Nintendo has released update 1.4.3 for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, addressing a frustrating bug that prevented players from obtaining the Hinox Monster Medal. The update, which rolled out Tuesday, February 18, 2026, is available for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch consoles. This patch arrives alongside an update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, demonstrating Nintendo’s continued support for both titles.
For dedicated players tracking their progress through Hyrule, the Hinox Monster Medal is a collectible reward for defeating specific monster types. The recent update specifically targets an issue where the Black Hinox within Hyrule Castle would incorrectly register as undefeated, even after being vanquished. This glitch blocked players from claiming the corresponding medal, hindering completionist efforts. The Tears of the Kingdom 1.4.3 update resolves this issue, allowing players to finally earn the reward.
Beyond the fix for the Hinox Monster Medal, Nintendo stated that “several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.” However, the company did not provide a detailed list of these additional changes, leaving players to discover the improvements through gameplay. This approach is not uncommon for Nintendo, which often bundles smaller fixes and optimizations into broader updates.
What’s New in the Tears of the Kingdom 1.4.3 Update?
The core focus of this update is resolving the Hinox Medal bug. According to Nintendo’s official patch notes, downloading the update data will enable players to obtain the Hinox Monster Medal if they have previously defeated the Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle but were unable to claim the reward. This fix is particularly welcome for players striving for 100% completion of the game’s various challenges and collectibles.
The Nintendo Switch 2, released alongside Tears of the Kingdom, offers an enhanced experience compared to the original Switch. Features include smoother framerates, faster load times, and enhanced resolution and textures, as detailed on Nintendo’s official website. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition also includes access to ZELDA NOTES, a game-specific service available through the Nintendo Switch app for active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
Impact on Gameplay and Player Experience
While the specific details of the “several other issues” addressed in the update remain undisclosed, any improvements to gameplay are likely to be appreciated by the game’s dedicated fanbase. Tears of the Kingdom, a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild, allows players to explore the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious floating islands above. The game emphasizes player freedom and encourages experimentation with Link’s abilities to overcome challenges.
The simultaneous update for Breath of the Wild, version 1.9.0, suggests Nintendo is committed to maintaining both titles. Patch notes for Breath of the Wild’s update can be found here. This continued support is a positive sign for fans of the Zelda franchise, demonstrating Nintendo’s dedication to refining and enhancing its popular games.
Looking Ahead
Nintendo has not announced any further planned updates for Tears of the Kingdom at this time. However, given the game’s complexity and the ongoing feedback from players, additional patches addressing minor bugs or quality-of-life improvements are possible. Players can stay informed about future updates by regularly checking Nintendo’s official website and social media channels.
The release of update 1.4.3 for Tears of the Kingdom is a welcome improvement for players who encountered the Hinox Medal bug. It’s a reminder that even after a game’s initial launch, developers continue to refine and improve the experience based on player feedback. What are your thoughts on the update? Share your experiences in the comments below.
