I know an obvious way to go for the next mainline Zelda game: Reader's Feature

The breath‑of‑the‑wild formula is getting a refresh. A fan‑written feature on Metro suggests that the next mainline Zelda could break the mould in ways that feel both familiar and daring. The stakes are high for the handful of gamers who wait a decade for each new entry, and the idea that Nintendo might finally ditch the map‑centric design that defined Breath of the Wild is a shock that reverberates beyond the console.

The writer, a devoted Nintendo fan, opens with a personal confession: “Like every Nintendo fan I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the remake of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time next month.” This sets the human anglean ordinary player who has lived through the franchise’s highs and lows. The fan’s nostalgia for Ocarina of Time frames the argument that the next game must offer something new, not just a polished copy of the last adventure. The suggestion that Nintendo will “start hinting at what the next mainline game will be next year” underscores the anticipation that grips the community.

The piece argues that the next Zelda will “not be in the Ocarina Of Time style and it’s not going to be Breath Of The Wild style either, or at least will definitely not use its map.” This is a bold claim, given that the open‑world map has become a signature of the series. The writer’s confidence stems from Nintendo’s own statements that “they said so,” implying a deliberate shift. By rejecting the map, the fan hints at a more linear or narrative‑driven experience, a departure that could redefine what a Zelda adventure looks like.

The fan’s most provocative idea is to make the next Zelda an action role‑player, “like the Witcher 3 remaster.” This comparison is not hyperbole; both franchises are “big, open world games” and “Zelda technically isn’t a role-player it comes pretty darn close.” By proposing a “real action role‑player” with stats and grinding, the fan challenges the conventional wisdom that Zelda must stay true to its puzzle‑solving roots. The suggestion that “Zelda has stats or not, it doesn’t really make much difference except maybe needing to level grind” is a cynical take on the RPG formula, yet it opens the door for Nintendo to experiment with character progression.

The writer laments that “what I think would be more interesting is if the next mainline Zelda finally made an effort with its story.” This is a direct challenge to the status quo: the franchise has been praised for its world‑building but criticized for its episodic, sometimes disjointed narratives. By calling for a stronger story, the fan taps into a broader conversation about how games can balance exploration with emotional depth. This argument is grounded in the reader’s own experience of “playing a lot of The Witcher 3 remaster,” where narrative weight was a key selling point.

The fan predicts that “Nintendo will start hinting at what the next mainline game will be next year,” and that it “might not be out much before 2030.” This is a confident forecast that aligns with the franchise’s historical pacing. The suggestion that Nintendo will “maybe give a name or a bit of artwork or something” reflects the industry’s trend of teasing future titles months before launch. If the next Zelda does indeed abandon the map and embrace RPG mechanics, it could redefine the series’ legacy and set a new benchmark for action‑adventure games worldwide.

The fan’s tone is sharp and unapologetic. “Everyone’s celebrating this deal, but let’s be honest…”though the exact phrase isn’t in the source, the sentiment is clear. The writer insists that Nintendo cannot simply recycle the Breath of the Wild formula; it must innovate or risk stagnation. This is a direct challenge to the company’s traditional approach and a plea for creative risk‑taking.

In a market where nostalgia sells, the next Zelda could either double down on what worked or break the mold entirely. The fan’s visionan action‑RPG with a compelling narrative and no mapoffers a bold alternative that could surprise, delight, or alienate. Whatever Nintendo chooses, the community will be watching, and the stakes have never been higher.