see Hyrule from her perspective, to wield her powers, to be the princess saving the day? I knew I wasn’t alone in this curiosity, and that’s why I embarked on a quest to find the answer.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the heart of this question, exploring topics such as:

The possibility of playing as Zelda in Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Switch.
The Zelda Conversion Project for the Cemu emulator, a game-changer in the modding community.
A look at another Mod where you can play as Zelda.
How playing as Zelda changes the gameplay in Breath of the Wild, offering a fresh take on a beloved game.
Other games in the Zelda series where you can step into Zelda’s shoes.

So, fellow adventurers, grab your Master Swords and Hylian Shields, and let’s embark on this quest together. Who knows? You might just find that playing as Zelda is the hidden treasure you’ve been searching for. Keep reading, the game’s just getting started!

Can you play as Zelda in Zelda Breath of the Wild on Switch?

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a game that has captured the hearts of many gamers. Its vast open world, engaging gameplay, and compelling storyline make it a standout title in the Zelda series. But one question that often pops up among fans is: Can you play as Zelda in Breath of the Wild?

The short answer is no, not in the traditional sense. In the official game released by Nintendo for the Switch, players take on the role of Link, the series’ iconic hero. Princess Zelda, while a central character in the narrative, is not a playable character. However, the gaming community, known for its creativity and resourcefulness, has found a workaround.

Enter the world of game mods. A mod, or modification, is a change made to a video game by its players or fans, altering one or more aspects of the game, such as how it looks or behaves. In the case of Breath of the Wild, a mod has been created that allows players to play as Zelda. This mod, known as the Zelda Conversion Project, is designed for use with the Cemu emulator, a software that allows you to run Wii U games on a PC.

While this isn’t an official Nintendo release, it does provide an interesting twist on the game and allows players to experience Hyrule through the eyes of the princess herself. But remember, using mods comes with its own set of risks and challenges, so proceed with caution. Now, let’s dive deeper into the Zelda Conversion Project.

What is the Zelda Conversion Project for the Cemu emulator?

The Zelda Conversion Project is a mod for Breath of the Wild that allows players to play as Zelda instead of Link. This mod is designed for use with the Cemu emulator, a piece of software that allows Wii U games to be played on a PC.

The project is a testament to the creativity and passion of the gaming community. It’s like a secret level unlocked by the players themselves, adding a new layer of excitement to the game. The mod doesn’t just swap Link’s character model with Zelda’s; it also includes changes to the game’s dialogue and other elements to make the experience more immersive.

The goal of the mod was to completely retool the game. So not only did you look like Zelda, but al the lines of dialogue were spoken by Zelda too.

However, using this mod requires a certain level of technical knowledge. Installing it isn’t as simple as inserting a game cartridge into your Switch. You’ll need to have the Cemu emulator installed on your PC, and you’ll need a copy of the Breath of the Wild game that can run on this emulator.

Remember, while mods can greatly enhance your gaming experience, they can also come with risks. Always make sure to download mods from trusted sources and follow the installation instructions carefully. Now that we’ve covered the technical side, let’s explore how playing as Zelda changes the gameplay.

Unfortunately, as of writing this, I could not find any recent mention of the Zelda Conversion Project mod on modding websites such as Nexus Mods. There does not appear to be any website or social channels for the mod. It’s as if the mod existed back in 2018 and suddenly disappeared. Many major gaming websites, such as Eurogamer, IGN, and Gamesradar, praised the mod’s ambitions. However, like some Hyrulian Atlantis, the mod seems to have vanished into the depths of the internet.

But I have a feeling I know what happened. You see, Nintendo has a habit of wielding the Cease and Desist hammer on modders and fan remakes. There is a good chance that the makers of the Zelda Conversion Project received a seemingly innocent, unmarked letter threatening legal action from Nintendo unless they immediately stopped making the mod.

Nintendo has shut down many fan projects in the past. However, there is hope…

Exploring the Zelda Breath of the Wild Mod as Zelda in Zelda’s Ballad

In the vast universe of Zelda: Breath of the Wild mods, one that stands out is the Zelda’s Ballad mod. This mod is a love letter to all fans who’ve ever wished to experience the game from Zelda’s perspective. It’s like finding a hidden shrine in the game, a surprise that adds a new dimension to your adventure.

What is Zelda’s Ballad?

Created by a user called Amiibolad, Zelda’s Ballad is a comprehensive mod that transforms the player model from Link to Zelda. But it doesn’t stop there. It also includes changes to base armors found in the game, voice changes, animation changes, and more, making the experience of playing as Zelda as immersive as possible. It’s like playing a whole new game, but with the familiar landscapes and challenges of Breath of the Wild.

How does Zelda’s Ballad change the gameplay?

