Datamining within The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 has uncovered evidence pointing to the inclusion of the Master Quest mode. This was shared by dataminer MrCheeze, who highlighted strings containing “MQ” tags linked to dungeons such as Dodongo’s Cavern.
Further analysis reported by TheGamer and additional insights from dataminer OatmealDome indicate entries like “HasMQ”, “IsMQModeExist”, “NewGameMQ”, and “ReleaseMQ” are present in the game’s code. OatmealDome noted that the mode appears to require ownership of DLC to unlock, rather than being part of a free update. They confirmed that the mode features a mirrored overworld alongside modified dungeon layouts, including specific changes like cows in Jabu-Jabu’s Belly.
Master Quest Mode Returning as Paid DLC on Switch 2
Master Quest originally debuted as a bonus disc for the GameCube version of Ocarina of Time, before reappearing on Nintendo 3DS in 2011 as an unlockable mode after completing the main game. The 3DS iteration mirrored the entire game world and increased difficulty by rearranging dungeons and enhancing enemy damage output. The datamined content for the Switch 2 remake aligns with these features, suggesting a faithful recreation of the mode.
At present, Nintendo has not officially announced any DLC plans for the remake, nor confirmed pricing. The discovery is limited to incomplete data files and, as with any datamine, does not guarantee an imminent release. The original remake was launched on 5th November 2026, exclusive to Nintendo’s Switch 2 console.
Impact for Switch 2 Owners and Zelda Fans
Should Nintendo proceed with releasing Master Quest as paid DLC, it would provide additional content for players beyond the base remake, potentially expanding replayability on the Switch 2 platform. The implementation of a mirrored world and dungeon modifications represents a noteworthy return of a classic challenge mode, distinguishing it from the original campaign. For Switch 2 owners, this could mean another reason to invest further in the remake post-launch.
No details have surfaced regarding availability on other platforms, as the remake and its datamined content appear to be exclusive to Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. Fans keen on Master Quest’s return will need to await Nintendo’s official communications for confirmation on pricing, content scope, and release timing.
Eurogamer’s review described the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake as an “astonishing” renewal of the original, and the potential for Master Quest DLC adds an additional layer of content to follow the core release.
