Are you ready to explore the Legend of Zelda universe? Great choice. The world is vast and magical. It contains quirky characters, and cunning puzzles. With almost thirty games, starting can feel overwhelming, like facing Ganon without heart containers.
I. Recommendations: Your Hyrule Adventure Begins Here
Good news, brave adventurer! Zelda is designed for all fans. You can start anywhere and have a blast. Each game tells a legend told around a Hyrule campfire. As CBR points out, you may start with nearly “any Zelda game”.
A. Any Zelda Game is a Good Starting Point
Do not overthink it. Some might argue for specific games, but Zelda titles are created to be independent. Each offers a self-contained story. Link and Princess Zelda confront new, sometimes world-ending, threats. So, pick one you like. Maybe you like the cover art? Perhaps a friend recommended one? Trust your instincts!
B. Beginner-Friendly Games: Clear Paths into Hyrule
Okay, I understand. “Any game” can feel daunting. If you want some more directed options, here are games often called great entry points. Consider these your starting swords.
- Ocarina of Time: A Timeless Classic
Ocarina of Time is legendary. Many credit it as the gold standard for 3D adventures. It provides a wonderful story, memorable characters, and classic gameplay. This makes exploring other games easier, as many Zelda fans agree. Also, riding Epona for the first time across Hyrule Field feels magical.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: A Modern Masterpiece
Next comes Breath of the Wild. This game shook the gaming world, defining open-world adventures. It’s still labeled by PCMag as “the best game on the system.” For incredible freedom to explore, Breath of the Wild has no equal. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for?
- The Wind Waker: Sailing the Great Sea
Want a whimsical experience? Try Wind Waker. Its charming graphics and sailing adventure make it an amazing entry point. Especially for new fans seeking a lighter experience. Who wouldn’t want to sail with a talking boat?
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD: The Origin Story
If you seek the beginning, Skyward Sword HD is solid. It tells Link and Zelda’s story as childhood friends. It explores the ancient origins of the universe. It’s more linear than others but offers a fantastic story and lore. The HD remake improves visuals and controls.
C. Tailoring Your Start: Consider Your Gaming Preferences
Still uncertain? Let’s get personal. Are you drawn to classic, top-down 2D games? Titles like A Link to the Past or Link’s Awakening? Then, start with those. They are charming and filled with clever puzzles.
Prefer strictly 3D games? That’s fine! Stick with them. Recommended order in 3D is often Ocarina of Time, then Majora’s Mask, followed by Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and lastly, Skyward Sword. This path shows the evolution of 3D Zelda gameplay.
II. Breath of the Wild (BotW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TotK): A Linked Saga?
Now, let’s discuss the notable duo: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These two games are closely linked, set in the same Hyrule with a continuing story. Naturally, the question arises:
A. Should You Play BotW First?
The quick answer? Yes, that’s recommended.
- Why Play BotW First? There Are Many Reasons!
Nintendo says you *can* play Tears of the Kingdom without Breath of the Wild. But it’s like starting a film series with the second movie. You *can* do that, but you miss context and emotional impact. As players have noted, “it’s best to play BotW first for story appreciation.” Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel.
Experiencing Breath of the Wild first helps you grasp the character evolution and state of Hyrule. You learn Link and Zelda’s relationship and the overarching threat they face. This knowledge boosts your enjoyment of Tears of the Kingdom. Imagine seeing a character return without knowing their significance. Awkward, right?
Gameplay-wise, Tears of the Kingdom “builds on Breath of the Wild’s mechanics.” BotW helps you to grasp gameplay basics before the sequel introduces many abilities. It’s like walking before flying (or building flying machines, in this case).
Interestingly, some argue that playing BotW too close to TotK may spoil things. Polygon’s Johnny Yu suggests getting “too accustomed to BotW’s mechanics” could lead TotK to feel like DLC rather than a new game. Yet this concern is minor compared to grasping the story and world.
Also, the world itself matters! “Breath of the Wild’s Map Sets the Stage for TotK.” As both utilize the same Hyrule, playing BotW first helps you know its layout, locations, and changes in TotK. It offers familiarity while exploring the evolved Hyrule.
- Playing TotK First: A Path Less Common (But Possible)
Maybe you are a rebel. You may have dived into Tears of the Kingdom already, as it’s shiny and new. Worry not! “You can enjoy TotK even without playing BotW.” The core experience is fantastic. “Story-wise, you won’t need to play BotW first” for basic comprehension of TotK.
B. The “Going Back” Issue: Why Starting with TotK May Spoil BotW
If you start with Tears of the Kingdom, there may be a “point of no return.” Seasoned players suggest that “if you begin with TotK, you won’t go back to BotW afterward.” Tears of the Kingdom “expands massively on BotW’s map and abilities.” Transitioning from TotK’s vast freedom back to BotW might “feel bland.” It’s like moving from a sports car to a spaceship and trying to drive a regular car again. It’s still a car, but… you get it.
