Nintendo’s new Zelda book arrives in October 2026 with rare art, developer notes, and Zonai lore from Tears of the Kingdom

As Nintendo prepares for a major milestone in one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, fans of The Legend of Zelda are getting a new reason to return to Hyrule. The company has officially announced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Secrets of the Zonai, a massive hardcover book set for release in October 2026, offering what is being described as the final chapter of the franchise’s “Wilds era.”

According to reports by Screen Rant, the 424-page publication arrives as the Zelda series approaches its 40th anniversary. The upcoming book has been positioned as a definitive companion to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the critically acclaimed 2023 title that expanded the open-world foundation built by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Veteran developers Eiji Aonuma, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, and Satoru Takizawa have contributed to the project, helping ensure that the technical details, development records, and historical lore presented in the book remain fully canon within the Zelda universe.


“Start your journey with Secrets of the Zonai,” reads the official product description. The book is divided into multiple themed sections, beginning with 50 pages dedicated to character illustrations, concept visuals, and promotional artwork. The centerpiece of the release is nearly 300 pages focused on the game’s development process, featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, rough drafts, internal notes, design concepts, and recollections from the creative team.

“Pore over 50 pages of beautiful illustrations, character art, and promotional images. Then, dive into nearly 300 pages of behind-the-scenes sketches, notes, rough designs, concept art, and recollections that provide an exclusive look at the development and creation of the game,’ reads the official product description.

The final section takes readers even deeper into Zelda mythology, with more than 80 pages exploring the ancient history of Hyrule and the mysterious origins of the Zonai tribe.

“Next, travel back to a time before the founding of the Kingdom of Hyrule, with over 80 pages of Hyrule’s history that include insights into the mysterious past of the Zonai all the way up to the events of the game,” the description further reads.

While the hardcover signals the closing of one chapter, speculation around the future of the Zelda franchise continues to grow. Industry leaks suggest that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake could arrive in late 2026, followed by a new 2D Zelda title in 2027, alongside development of a live-action film adaptation.