Datamined files in Nintendo's Switch 2 remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time suggest that a Master Quest mode will be added as downloadable content, while the game has become the biggest physical release of the year in the UK.
Master Quest References Found in Game Files
Over the weekend, a user named MrCheeze posted on Bluesky strings of code found in Ocarina Of Time's files, including references labelled 'MQ,' such as HasMQ, IsMQModeExist, NewGameMQ, and ReleaseMQ. Fans believe these refer to Master Quest, a harder version of the game.
Dataminer OatmealDome claims that, based on their own findings, the mode will be unlocked 'by owning DLC.' OatmealDome also stated that the data is incomplete but confirmed that the world is mirrored and dungeons are modified, citing cows in Jabu-Jabu's Belly as an example.
History of Master Quest
Master Quest was originally conceived for the Nintendo 64 via the Japanese-only 64DD add-on, but was cancelled due to the 64DD's limited distribution. It was first officially released for the GameCube as a pre-order bonus for The Wind Waker, alongside a port of Ocarina Of Time.
The mode completely reworks every dungeon, altering layouts and enemy placement, and introduces tougher enemies earlier. It was brought back for the 3DS version as a post-game unlock, adding a mirrored game world where Link is right-handed instead of left. According to OatmealDome, the Switch 2 version would be based on the 3DS implementation, including the mirrored world.
Possible Announcement Timing
Nintendo could announce the DLC by next month, as it previously dropped a DLC announcement for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave about a month after that game's launch. Alternatively, it could be saved for a Nintendo Direct in 2027, possibly coinciding with the live-action Zelda movie in April.
There is also speculation that Nintendo will remake Majora's Mask. YouTuber Austin John Plays has theorised this based on unused dialogue tied to a 'Mask 103' not in the game, where the Happy Mask Salesman says, 'Please remove that bootleg mask. If you don't, who's to say what disasters may strike… But on inspection… that's one otherworldly face.'
UK Sales Success
According to The Game Business' Chris Dring, the Ocarina Of Time remake has had the second biggest physical launch of any Zelda game in the UK and is the biggest physical release of this year, beating Resident Evil Requiem and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
