Spirit Tracks and Lokomo

Lore & Background

Long ago, the ancient Lokomo built the Spirit Tracks to facilitate travel across the human kingdom, with the Tower of Spirits at the network's heart. The Lokomo are the descendants of the Spirits of Good, not spirits who took physical form. They were created by the Spirits of Good specifically to guard the Spirit Tracks and the Tower of Spirits, and they have always been present as protectors and keepers of the sacred songs that powered the trains.

The tracks were so integral to the land's stability that their corruption caused monsters to appear across Hyrule, but the kingdom was not overrun by a malevolent force nor turned into a desolate wasteland. The Lokomo are distinct for their unique appearance and their deep connection to music; however, it is the hero, Link, who plays the Spirit Flute as a tool of creation and restoration. Unlike other races in Hyrule, they are physical beings who can interact with the spirit world.

Their history is one of guardianship rather than retreat; the Lokomo were always present as guardians, guiding the hero when danger returns. The restoration of the Spirit Tracks is not just a logistical feat but a spiritual resurrection. By relighting the towers that power the tracks, the hero, guided by the Lokomo and the spirit of Princess Zelda, re-establishes the flow of energy that sustains the land, reaffirming the ancient pact between the people of Hyrule and the guardians who watch over them, proving that faith and courage can rebuild even the most broken connections.

Reader's Guide

The lore of New Hyrule centers on a time when the Spirit Tracks served as the vital artery connecting the human world with the realm of spirits. This network was maintained by the Lokomo, an ancient race dedicated to protecting the Royal Family and ensuring the safe passage of souls. When the tracks mysteriously vanished, the kingdom fell into chaos, allowing a great evil to consume the land and sever the connection between life and death. The narrative follows Link, now a train engineer, who teams up with the spirit form of Princess Zelda to relight the Spirit Towers scattered across the map.

Each tower acts as a node that restores a section of the tracks, allowing travel to new regions and reawakening the dormant Lokomo spirits. The restoration process is deeply tied to music; the Spirit Flute is used to solve puzzles, communicate with spirits, and ultimately drive the train forward. As the hero progresses, it becomes clear that the return of the Spirit Tracks is a prerequisite for the Lokomo to fully reappear and aid in the final battle.

The story emphasizes themes of legacy, as Link must honor the past to secure the future, and the enduring power of music to bridge gaps between worlds. The climax involves the full restoration of the tracks, allowing the spirits to return and helping to defeat the primary antagonist, thereby restoring balance to Hyrule.

Did You Know?

• Unlike previous games where the hero travels on foot or horseback, this adventure features a fully functional steam train as the primary mode of transportation.
• Contrary to popular belief, the Lokomo do not wear masks; they have visible faces and are known for their distinctive, expressive appearances.