The dark tone of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 could lead to the return of Skull Kid to the Legend of Zelda series. Skull Kid is a recurring Zelda character that appears in the darker titles of the franchise, but he has not made an appearance in recent games. However, BOTW 2‘s darker tones could make for a fitting time include Skull Kid again.
Skull Kid has represented a number of darker themes throughout the Zelda series. In Ocarina of Time, Skull Kids are ominously described as children who are transfigured upon entering Kokiri Forest. The Skull Kid from Majora’s Mask, perhaps the darkest Zelda game, commits a number of malicious deeds under the influence of a great evil, such as trying to destroy the land of Termina. Since BOTW 2 shows signs of having sinister elements, reintroducing the Skull Kid could be a worthwhile choice for the game.
Skull Kids could be created by Calamity Ganon in BOTW 2. Just like how Link is enveloped by Malice in the BOTW 2 trailer, other denizens of Hyrule could be afflicted by this evil and be transformed into Skull Kids similar to Ocarina of Time. Now Link’s enemies, the Skull Kids could hinder Link during his travels, ambushing him while he travels on a path. Perhaps they could summon puppet creatures to attack him like the Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Or, in a humorous nod to Majora’s Mask, a Skull Kid in BOTW 2 might be capable of stealing Link’s horse if he is traveling by mount. Having to fight Hylians warped into Skull Kids by Ganon’s evil would make for a dark enemy concept.
BOTW 2 Could Feature The Skull Kid from Majora’s Mask
Alternatively, BOTW 2 could specifically introduce the Skull Kid from previous Zelda titles like Majora’s Mask. While Nintendo has distanced BOTW 2 from Majora’s Mask in statements, Skull Kid shares a particular connection to Link that could be explored more deeply. The Skull Kid from Majora’s Mask hints that he was present during Ocarina of Time, showing he has existed in multiple games, and Skull Kid’s drawings in the game’s epilogue show that he considers Link a friend. Perhaps a lonely Skull Kid that seems to know Link could be added to BOTW 2, offering Link aid during a section of the game. Like in Majora’s Mask, Skull Kid could remark that BOTW 2‘s Link smells like an old friend, referencing the long-deceased Link of the past. While a bit dark, this could be a touching reunion for Skull Kid and a nod to long-time series fans.
Skull Kid is one of the largely overlooked Zelda characters BOTW 2 could bring back. Aside from spin-offs and remasters, Skull Kid has not shown up in a new Zelda game since Twilight Princess in 2006. Still, if The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 has a darker tone, it could be the perfect opportunity to bring Skull Kid back.
