How to play the Zelda games in order, by story timeline or release

As someone who has been following The Legend of Zelda series for over three decades now, I must say that the recent releases, Breath of the Wild and its upcoming sequel Tears of the Kingdom, have truly rekindled my love for this timeless franchise.

The order and placement of events within the Zelda series, a subject that has sparked heated discussions among fans for quite some time, has been clarified by Nintendo. Now, it’s clear where games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fall in this timeline.

It turns out they’re placed separately from the other games in the series.

Take a look at the recent post on X, which was previously known as Twitter, for an officially confirmed timeline of Zelda that they’ve shared below.

How about this for a rephrase: “That sounds great, but let’s discuss where The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom falls within the series. In what order should one play the Zelda games?

New Zelda timeline places Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom seperate from older games

— Vooks (@vooksdotnet) August 31, 2024

We’re here to help.

We’ve given explaining it all a go and you will find both ways to play all the main Zelda games detailed out for you below – release order and timeline chronological order!

How to play the Zelda games in release order

For many ongoing series, determining the proper sequence to play the games can sometimes get confusing, especially when aiming for a story-based chronology. However, if you desire to follow the traditional path taken by most Zelda series enthusiasts, enjoying the main installments in their order of release is an option. Here’s how:

The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (2004)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007)
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (2009)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (2013)
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (2015)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024)

It’s important to mention that games like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020), Cadence of Hyrule (2019), and many others are not included in the list because they are considered spin-offs instead of main series entries. A good way to identify a spin-off is by recognizing that it wasn’t solely developed by Nintendo.

Read more on Tears of the Kingdom:

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Shrines – key locations
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Skyview Tower locations – fill in the map
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Master Sword – how to get it back
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Hylian Shield – where to find it
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Green Tunic – get the look
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Paraglider – location revealed
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Geoglyph locations – memories found
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Korok Seed locations – seeds unearthed
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Great Fairy Fountain locations
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Lynel locations – they’re back
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Dungeons – key details
How long is Zelda Tears of the Kingdom? Hours needed
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom review – our final verdict
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom cast – voice actors revealed
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch – custom console
Zelda Netflix series – rumours explained

How to play the Zelda games in chronological order

To put it simply, navigating the storylines of The Legend of Zelda series isn’t always easy, as opinions vary widely on the best sequence for playing through this extensive collection of games.

The games encompass multiple, distinct timelines, making it challenging to establish a universally accepted playing sequence due to their complexity.

Let me briefly discuss the essential storylines – the Child, Adult, and Fallen Hero arcs, which I will elaborate on later.

Additionally, there are certain games set prior to the division into distinct timeframes, a term we’re referring to as the Pre-Sequel Timeline for convenience.

If you want to enjoy the story of these games the most, we recommend following this sequence for the best experience. Start with Skyward Sword, followed by Echoes of Wisdom, and finally Tears of the Kingdom. Give it a glance below for our suggested order:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Prequel Timeline)

Released: 2011

Platform: Wii/Switch

One consistent aspect among fans of The Legend of Zelda series is recognizing Skyward Sword as a pivotal starting point for the overarching storyline, as it delves deeper into the past compared to any other main installment in the series.

This installment sets numerous crucial elements for the franchise, making it unlikely that any subsequent main series game will delve as deeply into the past as this one does. However, it would certainly be exciting if we were to find out otherwise!

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Prequel Timeline)

Released: 2004

Platform: Game Boy Advance

In the Zelda series chronology, The Minish Cap fits neatly between Skyward Sword and Four Swords. What sets this game apart is its distinctive feature where Link, our protagonist, gets transformed into a tiny creature resembling a bug. This allows him to mingle with a fascinating race known as the Minish.

If you prefer well-known video games, you might choose to pass on this one, but keep in mind that you could be overlooking something special – the reviews for The Minish Cap were quite positive. Therefore, we suggest trying it out if you haven’t played it yet.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (Prequel Timeline)

Released: 2002

Platform: Game Boy Advance (bundled with A Link To The Past)

This small multiplayer game shares many characteristics with The Minish Cap in terms of their placement within the broader Legend of Zelda narrative – they both precede most well-known and contemporary titles, essentially!

