Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: Characters

Zelda

Princess Zelda arrives in ancient Hyrule, wielding a new blade of light to fight the Demon King’s forces.

How to Unlock: Unlocked from the start (available by default).

Origin: Hyrulean princess (from the era of Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom).

Role in Story: Zelda is the main protagonist of Age of Imprisonment. Early in the story, a mysterious incident sends her back in time to the era of Hyrule’s founding – the period of the Imprisoning War against Ganondorf. Despite being from a future era, Zelda steps up to aid King Rauru and Queen Sonia in their kingdom’s darkest hour. In this game, she is depicted as a capable warrior, even wielding a unique light-based sword in battle (a “Zelda version of a lightsaber,” as one preview described). Zelda is playable from the very start of the game, making her immediately available as you begin the story.

Rauru

King Rauru, the Sage of Light and first King of Hyrule, fighting with his mighty spear of light.

How to Unlock: Complete “The Art of the Blade” (Main Story Chapter 1).

Origin: Zonai race; introduced in Tears of the Kingdom as the first King of Hyrule.

Role in Story: Rauru is a central figure in the Imprisoning War and one of the game’s most powerful heroes. As the Sage of Light, he wields the Secret Stone of Light that amplifies his powers. Rauru founded the Kingdom of Hyrule alongside his wife, Queen Sonia, and now leads Hyrule’s forces against the Demon King Ganondorf. He is a close friend to the other tribal leaders – for example, he has longstanding friendships with the Goron chief Agraston and others united under his cause. Rauru becomes playable after you clear the Chapter 1 tutorial battle “The Art of the Blade”, at which point he joins Zelda as a leader of your roster.

Mineru

Mineru, Sage of Spirit, demonstrates her wisdom and mastery of ancient Zonai technology.

How to Unlock: Complete “Where Ancient Wisdom Sleeps” (Main Story Chapter 1).

Origin: Zonai; Rauru’s elder sister and a founding era sage.

Role in Story: Mineru is the Sage of Spirit and an expert on Zonai technology and lore. In Tears of the Kingdom’s backstory, Mineru helped advise Zelda and Rauru, and in this game she continues that role as a wise counselor and formidable fighter. Her Secret Stone of Spirit grants her the ability to separate her spirit from her body – a power she uses to pilot and control ancient constructs. In battle, Mineru can fling contraptions and employ creative strategies, befitting her inventive nature. Mineru is unlocked upon completing the Chapter 1 mission “Where Ancient Wisdom Sleeps”, joining your team early in the campaign.

Calamo

How to Unlock: Unlock at the end of Chapter 2 (after completing “The Howling Tempests” main quest).

Origin: A Korok (forest spirit) wandering ancient Hyrule.

Role in Story: Calamo is an energetic Korok who has left the Great Forest in search of a new place to put down roots. Small in stature but big in personality, Calamo is boisterous and surprisingly courageous – he won’t hesitate to fight when needed. In gameplay, Calamo uses plant-based attacks and adds a touch of humor to the roster. He becomes playable at the end of Chapter 2 (after you finish “The Howling Tempests”) as one of the new allies joining Zelda and Rauru.

Mysterious Construct

How to Unlock: Unlock at the end of Chapter 2 (after “The Howling Tempests”).

Origin: An ancient Zonai construct; a new ally unique to this game’s story.

Role in Story: The so-called Mysterious Construct is a special ancient robot that joins your ranks in Chapter 2. Little is known about its background (even the characters find it a “complete mystery”), but it is described as a new ally “who can transform and take to the skies.” In battle, the Construct is extraordinarily versatile – it has the unique ability to change forms and switch between multiple weapon types (one-handed, two-handed, or spear) at will. Its capacity for flight and shape-shifting gives your team a strategic edge. The Construct is unlocked at the end of Chapter 2, alongside Calamo and Typhan, once you complete “The Howling Tempests”.

Raphica

How to Unlock: Unlock during Chapter 3 (after completing “Shadows in the Snow” main quest).

Origin: Rito warrior; the leader of the Rito tribe in ancient Hyrule.

Role in Story: Raphica is the Rito Sage of Wind, bearing the Secret Stone of Wind as one of the six ancient sages who stand with Rauru. As chief of the Rito tribe, he’s a resourceful and proud warrior whose cryptic words and actions can be hard to read, though deep down he cares greatly for his allies. Raphica fights primarily with a bow, making him the only dedicated ranged fighter in the roster. His aerial prowess and wind-based attacks are essential for controlling the skies and supporting the team. Raphica joins your party in Chapter 3 (he’s unlocked during the “Shadows in the Snow” mission along with Vence).

Typhan

How to Unlock: Unlock at the end of Chapter 2 (after “The Howling Tempests”).

Origin: A Hyrulean knight; captain of the royal guard in ancient Hyrule.

