Update Full __exclusive__: Zelda Botw 160
While the version number suggests a major overhaul, the reality is more nuanced. This report breaks down exactly what the 1.6.0 update contained, its technical context within the game’s lifecycle, its impact on players, and why it remains a significant milestone despite not adding new story content.
What the 1.6.0 Update Did NOT Include (Debunked Rumors)
At the time, fake “1.6.0 patch notes” spread online. Here’s what is not in this update: zelda botw 160 update full
- ❌ No new playable character (Zelda, Purah, etc.)
- ❌ No new shrines or divine beasts
- ❌ No Master Mode changes
- ❌ No graphical upgrade (resolution / framerate remains same)
- ❌ No new weapons or enemies
- ❌ No “end game” epilogue
Save Data & Compatibility After Updating
- Existing saves: Fully compatible. You will not lose progress.
- DLC (The Master Trials / The Champion’s Ballad): Remains playable. No new DLC was added.
- Amiibo: Unchanged.
- Transfer to Tears of the Kingdom: Having any BotW save file (v1.0.0 through 1.6.0) unlocks the “Ancient Horse Gear” and “Fabric of the Wild” in TotK. Version 1.6.0 is not required, but recommended for bug-free save transfer.
1. The "News" Channel Reward (Japan/Europe Exclusive Feature)
The most substantial addition for standard players is the integration with the Nintendo Switch News channel. While the version number suggests a major overhaul,
- New Side Quests: If you read specific articles in the News channel about Breath of the Wild, the game triggers new, simple quests.
- The Rewards: Completing these quests rewards Link with specific in-game items:
- Traveler’s Bridle & Saddle: Cosmetic gear for your horse.
- Sheik’s Mask (from Ocarina of Time): An armor piece that grants Stealth Up.
- Phantom Helmet, Armor, & Greaves: A high-defense set based on Phantom Hourglass.
- Majora’s Mask: A powerful relic that makes most enemies (Bokoblins, Moblins, Lizalfos, Lynels) ignore you unless attacked.
- Note: In the US region, these items were previously tied to DLC (The Master Trials). For Japanese and European players, 1.6.0 offered a second chance to get these exclusive cosmetics via News links.
Title: Zelda: Breath of the Wild 1.6.0 Update – Full Patch Notes & What It Actually Changed
2.3 Security & Exploit Patching (The “Silent” Changes)
This is where 1.6.0 became infamous in the speedrunning and modding communities: What the 1
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Patched Glitches:
- Menu Overload (v1.5.0) – Partially mitigated; made duplication of arrows more difficult but not impossible.
- Apparatus Storage (v1.4.1) – Fully removed. This allowed storing any weapon/bow/shield in the Magnesis trial shrines.
- Infinite Jump (Horse-slide method) – Fixed by adjusting the detection for “on-ground” status during shield surf cancels.
- Shield Clip into Trial of the Sword – The famous “skipping Room 10 (Lizalfos)” became significantly harder; required new setups.
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Why? Nintendo viewed these as “detrimental to online leaderboards for the Master Trials DLC” (internal notes leaked via data mining suggest). The patch was designed to break most major speedrun categories except Any% (No Amiibo).
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Side Effect: Splits the speedrun community into “Pre-1.6.0” and “Post-1.6.0” leaderboards – a rare move for a late patch.