As far as the story goes, there’s a considerable time difference between The Minish Cap and Four Swords. However, no game bridges this gap, so you can focus on enjoying each title without worrying too much about the timeline in between.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Child and Adult timelines)

Released: 1998

Platform: N64/3DS

Indeed, we talked about the various timelines associated with Zelda, didn’t we? It was during Nintendo 64’s Ocarina of Time that the timeline division initially took place. This game exists within both Child and Adult timelines, making things a bit puzzling as we move forward.

Here begins another age-old conflict with Ganondorf, and it’s the actions of Princess Zelda that set events into motion. By sending Link back through time, she unknowingly altered the course of Zelda’s history forever.

After Ocarina of Time, the chronology divides into three distinct phases: The Fallen Hero, where our hero has been defeated, and the Child and Adult timelines, representing instances where our hero triumphs in two separate timeframes.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Child Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2000

Platform: N64/3DS

Generally speaking, following his temporal displacement from Hyrule, Link opted for a temporary absence. It was during this hiatus that he found himself entangled in a recurring time loop, reliving the same three days repeatedly.

At the close of the game, he heads back home, thereafter joining the ranks of the Hylian army. The storyline of this game unfolds in the Child timeline and is often associated with its haunting lunar image.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Child Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2006

Platform: GameCube/Wii/Wii U

Moving forward with the Child’s chronology, it becomes even more puzzling to determine its exact position due to the presence of two different versions of Link in the narrative. It seems as though the situation is becoming increasingly complex!

In this version, although Ganondorf appears to meet his demise, it’s not permanent – he gets killed off in this installment, yet he resurfaces in another form in the following game.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (Child Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2004

Platform: GameCube

Moving on to the final game within the Child timeline, let’s discuss. In Four Sword Adventures, Ganondorf makes his return, following the original Game Boy Advance game. This sequel concludes the Four Swords saga. However, there is much debate regarding its placement in the overall storyline.

Previously, there were assumptions that it shared a connection with “Link to the Past,” but the introduction of the Child timeline altered those beliefs significantly. Moreover, this version sees the demise of Vaati, making it an exciting exploration for those yet to experience it!

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Adult Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2002

Platform: GameCube/Wii U

Step into our adult-focused narrative! Time has marched on for centuries past when Link was transported in Ocarina, leaving no guardian to safeguard the realm. In this gap, Ganon wreaked substantial havoc.

In my humble opinion, the creators chose a captivating twist by having the goddesses submerge and drown Hyrule, the legendary landmark, plunging it into the abyss of the ocean. From a narrative standpoint, this installment in the Zelda series truly ranks among the finest, offering an engaging tale that keeps viewers hooked.

In the game Wind Waker, we meet a fresh Link, who’s been brought up listening to stories about the ancient heroic Link (the one who was sent back in time as depicted in Ocarina). As the story unfolds in this game, our new protagonist matures and takes center stage within the series for a while.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Adult Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2007

Platform: DS/Wii U

In the final game, Link and Tetra ventured out seeking a fresh dominion, but fate had other plans for them; they were unfortunate victims of a shipwreck in Phantom Hourglass, leading to a series of complications – a turn of events that is all too common.

This game, quite unusual, seems to be more like a mini-adventure rather than a substantial addition to the series. It doesn’t significantly alter the storyline and most of it unfolds within a dream. Ideal for those who prefer not to delve into every installment!

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Adult Timeline – Hero is triumphant)

Released: 2009

Platform: DS/Wii U

In this game, the backdrop is a new iteration of Hyrule, belonging to the adult timeline, approximately a century following the occurrences in the last game. Noteworthy, it presents the first opportunity for players to control Zelda herself!

Here, Cole serves as the primary antagonist, in a sense, as he’s under the control of a revived Ganon – a trait he often exhibits. This game is particularly significant because it concludes the Adult timeline storyline, making it an essential one to experience.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Fallen Hero Timeline)

Released: 1991

Platform: SNES

After leaving the Adult storyline, let’s shift our focus to another – this is referred to as the Fallen Hero Timeline or ‘The Defeated Hero’ timeline by fans. We dive into this narrative several years following Link’s defeat at the hands of Ganondorf. This timeline is thought to be a hidden alternate ending to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

It’s clear that this game was released quite some time ago, and with numerous prequels following its 1991 debut, it has gradually moved further back in chronology. This specific title is distinguished by a significant scene where Link touches the Tristone, which reverses much of the destruction wrought on the world by Ganon up until then.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Fallen Hero Timeline)

Released: 1993 / remade in 2019

Platform: Game Boy / Nintendo Switch

Initially conceived as a direct follow-up to A Link to the Past, Nintendo has sparked some perplexity by suggesting that this game might occur in any timeline where Link has vanquished Ganon, implying that there are several possible settings to choose from.