The advice stands clear: “Since both games offer…
incredible games, I would suggest you try both! Start with BotW, then play TotK. Experience them in order and enjoy the evolution.
III. Order of Playing Zelda Games: Release or Chronological?
You might wonder about the *overall* order of Zelda games. Two main methods exist:
A. Release Order: A Historical Journey
Playing in “release order” feels like a historical tour through Zelda’s history. Begin with the first The Legend of Zelda from 1986 (prepare for charm!), then proceed to Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (different!), A Link to the Past (SNES classic!), Link’s Awakening (Game Boy gem!), Ocarina of Time (N64 masterpiece!), Majora’s Mask (dark N64!), and so on. A quick search reveals the full “release order” for all the games, with sites like Screen Rant providing detailed guides.
This order shows how the series evolved, reflecting graphical leaps, gameplay shifts, and storytelling changes. It’s an engaging way to experience the Zelda legacy.
B. Chronological Order: Unraveling the Timeline
Then we have “chronological order.” This is complicated. The Zelda timeline is famous for its twists, with branches and debated placements. However, “chronologically speaking, the earliest game in the Zelda series is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.” This game reveals the origins of the Zelda universe, showing “that Zelda is a reincarnated goddess — the goddess Hylia, original protector of the Triforce.”
Playing in chronological order appeals to lore fans, but it’s less ideal for newcomers. Release order offers smoother gameplay and avoids spoilers for later games while being earlier in release.
IV. Factors to Consider When Choosing a First Game: Difficulty? Graphics?
A. Difficulty: Beware the Black Sheep
Let’s discuss difficulty. Most Zelda games provide a fair challenge, but one title stands out in sheer, often frustrating, difficulty: “Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link.” This game is called “the hardest offering to bear the series’ name” and is viewed as “the black sheep of the franchise.” It differs from other titles, featuring side-scrolling platforming and tough combat. Save this one for later, after exploring other Zelda adventures.
V. General Zelda Knowledge: Need-to-Know Basics
A. Standalone Stories: Jump In Anywhere, Really!
Keep in mind, “the events of each game [are] mostly standalone.” While recurring characters, themes, and locations exist, each game tells its own tale. “Though playing earlier games may aid understanding of lore, this is not necessary to enjoy the experience.” So don’t feel pressured to play them in a fixed order for story comprehension.
B. Playable Character: Always (Mostly) Link
“Yes, you (almost) always play as Link.” You don the green tunic (or blue Champion’s Tunic today) of hero Link in nearly all Zelda games. But as noted, “you can play in any order—and each title differs for various reasons.”
C. Game Count: A Growing Legend
The Zelda franchise is vast! It “currently features 29 video games,” including “original titles, ports, remakes, and collections.” That’s a large amount of Hyrule to discover!
D. BotW and TotK Timeline Placement: Way, Way in the Future
Interestingly, “Nintendo’s website positions Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at the timeline’s end,” and they are “currently detached from all other games.” This somewhat separates them from the wider Zelda chronology, highlighting their standalone nature at times.
E. Game Relationships: Sequels and Standalones
“Some games are sequels to prior games, and those should be played in order,” like Ocarina of Time with Majora’s Mask, or Breath of the Wild with Tears of the Kingdom. “But overall, the order isn’t crucial” for most of the franchise.
F. Accessibility: Zelda on the Go (and at Home)
Good news for portability lovers! “You can find every Zelda game (except 4 swords I think) on just 3DS and WiiU.” While the Wii U might be retired, the 3DS remains fantastic for a large part of the Zelda library. And naturally, the Nintendo Switch serves as the current Zelda powerhouse, hosting many titles including the latest masterpieces.
VI. Beyond the Main Games: Expanding Your Zelda Universe
Want to explore deeper? Check out these additions:
- Age of Calamity: BotW Prequel Lore
If you’re invested in the BotW/TotK storyline, “Age of Calamity contains crucial lore and character development that you’ll want to explore before starting Tears of the Kingdom.” It’s a prequel set 100 years before BotW, detailing the Great Calamity’s events. It’s a different genre (Musou action), but rich in plot.
- Four Swords: Multiplayer Mayhem
“Four Swords” is unique as it “can only be played with others (no single-player mode).” If friends join you and they are Zelda fans, this offers a fun, yet different, Zelda experience.
- Echoes of Wisdom: Zelda Takes Center Stage
And for something unique, keep an eye out for Echoes of Wisdom! Interestingly, it “Is Not A Sequel To Another Zelda Title” and features Princess Zelda as the playable hero! An exciting new direction for the series.
VII. Pro-Tip for BotW/TotK Newbies: Hearts vs. Stamina
A final piece of advice for those diving into Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom for the first time: “Choose hearts over stamina” early on. Stamina may be tempting for climbing and gliding, but extra hearts boost survivability in early combat against enemies. You can always re-spec later, but early hearts are crucial. Trust me.
This guide aims to help you start your Legend of Zelda journey. Pick a game that excites you, embrace the adventure, and prepare to be captivated by Hyrule’s magical world. Happy gaming!
