The second free update for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Version 1.0.3, arrives on December 18, 2025, expanding post-story content with new battle systems, challenges, and progression rewards. The update introduces Phantom Mode, a dynamic modifier that alters previously cleared battles, alongside a brand-new high-difficulty setting.
In addition to combat-focused additions, the update brings new abilities, weapons, feature improvements, and multiple bug fixes. These changes are designed to extend replayability while offering tougher encounters and meaningful rewards for experienced players.
Patch Notes
New Battle System: Phantom Mode
- Added Phantom Mode, which can randomly activate in previously cleared battles
- Replaced some enemies with Dangerous Species or Gloom Enemies during Phantom Mode
- Added a chance for Phantom Ganon to appear after defeating powerful enemies
- Increased High-Purity Zonaiite rewards compared to standard battles
New Difficulty Setting
- Added a new difficulty option called Forbidden
- Set Forbidden difficulty above Very Hard for higher-tension combat
- Added special rewards for clearing a set number of battles on Forbidden difficulty
- Rewards include High-Purity Zonaiite
- Rewards include increased maximum capacity for Special Portable Meals
New Challenges
- Added new Battle Challenges to the Hyrule map after clearing the main story
- Added new Hyrule Challenges following the first free update
- Added Lizalfos and Chuchu as new Dangerous Species
- Unlocked the Training Grounds on the Sky Islands
- Enabled Sync Strikes when entering the Training Grounds with two players
New Unique Abilities
- Added new unique abilities for the Mysterious Golem
- Added One-Handed Sword unique ability Shield Charge
- Enabled Shield Charge to block and break through charging enemy attacks
- Enabled precise-timing activation to trigger a powerful Spin Attack
- Added unique abilities for Two-Handed Swords
- Added unique abilities for Spears
- Made new abilities unlockable by clearing new Battle and Hyrule Challenges
New Weapon
- Added the Forbidden Sword, a Gloom-altered One-Handed Sword
- Enabled use by the Mysterious Golem
- Enabled use by Warriors of each race
- Made the weapon obtainable through newly added battles
New Battles
- Added battles focused on the Warriors
- Added a life-or-death battle against a specific powerful enemy
Feature Improvements
- Updated Gossip Challenge conditions so non-controlled characters can complete it during Sync Strikes
- Enabled exiting Special Conversations in the Gallery using the B button
- Adjusted display conditions and frequency for Dodge and Guard tutorials
- Enabled Max Smithing at the end of combat when Zonaiite is at maximum capacity
- Enabled Engraving Removal at the end of combat when Zonaiite is at maximum capacity
Bug Fixes
- Fixed Material Sensor reacting during a battle where Shock Lizalfos do not appear
- Fixed Battle Challenge Sword Flashing in the Desert not appearing in some cases
- Fixed missing Player 2 attack sounds during split-screen two-player gameplay
- Fixed inability to unregister Sensor Registered materials for Secret Power Release outside the Material Items menu
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was released on November 6, 2025, and is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
