The latest installment in the beloved franchise has sparked considerable excitement among fans, particularly regarding the map design in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. As the most extensive top-down, 2D title in the series, this game boasts a map that significantly surpasses that of Link's Awakening, measuring eight times larger. While it draws elements from other recent titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom also pays homage to the classic A Link to the Past.

Many enthusiasts have posited that this game features the same incarnation of Hyrule as seen in the 1991 classic, with some even asserting the maps between the two titles align. Observers have noted that certain landmarks, such as Hyrule Castle, the graveyard, and Link's house, exist in both games, though the map in Echoes of Wisdom extends far beyond what players could explore in A Link to the Past. This expansion allows for the inclusion of tribes like the Gerudo, Zora, Gorons, and Deku—present in Echoes of Wisdom but not accessible in the earlier title, implying their existence was always part of Hyrule.

As noted by players, many locations in Echoes of Wisdom bear striking resemblances to those found in A Link to the Past, hinting at potential connections between the two. It remains uncertain whether this similarity indicates a direct reuse of the original map's design or if it cleverly integrates elements while creating a unique experience. Given the complex timeline surrounding the Zelda series, such distinctions may not be crucial, as Hyrule has undergone various transformations throughout each title, often in surprising ways. In Echoes of Wisdom, familiar terrains such as the Gerudo Desert are situated in the southwest, familiar to players who navigated Breath of the Wild's landscape. Conversely, the Eldin Volcano has shifted to the northwest, differing from its previous southeast location in BotW and Tears of the Kingdom. Regardless of the specifics, it's evident that the developers at Grezzo have skillfully crafted an environment that invites fans to engage in lively speculation about the connections within the expansive Zelda universe.