BotW DLC Guide: What the Expansion Pass Includes and Is It Worth It?

The Expansion Pass is still sold for Nintendo Switch and works on Nintendo Switch 2, but it is a separate product from the newer hardware upgrade. Its best additions are not evenly useful to everyone, so the right buying decision depends on whether you want a difficult restart, exploration tools, or more late-game story.

Is the BotW Expansion Pass worth it?

Yes, if you already enjoy the base game and want either a demanding replay or a meaningful endgame extension. The package is strongest when you will use several parts together: Trial of the Sword for combat, Hero’s Path Mode and the Travel Medallion for completion, Master Mode for a fresh file, and The Champions’ Ballad for new story and dungeon content.

If your main goal is strengthening the blade, read the Master Sword guide and then use the Trial of the Sword walkthrough instead of buying the pass only for its cosmetic gear.

What does the BotW DLC include?

The Expansion Pass includes a purchase bonus and both content packs. Nintendo does not sell the two packs separately.

The first pack focuses on challenge and map utility. Trial of the Sword removes Link’s carried equipment and food for about 45 combat rooms, while Hero’s Path Mode displays up to 200 hours of travel. The Travel Medallion registers one custom fast-travel point at a time.

The second pack is the larger narrative addition. After the four Divine Beasts are freed, Link can begin the Divine Beast Tamer’s Trials, use the One-Hit Obliterator, clear new shrines and a full dungeon, and uncover new memories involving the Champions and Zelda. Finishing the quest awards the Master Cycle Zero.

Which DLC gear is included, and how do you get it?

The pass adds the following equipment; it does not place the clothing directly in your inventory. Most pieces come from EX treasure chests found by following journals or rumor clues.

The Ancient Bridle adds horse spurs, while the Ancient Saddle lets the equipped horse answer Link’s call from far away. The Korok Mask shakes near a hidden Korok, making it especially useful alongside the BotW Korok Seeds guide.

How much does the BotW DLC cost, and can you still buy it?

The regular US price is US$19.99. Nintendo’s Hong Kong download-code store lists the Traditional Chinese Expansion Pass at HKD 129. Use the price shown for your Nintendo Account region because payment methods, sales, and currency differ by storefront.

Does Switch 2 Edition include the Expansion Pass?

No. Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ explicitly says that Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does not include the Expansion Pass. Buying the full Switch 2 Edition or its upgrade pack improves the base game, but it does not unlock The Master Trials or The Champions’ Ballad.

If you already purchased the Expansion Pass, it works on Switch 2 and does not need to be bought again. Nintendo says the DLC can be played whether or not you are using Switch 2 Edition or the upgrade pack.

For the hardware upgrade price, saves, performance changes, and Zelda Notes, use the separate BotW Switch 2 Edition differences guide.

Should you play Master Mode?

Play Master Mode if you want combat pressure to remain meaningful after learning the normal game. Most enemies appear one tier higher, a new top enemy tier becomes available, enemies notice Link more easily, and their health begins recovering when you stop dealing damage. Floating platforms also place enemies and treasure chests above parts of Hyrule.

Skip it if you mainly want the new story. The normal save remains the better place to finish exploration comfortably, while Master Mode is designed as a separate challenge run rather than a required route to DLC story content.

The Expansion Pass is therefore easiest to recommend to returning players and completionists. If you are still choosing your first Zelda adventure, start with which Zelda game to play first before adding optional content.