Building your dream roster in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment means mastering both story progression and optional challenges. You'll discover 20 unique fighters, from Princess Zelda wielding her legendary light blade to the mysterious Construct that transforms mid-battle. Some warriors join automatically through the main campaign, while others require completing demanding Scouting Challenges scattered across Hyrule.
How Character Unlocking Works
The game splits its roster into two distinct categories. Story characters become available as you advance through the main campaign, typically unlocking after major battles or chapter completions. Challenge characters hide behind optional Scouting Challenges that test your combat skills and strategic thinking.
You'll find Scouting Challenges marked with a person icon next to a plus symbol on your map. These missions become available as you progress, but don't expect them all at once. The game strategically gates these challenges to match your growing power level.
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Tip
Focus on story progression first. Many Scouting Challenges won't appear until you've reached specific campaign milestones.
Story Progression Characters
These eleven fighters join your cause through natural story advancement:
The Mysterious Construct stands out as the most versatile fighter, capable of switching between three weapon types and even taking flight during combat. Meanwhile, the four sages (Raphica, Qia, Agraston, and Ardi) each bring unique elemental powers tied to their respective Secret Stones.
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Scouting Challenge Characters
Eight additional warriors await behind optional challenges. Each mission has a recommended level, and attempting them underleveled leads to frustrating defeats.
Early Game Challenges (Chapters 3-4)
For Hyrule - Level 19 Requirement Unlocks: Quino This young Hylian soldier wields a massive Soldier's Claymore and specializes in defensive maneuvers. His Hurling Slash and Defensive Charge make him excellent for crowd control.
A Veteran's Return - Level 22 Requirement Unlocks: Lago A former Zora bodyguard who returned from retirement. His Heaventide Slash and Reversal Wave techniques showcase years of combat experience.
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Mid-Game Challenges (Chapter 4)
The Unsung Spearman - Level 28 Requirement Unlocks: Pinnec This Rito veteran brings aerial superiority with his Feathered Spear and devastating Vehement Charge attacks.
The Strength to Protect - Level 33 Requirement Unlocks: Cadlan A young Zora warrior aspiring to join Qia's personal guard. His spear techniques include Turbulent Flurry and Wheeling Crash for elemental damage.
Standing on Principle - Level 33 Requirement Unlocks: Sholani Born in the same tribe as Ardi, this Gerudo warrior chose to seek Rauru's aid. Her scimitar offers faster attacks than her claymore-wielding counterparts.
In Search of Power - Level 33 Requirement Unlocks: Ronza An independent Gerudo tribe leader seeking to restore her people's honor. Her massive claymore delivers crushing Leap and Slash combinations.
Warning
The three Level 33 challenges become available simultaneously. Prioritize based on your preferred weapon types.
Late Game Challenges (Chapter 4)
The Gourmand Goron - Level 36 Requirement Unlocks: Braton This young Goron left Death Mountain partly for adventure, partly for sampling exotic rocks. His sledgehammer delivers Blinding Thrust and Leaping Headbutt attacks.
A Lone Wolf's Pride - Level 38 Requirement Unlocks: Pastos The leader of an independent Goron faction who opposed the Hyrule alliance. His Cobble Crusher and Thrust and Plow attacks send enemies flying in spectacular fashion.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: All Characters & How to Unlock Them
Weapon Types and Combat Styles
Understanding each character's weapon specialization helps you build effective strategies:
One-Handed Weapons:Zelda, Mineru, Calamo, Typhan, Lago, Vence, Sholani Fast, balanced fighters perfect for beginners. Excellent combo potential with moderate damage output.
Two-Handed Weapons:Quino, Ronza, Braton, Pastos Heavy hitters with slower attacks but devastating damage. Ideal for breaking through enemy defenses.
Spears:Rauru, Qia, Pinnec, Cadlan, Braton Extended reach specialists. Perfect for maintaining distance while dealing consistent damage.
Bows:Raphica The only dedicated ranged fighter. Essential for aerial enemies and maintaining battlefield control.
Multi-Weapon:Mysterious Construct Unique shapeshifter capable of switching between one-handed, two-handed, and spear forms mid-combat.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment: All Characters & How to Unlock Them
Leveling Strategy for Challenges
Smart leveling ensures you can tackle Scouting Challenges as they become available:
Focus on Story First: Complete main missions to unlock new areas and characters before attempting optional content.
Use Multiple Characters: Rotating between fighters prevents over-reliance on single characters and helps you discover preferred playstyles.
Target Weak Points: Master the Weak-Point Smash system for massive damage bonuses and faster enemy defeats.
Sync Strike Mastery: Coordinate with AI partners for devastating combination attacks that clear entire enemy groups.
Your journey to unlock all 20 playable characters rewards both story completion and optional challenge mastery. Whether you prefer Zelda's balanced swordplay or Pastos's earth-shaking hammer strikes, each fighter brings unique strategies to Hyrule's ancient battlefields. Focus on story progression first, then systematically tackle Scouting Challenges as your power grows.