Botw Update 160 2021 Online

You're referring to the Breath of the Wild update 1.6.0, released on November 30, 2021!

Here's an interesting report on the updates and changes brought about by this patch:

Update 1.6.0 (November 2021)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild received a significant update in November 2021, which addressed several issues, added new features, and improved overall gameplay. Here are some key changes:

Fixes and Improvements

  1. Stability improvements: The update enhanced the game's stability, reducing the likelihood of crashes and freezes.
  2. Graphics and performance: The patch improved graphics quality and performance on the Nintendo Switch, particularly in areas with dense vegetation.
  3. Issues with the Champions' Ballad DLC: The update resolved several issues related to the Champions' Ballad DLC, including problems with the Urbosa's Fury ability.

New Features

  1. Auto-Save: A new auto-save feature was introduced, which automatically saves the player's progress at regular intervals.
  2. Switch Online Cloud Saves: The update enabled Cloud Saves for Switch Online subscribers, allowing players to access their save data from any Switch console.

Other Changes

  1. Paraglider changes: The paraglider's movement speed and turning radius were adjusted to improve handling.
  2. Mipmapped textures: The update introduced mipmapped textures, which enhance texture rendering at various distances.

The update 1.6.0 was a significant step forward for Breath of the Wild, addressing community concerns and adding quality-of-life features. The patch has been well-received by players, and it's a testament to Nintendo's ongoing support for their beloved game.

Are you a BotW player? What do you think about this update?

While there was no major content update released specifically in 2021, many players returning to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

that year were experiencing the effects of the final major performance patch, Version 1.6.0

. This update is best known for drastically improving technical performance rather than adding new quests. Technical Review: Version 1.6.0

The most significant impact of this version is a "hidden" optimization that makes the game feel much modern and fluid compared to its launch state. Drastically Faster Loading Times botw update 160 2021

: The standout feature of 1.6.0 is a massive reduction in loading screens. By utilizing a "Boost Mode" that temporarily overclocked the Switch's CPU during transitions, fast-traveling and entering shrines became nearly twice as fast—dropping from ~26 seconds to roughly 14 seconds in many cases. VR Mode via Nintendo Labo : This update officially introduced support for the Nintendo Labo VR Kit

. While it allows you to play the entire game in VR (except for cutscenes), it is largely considered a novelty due to the 720p resolution of the Switch screen, which can lead to eye strain during long sessions. Stability and Glitch Fixes

: Several minor physics bugs were addressed, including a specific glitch involving Lizalfos at the Dako Tah Shrine that could previously break the physics engine. Speedrunning Impact

: Despite the faster loading times, most speedrunners actually benefited from this update as it did not patch out major movement exploits like "Windbombing" (Impact Launching) or "Stasis Launches," keeping the high-level competitive scene intact. 2021 "Update" Context October 2021 , Nintendo released a special Expansion Pass Edition

physical cartridge exclusively in Japan. This version includes the base game and all DLC (The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad) directly on the game card, making it a highly sought-after "definitive edition" for collectors.

Are you looking to troubleshoot an installation issue or check if a specific glitch still works in this version?

In 2021, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did not receive a major content update. Instead, users frequently encountered Error Code 160-0103 while attempting to update the game or launch it via the Cemu emulator. This error is typically related to system update requirements or corrupted update data rather than a specific new patch release. Update Error Report & Resolution

If you are seeing a prompt for a "system update" or encountering the 160-0103 error while trying to play Breath of the Wild (particularly on the Wii U or Cemu), follow these troubleshooting steps:

Corrupted Data Removal: Many users found that deleting corrupted update data via the Wii U System Settings before attempting a fresh install resolved the 160-0103 error.

Region Matching: For Cemu users, ensure your update region (USA, EUR, JPN) matches the region of your base game. Mismatched regions are a primary cause of the "System Update" prompt. Manual Update Installation: In Cemu, go to File > Install game title, update, or DLC.

Navigate to your update folder and select the meta.xml file.

