This update primarily prepared the game for the first DLC pack, The Master Trials. Key additions included:
The Master Trials (DLC 1) Support: Enabled access to the Trial of the Sword, Master Mode, Hero's Path Mode, the Travel Medallion, and new armor pieces for those who purchased the Expansion Pass.
Expansion Pass Menu: A dedicated menu was added to the title screen to manage and view DLC content.
General Fixes: Various minor gameplay adjustments and bug fixes were implemented to improve the overall experience. How to Install Updates
Nintendo Switch: Select the game icon on the HOME Menu and press the + or - button, then choose Software Update.
Wii U: Connect to the internet and launch the game from the Wii U Menu; the update will download and install automatically.
Cemu (Emulator): You can install update files manually by going to File > Install Game DLC or Update and selecting the folder containing the v160 update data.
If you are interested in modifying game text or exploring more advanced updates like the BOTW Randomizer, these tutorials provide a direct demonstration:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 's Update 1.6.0, released alongside the VR goggles support, is celebrated in the gaming community as the "End of an Era" patch. This update represents the final narrative and technical bookend for the game before Nintendo shifted its full focus to its successor, Tears of the Kingdom. The "Legend" of the Last Patch botw update 160
For many players, the story of Update 1.6.0 is one of bittersweet closure. While it didn't add new story quests like the Champions' Ballad DLC, it finalized the world of Hyrule that millions of players had inhabited for years.
VR Support and Immersion: The headline feature was the integration of Nintendo Labo VR support. This allowed players to view the familiar landscapes of Hyrule through a headset, creating a "new story" for veterans who could now stand on the Peak of Awakening or look up at the Dueling Peaks in a pseudo-3D space.
The Technical Polish: It served as the final stability layer for the game's massive engine. According to reports, this version refined performance in historically laggy areas like the Great Hyrule Forest (Korok Forest), ensuring that Link’s journey felt smoother for future generations of players.
The Legacy of Version 1.6.0: In the speedrunning community, version 1.6.0 is often cited as a critical milestone. While later minor adjustments or regional dubs (like the Portuguese addition in version 1.8.0) changed some technical aspects, 1.6.0 remains a foundational version for many who spent hundreds of hours aiming for 100% completion. Historical Context: The Great Calamity
While the update provided technical closure, the game's actual story concludes with the resolution of the Great Calamity. This event, which took place 100 years prior to the game's start on Princess Zelda's 17th birthday, is what players spent years exploring. The 1.6.0 update ensured that this narrative world—from the silent ruins of the Temple of Time to the heights of Hyrule Castle—would remain a "flawless masterpiece" for years to come. There's a NEW Update for BOTW!
If you’ve searched for "BotW Update 160," you are likely referring to Version 1.6.0 of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch (and correspondingly, Version 1.6.0 on Wii U). This update is significant not for new gameplay features, but for its timing and specific compatibility purpose.
Key Facts at a Glance:
The primary driver for this update was the release of Age of Calamity’s second wave of DLC (the "Guardian of Remembrance" update). If you had Breath of the Wild save data on your Switch system, Update 1.6.0 allowed Age of Calamity to detect it, unlocking: This update primarily prepared the game for the
Important Note: This is not a two-way transfer. Playing Age of Calamity does not unlock anything new in Breath of the Wild.
If you want to verify your version for modding or troubleshooting:
On Nintendo Switch:
On Wii U:
Breath of the Wild continues to stand the test of time, and Update 1.6.0 is a love letter to the game's enduring community. Whether you're grabbing the Xenoblade armor for a new playthrough or just appreciating a smoother, glitch-free experience, Hyrule is waiting for you.
Have you downloaded the update yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and don't forget to share this guide with your fellow Hylians!
Tags: #BreathOfTheWild #BOTW #Zelda #NintendoSwitch #Update1.6.0 #XenobladeChronicles2 #GamingNews #ZeldaBOTW
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains a masterpiece years after its release, but players still keep a close eye on the software versioning for any hidden changes. If you are looking for information on BOTW update 1.6.0, here is everything you need to know about what this specific patch brought to Hyrule. Full Version Number: 1
Released primarily to coincide with the launch of Nintendo Labo VR, version 1.6.0 introduced a unique way to experience the vast landscapes of Hyrule. While many fans hoped for new quests or items, this update was strictly focused on technical integration and minor performance stability.
The headline feature of the 1.6.0 update was the VR Goggles support. Players could enter the game settings and toggle on the VR mode, which allowed the entire game to be played using the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Unlike some other VR experiences that offer a first-person perspective, BOTW’s VR mode maintained the third-person camera but allowed players to look around the environment by moving their heads. This provided a deeper sense of scale for the massive Divine Beasts and the towering peaks of Hebra.
Beyond the VR integration, version 1.6.0 included what Nintendo officially described as "several issues fixed to improve the gameplay experience." In the world of game development, this is often shorthand for minor bug fixes that prevent crashing or resolve small graphical glitches. For the average player, these changes were invisible, but they contributed to the overall legendary polish the game is known for.
It is also worth noting that update 1.6.0 addressed some of the technical overhead required to keep the game running smoothly while rendering for VR. Maintaining a stable frame rate is critical for a comfortable VR experience, and this patch ensured that the transition between standard play and VR was as seamless as possible.
Since the release of 1.6.0, the game has reached its final state as Nintendo shifted focus to the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. This makes version 1.6.0 one of the final definitive versions of the game. For purists and speedrunners, these version numbers are vital for tracking which glitches remain accessible and which have been patched out by Nintendo’s engineers.
Whether you are dusting off your Switch for a fresh playthrough or trying out the VR mode for the first time, update 1.6.0 represents the final touch of support for one of the greatest adventures in gaming history. It ensures that your journey through Hyrule is stable, immersive, and ready for whatever way you choose to play.
For normal players: Yes, absolutely. The cloud save improvements and stability fixes are worth it. You lose nothing critical.
For modders/glitch hunters: No. Stay on 1.5.0 or 1.0.0 if you want to experiment with the broken physics and item duplication. Once you update to 1.6.0, you cannot downgrade without a hacked console.