Role in Story: Typhan is a veteran Hylian soldier who serves as a devoted protector of King Rauru and Queen Sonia. As the captain in charge of training Hyrule’s soldiers, Typhan has years of combat experience and unshakable loyalty. He fights with a broadsword and a massive shield, making him a steadfast front-line warrior. Typhan’s disciplined fighting style and defensive skills (shield bashes, rush attacks, etc.) reflect his role as the kingdom’s guardian. Typhan is unlocked with the rest of the Chapter 2 characters after the events of “The Howling Tempests” are resolved.

Vence

How to Unlock: Unlock during Chapter 3 (after “Shadows in the Snow” main quest).

Origin: Rito warrior; longtime friend and comrade of Raphica.

Role in Story: Vence is a seasoned Rito soldier who has fought alongside Raphica for many years. He is light-hearted and quick to joke, which helps ease the burdens of leadership that weigh on his friend Raphica. In combat, Vence uses a feather-edged one-handed sword, delivering elegant spinning strikes like the Windmill Cutter. While he doesn’t possess a Secret Stone himself, Vence’s loyalty and skill make him a key ally to the sages. Vence is unlocked in Chapter 3 during the “Shadows in the Snow” scenario (at the same time as Raphica).

Qia

How to Unlock: Unlock during Chapter 3 (after completing “Lanayru Defiled” main quest).

Origin: Zora royal; the Queen (or Princess) of the Zora in this era.

Role in Story: Qia is the Zora Sage of Water and the leader of her people in ancient Hyrule. She carries the Secret Stone of Water, which she uses to command water in battle and vanquish evil. Qia is noted to be a skilled martial artist and a courageous leader – her bravery inspires everyone around her to fight harder against the Demon King’s forces. Despite the Zora traditionally being cautious, Qia fearlessly pledges her tribe’s support to Rauru’s alliance. She becomes playable in Chapter 3, unlocked after you complete the “Lanayru Defiled” main quest.

Agraston

How to Unlock: Unlock during Chapter 3 (after completing “Crisis on Death Mountain” main quest).

Origin: Goron chief; leader of the Goron tribe and Sage of Fire.

Role in Story: Agraston (sometimes spelled Argraston) is the Goron Sage of Fire, wielding the Secret Stone of Fire in the Imprisoning War. As the patriarch of the Gorons, Agraston is both strong and wise – Nintendo’s description notes that he is intelligent, generous, and has been a close friend of Rauru for a long time. He stands ready to defend Hyrule with his immense strength and a gigantic two-handed stone blade. Agraston’s fire-infused attacks can level hordes of enemies, living up to the Gorons’ proud warrior tradition. He is unlocked in Chapter 3 after the “Crisis on Death Mountain” scenario, officially bringing the Goron champion into your ranks.

Ardi

How to Unlock: Unlock during Chapter 4 (after completing “Terror of the Sands” main quest).

Origin: Gerudo warrior; a commander serving under Ganondorf.

Role in Story: Ardi is a formidable Gerudo fighter who initially follows Ganondorf’s leadership of the Gerudo tribe. Described as a “kind-hearted warrior who unites the Gerudo tribe”, Ardi nonetheless obeys Ganondorf due to the Gerudo code of loyalty to their male chieftain. She wields the power of lightning (likely through the Secret Stone of Lightning) in battle, making her attacks fast and electrifying. Despite serving the Demon King, Ardi’s compassion and sense of honor hint at inner conflict. She plays a key role in the story’s Gerudo subplot, and her actions influence younger Gerudo like Sholani. Ardi becomes playable in Chapter 4, unlocked upon clearing the “Terror of the Sands” mission.

Quino

How to Unlock: Completing the “For Hyrule” Scouting Challenge (unlocks in Chapter 3).

Origin: Young Hylian soldier in Rauru’s forces.

Role in Story: Quino is a fresh-faced recruit among Hyrule’s knights, notable for his strong sense of justice and earnest enthusiasm. He is respectful to his superiors and eager to prove himself, though his inexperience can show at times. Quino wields a hefty two-handed sword (Soldier’s Claymore) in combat, combining powerful Hurling Slash strikes with defensive techniques. He represents the courage of Hyrule’s ordinary soldiers who stand up to evil. You can unlock Quino by completing the “For Hyrule” scouting challenge (unlocked around the start of Chapter 3).

Lago

How to Unlock: Complete the “A Veteran’s Return” Scouting Challenge (available mid-Chapter 3).

Origin: Zora warrior; former royal bodyguard of the Zora domain.