However, while the plot and overall flow might not be the main focus here, it’s still an enjoyable game for many players, making it engaging no matter when you decide to start playing.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (Fallen Hero Timeline)

Released: 2001

Platform: Game Boy Color

This game, too, sparks debate about its classification due to a touch of dialog that led to some misunderstandings. However, the majority concur that it shares a connection with A Link to the Past in some capacity.

In this game, it’s established that Link has previously conquered Triforce Tower (Tristone), which serves as a significant hint. Moreover, it’s almost certain that he has vanquished Ganon at least once, possibly on multiple occasions!

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Fallen Hero Timeline)

Released: 2013

Platform: 3DS

This game offers even more intrigue! It incorporates a wealth of tales drawn from numerous games across different eras, making it flexible enough for potential rearrangement.

To put it simply, it seems this game aligns well with the Fallen series timeline, and its title hints that it might be a blend of elements from different sources.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (Fallen Hero Timeline)

Released: 2015

Platform: 3DS

This game, similar to others in the Zelda series, can be effortlessly overlooked without losing any essential details about its intricate lore. It’s a title that hasn’t garnered much enthusiasm from fans, with some even questioning whether it qualifies as a main Zelda game altogether.

If you prefer, feel free to give it a try since it aligns with the Fallen timeline. However, skipping it isn’t something you should regret.

The Legend of Zelda (Fallen Hero Timeline – Era of Decline)

Released: 1986

Platform: NES

It’s quite intriguing that the very first game in the Zelda series, which was launched as far back as 1986, actually falls among the more contemporary games in terms of the series timeline.

Known as “The Hyrule Fantasy,” this game stars Link on a quest for the Triforce following Hyrule’s destruction and the dominance of monsters across the land. You can enjoy this title, along with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (and some more) by subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Fallen Hero Timeline – Era of Decline)

Released: 1987

Platform: NES

Though it came out just a year following the initial release, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is set three years after the events depicted in the original game and serves as its direct sequel, making it straightforward to locate it within the series’ chronology.

It’s worth mentioning that some people believe this series has reached a point in time further than any other, and there are valid points to support that claim. Our stance is that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild occurs thousands of years later, not only because playing BOTW after this game feels as different as you can possibly get in every aspect, but also because of the narrative and gameplay changes it introduces.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW timeline)

Released: 2016

Platform: Wii U/Nintendo Switch

The latest revival of this popular franchise has been praised as one of the best games ever made – an accolade it truly earns. In terms of chronology, Nintendo has disclosed that it exists within its own timeline, side by side with its upcoming sequel, “Tears of the Kingdom.

We’re calling it the BotW timeline.

By the way, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity occurs right before Breath of the Wild, though it’s not part of our main series list. If you haven’t played it yet, it might be an excellent prelude to your adventure, so consider giving it a spin just before you begin.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (BotW timeline)

Release date: 2023

Platform: Nintendo Switch

In the sequence of games in this franchise, we’re moving on to the next installment, which is the sequel to Breath of the Wild. Given that it’s a continuation, it wouldn’t be surprising if it didn’t, as Link and Zelda find themselves in a new situation following their past escapade. The game begins abruptly, dropping our protagonists into a fresh predicament right away.

Remarkably, the game incorporates flashbacks and personal recollections to share some accounts from the long-ago days of Hyrule. While we won’t give away any spoilers, fans who have followed the series throughout its journey should find these historical insights particularly engaging.

Where does The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom fit in the timeline?

Release date: 2024

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo is yet to officially reveal where Echoes of Wisdom fits into the Zelda timeline.

Considering the similar art style and portrayal of Ganon, Echoes of Wisdom seems to fit within the same timeline as Link’s Awakening, or at least in a sequence that follows the ‘Fallen Hero/Defeated Hero’ or A Link to the Past timeline.

Link is certainly defeated in the opening seconds of the trailer, at least!

As time progresses, it remains to be seen by us where exactly in its timeline the game is set, since Nintendo has yet to disclose this information officially.

2024-09-25 18:35