Note: If the meta.xml file is missing or not visible, some users on Linux or Steam Deck have had success manually moving files to the correct MLC directory. You're referring to the Breath of the Wild update 1

Wii U System Update: For physical console users, ensure the Wii U is connected to the internet; the game should download and install the latest available patch automatically upon launch. Historical Context

While there were no major gameplay expansions in 2021, the game remains on version 1.6.0 (Switch) and 1.5.0 / v208 (Wii U), which includes all previously released DLC and the VR support update. Smaller stability patches have occasionally been noted by the community, such as a minor update in 2025 that addressed background fixes alongside its sequel.

Are you experiencing a specific error code or looking to install a particular mod/graphic pack for the game?

While it may seem like there was a significant patch released in 2021, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild actually remained on version 1.6.0 throughout that year. Version 1.6.0, which originally launched on April 25, 2019, was the definitive technical state of the game for several years.

The main event for the game in 2021 was the launch of the Japanese physical edition with the Expansion Pass included on October 8, 2021. This version came pre-loaded with version 1.6.0 and both DLC packs, meaning all previous updates and content were integrated directly onto the cartridge. Key Features of Version 1.6.0

The 1.6.0 update was a major technical milestone, introducing two primary improvements:

Nintendo Labo VR Compatibility: This patch added full support for the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Players could experience the entire adventure in VR by enabling the "VR Goggles" setting in the System Options menu.

Significantly Faster Load Times: In addition to VR, this update utilized "boost mode" for the Switch’s CPU during loading screens. Comparisons showed that load times for fast travel were reduced by nearly half, sometimes dropping from 26 seconds to just 14 seconds.

See how the 1.6.0 update drastically reduces load times when teleporting around Hyrule:

Searching for "BOTW Update 1.6.0" from 2021 results in a common point of confusion: there was no official 1.6.0 update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) in 2021.

The game's final official content update was Version 1.6.0, but it was released on April 25, 2019, primarily to add support for the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Status of Breath of the Wild in 2021

In 2021, the focus for BOTW players was not on official updates, but on external news and community developments: Stability improvements : The update enhanced the game's

Skyward Sword HD Release: Nintendo released an HD remaster of Skyward Sword for the Switch in July 2021.

Sequel News: During E3 2021, Nintendo released a major teaser trailer for the then-unnamed "Sequel to Breath of the Wild," which we now know as Tears of the Kingdom.

Expansion Pass Content: All official DLC (The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad) was long completed by 2021.

Performance on "Switch 2": While newer hardware discussions mention BOTW looking "gorgeous" with improved shading and comfort, these refer to later hardware iterations or backward compatibility improvements rather than 2021 game patches. Why 1.6.0 and 2021 might be linked You may be seeing "1.6.0" and "2021" together because of:

Wii U Emulation (Cemu): Modders and emulator users often track specific version numbers (like 1.6.0) alongside updated community graphics packs or mods released throughout 2021.

Fan-made Content: 2021 was a peak year for massive fan projects like "Second Wind," which are unofficial "expansion-sized" mods that require specific base game versions to run.

💡 Key Point: The last official Nintendo patch for BOTW was in 2019. If you are seeing a version 1.6.0 report from 2021, it likely refers to a Third-Party Mod or a specific Emulator Version (like Cemu 1.25.x which was active in 2021).

For players looking to push the game beyond official updates, community-developed tools often allow for advanced technical setups: How to set up TAS for Breath of the Wild BonusBloom YouTube• Apr 14, 2024

Here’s a solid, search-engine-friendly post analyzing the “BOTW update 160 2021” — clarifying what it was, what it actually did, and why it still matters.


Q: Does this update add anything for Tears of the Kingdom?

A: No. However, some players theorized Nintendo used 1.6.0 to test cross-game save detection for Tears of the Kingdom (e.g., unlocking a paraglider fabric). That never materialized.


2. What the 1.6.0 Update Actually Contained

Unlike major DLC updates (1.3.0 added Master Trials, 1.4.0 added Champions’ Ballad), 1.6.0 was a stability and compatibility patch:

  • Added support for Save Data Cloud backup (Nintendo Switch Online)
  • Minor bug fixes
  • Likely prepared the game for Breath of the Wild 2 (later named Tears of the Kingdom) save data detection (though unconfirmed)

📅 Release context

  • Released: June 2021
  • File size: ~500–600 MB (surprisingly large for a “minor” patch)
  • Preceded by: Ver. 1.5.0 (2019 – added Chinese/Korean support and Master Cycle Zero summon fix)