Breath of the Wild DLC: is the Expansion Pass worth it?
Yes — the Breath of the Wild (BotW) DLC, sold as the Expansion Pass, is worth buying if you enjoyed the base game and want more challenge. It includes two packs: The Master Trials, with a harder Master Mode and the Trial of the Sword, and The Champions' Ballad, a new story chapter with shrines, a dungeon and the Master Cycle Zero motorcycle. If you only play casually and have not finished the main game, you can skip it for now.
What you get
The Master Trials (Pack 1, 2017)
- Master Mode: a harder difficulty with stronger enemies, regenerating health and floating enemy platforms.
- Trial of the Sword: a gauntlet of combat floors that powers up the Master Sword.
- Hero's Path: a map overlay showing everywhere you have walked.
- Travel Medallion and new armor and items, such as the Korok Mask.
The Champions' Ballad (Pack 2, 2017)
- A new story about Link and the four Champions, with new memory cutscenes.
- The One-Hit Obliterator weapon, new shrines and a final dungeon.
- Master Cycle Zero, a motorcycle for traveling across Hyrule.
Who should buy it
- Buy: players who want more combat challenge, more story with the Champions, or another reason to replay.
- Wait: players who have not finished the base game — the Champions' Ballad requires freeing all four Divine Beasts first.
FAQ
Should I play Breath of the Wild before the DLC?
Yes. The Master Trials content is available early, but the Champions' Ballad only opens after all four Divine Beasts are cleared.
What is the best DLC for BotW?
There are only two packs and the Expansion Pass includes both. The Champions' Ballad is the pick for story and the Master Cycle Zero; The Master Trials is the pick for challenge.
Does the DLC work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, Switch 1 games and their DLC run on Switch 2. As of 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade is sold separately from the Expansion Pass, so check what a bundle includes before buying.
How many DLC packs are there for Breath of the Wild?
Two: The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad, both included in the Expansion Pass.
How long does the DLC take?
The Champions' Ballad takes several hours; Master Mode is effectively a full replay of the game.