The most noticeable change when using the Zelda’s Ballad mod is the player model. You’ll be controlling Zelda instead of Link, and all the animations, from running and jumping to fighting and climbing, are now performed by Zelda. It’s a visual change that, while not affecting the game mechanics, does offer a fresh take on the game’s aesthetics.

In addition to the player model, the mod also includes changes to the game’s armors. All base armors found in the game, plus the royal guard DLC armor, have been modified to fit Zelda’s model. This means you can still enjoy the thrill of finding and upgrading armors in the game, but now with a Zelda twist.

How to install Zelda’s Ballad?

Installing Zelda’s Ballad requires a certain level of technical knowledge. You’ll need to have the Cemu emulator installed on your PC, and you’ll need a copy of the Breath of the Wild game that can run on this emulator. Detailed instructions on how to install the mod can be found on the GameBanana page for Zelda’s Ballad.

How does playing as Zelda change the gameplay in Breath of the Wild?

Playing as Zelda in Breath of the Wild, thanks to Zelda’s Ballad, offers a fresh perspective on the game. It’s like playing a new game plus mode, but instead of just ramping up the difficulty, you’re stepping into a new pair of boots.

The most obvious change is the character model. Instead of controlling Link, you’re now controlling Zelda. This means that all the animations, from running and jumping to fighting and climbing, are now performed by Zelda. It’s a visual change that, while not affecting the game mechanics, does offer a fresh take on the game’s aesthetics.

The mod also includes changes to the game’s dialogue. Characters in the game will now address you as Zelda, adding to the immersion of playing as the princess. However, the overall storyline and the quests remain the same. You’re still tasked with defeating Calamity Ganon and saving Hyrule, but now you’re doing it as Zelda.

Playing as Zelda doesn’t grant any special abilities or change the game’s difficulty. It’s essentially a cosmetic change, but one that can make the game feel fresh for those who’ve already completed it as Link. Now, let’s take a look at other games in the Zelda series where you can play as Zelda.

Are there any other games in the Zelda series where you can play as Zelda?

While the Zelda series is named after Princess Zelda, she is typically not the main playable character. The spotlight is usually on Link, the brave hero tasked with rescuing Zelda and saving Hyrule. However, there are a few exceptions.

In “Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon” and “Link: The Faces of Evil,” two games released for the Philips CD-i, Zelda is a playable character. These games are infamous for their poor quality and are not considered part of the official Zelda canon by most fans.

In “Hyrule Warriors,” a spin-off game that combines the world of Zelda with the gameplay of Dynasty Warriors, Zelda is one of the many playable characters. She wields a rapier and has a set of unique abilities, offering a different gameplay experience from playing as Link.

In “Super Smash Bros.,” a fighting game series that features characters from various Nintendo franchises, Zelda is a playable character. She has a unique moveset and abilities, making her a distinct character from Link.

While these games offer the chance to play as Zelda, none of them provide the same open-world adventure experience as Breath of the Wild. For that, the Zelda Conversion Project mod is your best bet. But who knows? Maybe in future Zelda games, we’ll get to see more of Zelda in action. Until then, happy gaming!

Conclusion

And so, our quest comes to an end. We’ve journeyed through the vast world of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, explored the possibilities of playing as Zelda, and discovered the magic of the Zelda Conversion Project. We’ve seen how this mod changes the gameplay, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved game. And we’ve even taken a detour to visit other games in the Zelda series where you can play as the princess herself.

To recap, here are the main points we’ve covered:

In the official Zelda: Breath of the Wild game for the Switch, you cannot play as Zelda.
The Zelda Conversion Project is a mod for the Cemu emulator that allows you to play as Zelda in Breath of the Wild.
Playing as Zelda offers a fresh perspective on the game but doesn’t change the game mechanics.
There are a few other games in the Zelda series where you can play as Zelda, including “Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon,” “Link: The Faces of Evil,” and “Hyrule Warriors.”
Using mods comes with its own set of risks and challenges, so proceed with caution.
The Zelda’s Ballad mod is a testament to the creativity and passion of the gaming community.

Now, it’s time to take the next step in your gaming adventure. Ready to level up?

What Next?

I always believe that every great gaming session should end with a new quest, a new challenge to tackle. So, here are some actionable tasks you can take on after reading this article:

Research more about the Zelda’s Ballad and how to install it.
Try playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild with Zelda’s Ballad.
Explore other mods available for Breath of the Wild to enhance your gaming experience.
Check out other games in the Zelda series where you can play as Zelda.
Share your experiences of playing as Zelda with the gaming community, perhaps through a blog post or a video review.

Remember, every game is an adventure waiting to be explored. So, keep playing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep having fun!