The Champions’ Ballad DLC requires version 1.5.0 or higher. 1.6.0 is the final, most compatible version.
Based on the information gathered, BotW Update 1.6.0 still works, but with some limitations. While the update has improved the game's stability and performance, it's essential to note that some issues may still arise.
The real-world results of this data-handling shift are dramatic, effectively cutting loading times down by 30% to 50% across the board: Older Versions (v1.5.0 and prior) Update 1.6.0 (and later) Time Saved / Performance Gain ~27 seconds ~14.5 seconds 46% Faster (12.5s saved) Dako Tah Shrine Warp ~16 seconds ~10 seconds 37% Faster (6s saved) Entering Shrines ~8 seconds ~6 seconds 21% Faster (2s saved) Impact on the Speedrunning Community botw update 160 work
To be fully comprehensive, it's important to note that Nintendo has released further updates for Breath of the Wild as recently as 2025 and early 2026. These are to be confused with the 2019 1.6.0 patch and are far more minor:
Depending on your platform, follow these steps to ensure the update is properly installed and functioning: Nintendo Switch (Standard Console) Highlight the BotW icon on your Home Menu and press the Software Update Via the Internet to download the latest files. The Champions’ Ballad DLC requires version 1
Whether you are looking to dust off your Labo goggles or want a smoother, faster open-world experience on retail hardware or emulators like Cemu or Eden Emulator , Update 1.6.0 remains the gold standard foundation for stability and core functionality. Core Features: What Does Update 1.6.0 Do? 🕶️ Nintendo Labo VR Support
Updates were crucial for integrating the "Master Trials" and "The Champions' Ballad" DLC smoothly. Does BotW Update 1.6.0 Still Work in 2026? While the update has improved the game's stability
The exact you see (e.g., black screen, crashing on launch)
: Place your base game files, the official 1.6.0 update files, and any DLC folders inside this directory.