Role in Story: Lago is an older Zora veteran who once served as the personal bodyguard to a previous Zora king. After his liege passed away, Lago intended to retire, but the rise of Ganondorf’s threat compelled him to return to the battlefield. He fights with a Zora longsword and uses techniques honed over decades, such as the Heaventide Slash and Reversal Wave. Lago’s presence showcases the loyalty of the Zora and the wisdom of an experienced fighter aiding Queen Qia. Lago is unlocked via the “A Veteran’s Return” side quest, which becomes available midway through Chapter 3.

Pinnec

How to Unlock: Complete “The Unsung Spearman” Scouting Challenge (unlocks in Chapter 4).

Origin: Rito warrior; an elder veteran of the Rito tribe.

Role in Story: Pinnec is one of Raphica’s oldest and most trusted Rito warriors. Initially, Pinnec was skeptical of young Raphica’s leadership, but over time Raphica earned his respect and loyalty. In battle, Pinnec specializes with a long spear, allowing him to strike from mid-air and keep enemies at bay. His Feathered Spear and fierce diving attacks (like the “Vehement Charge”) give the Rito unparalleled aerial superiority. Pinnec is unlocked by completing “The Unsung Spearman” scouting mission, available at the beginning of Chapter 4.

Cadlan

How to Unlock: Complete the “The Strength to Protect” Scouting Challenge (available mid-Chapter 4).

Origin: Zora soldier; a young warrior from the Zora domain.

Role in Story: Cadlan is a capable Zora fighter who greatly admires Queen Qia and aspires to join her personal guard. He fights with a Zora spear and shows promise in mastering water-based combat techniques. Cadlan’s dedication and idealism reflect the loyalty Queen Qia inspires in her people. Though young, he is determined to protect his home and prove himself worthy. Cadlan is unlocked by completing the “The Strength to Protect” scouting challenge in Chapter 4 – appropriately named for his own goals as a protector.

Sholani

How to Unlock: Complete “Standing on Principle” Scouting Challenge (available mid-Chapter 4).

Origin: Gerudo warrior from the same tribe as Ardi.

Role in Story: Sholani is a bold young Gerudo who idolizes Ardi’s strength. However, Sholani becomes uneasy with Ganondorf’s dark ambitions and bravely reaches out to Rauru’s side for help, acting without her tribe’s approval. This decision shows her courageous and principled nature. In combat, Sholani wields a curved Gerudo scimitar, favoring quick slashing attacks and graceful, dance-like moves (a contrast to Ronza’s heavy claymore style). Her defection to assist Hyrule is a turning point for the Gerudo’s fate in the story. You can unlock Sholani by completing the “Standing on Principle” side quest in Chapter 4 – a fitting title for her act of principle.

Ronza

How to Unlock: Complete the “In Search of Power” Scouting Challenge (available mid-Chapter 4).

Origin: Gerudo chieftain; leader of an independent Gerudo faction.

Role in Story: Ronza is a powerful Gerudo leader who refuses to follow Ganondorf and instead fights to restore the Gerudo people’s honor after Ganondorf’s betrayal. Wielding a massive claymore sword, she is known as a tough warrior who can deliver crushing Leap-and-Slash blows. Ronza’s independent Gerudo faction joins forces with Hyrule to oppose the Demon King, highlighting a Gerudo civil conflict during the war. Her determination and strength make her a formidable ally once recruited. Ronza is unlocked by completing the “In Search of Power” scouting challenge in Chapter 4.

Braton

How to Unlock: Complete “The Gourmand Goron” Scouting Challenge (late Chapter 4).

Origin: Goron youth; an adventurous young Goron warrior.

Role in Story: Braton is a rookie Goron fighter who volunteers to leave Death Mountain and defend Hyrule. While he genuinely wants to help in the war, an amusing personal motivation is that he also hopes to taste the exotic rocks found outside his homeland! Braton carries a hefty sledgehammer into battle and uses his strength for moves like a blinding thrust and leaping headbutt, which can send enemies flying. His appetite for both battle and rocks provides a bit of comic relief. Braton is unlocked by clearing “The Gourmand Goron” scouting mission (a late Chapter 4 quest aptly named after his love of fine rocks).

Pastos

How to Unlock: Complete “The Gourmand Goron” Scouting Challenge (late Chapter 4).

Origin: Goron leader; head of a dissident Goron faction.

Role in Story: Pastos is a burly, older Goron (some describe him as a “grandpa-looking” Goron) who leads a faction that initially opposed joining Rauru’s alliance. Stubborn and proud, Pastos was against cooperating with the Hylians, but as the Demon King’s threat grows, he ultimately sets aside those differences for the greater good. In combat, Pastos wields a heavy Cobble Crusher hammer and uses earth-shaking moves (his “Thrust and Plow” attack can bowl over crowds of monsters). He represents the Gorons’ strength and the idea of unity after initial division. Pastos is unlocked by completing the “A Lone Wolf’s Pride” scouting challenge near the end of Chapter 4.