The Legend of Zelda series, a cornerstone of gaming history, has captivated players for decades with its immersive worlds and compelling narratives. From its 8-bit origins on the NES to the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Zelda franchise has evolved significantly, amassing a dedicated fanbase worldwide. However, the series’ complex and often convoluted timeline has left many players puzzled. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the Zelda timeline, exploring each branch and placing the games in chronological order.
Link freefalling in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.Link descending from the sky in Tears of the Kingdom. Image courtesy of Nintendo.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order: Understanding the Difference
While playing the Zelda games in their release order provides a sense of the franchise’s evolution, it doesn’t offer a clear picture of the narrative chronology. Understanding the timeline requires delving into the intricate connections between the games, acknowledging the existence of three distinct timelines branching from the pivotal Ocarina of Time. Let’s first examine the release order of the main series entries, excluding spin-offs and non-canonical titles.
- The Legend of Zelda (1987)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1988)
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1992)
- 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 (2001)
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (2001)
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)
- 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)
Navigating the Three Timelines
The complexity of the Zelda timeline stems from the time-traveling mechanics of Ocarina of Time. This pivotal game creates three distinct branches: the Child Timeline, the Adult Timeline, and the Fallen Hero Timeline.
The Legend of the Goddesses and the Hero
The timeline begins with a unified narrative:
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
From Ocarina of Time, the timeline diverges based on the outcome of Link’s battle with Ganondorf.
The Child Timeline
This timeline emerges after Link defeats Ganon in Ocarina of Time and is sent back to his childhood by Zelda. He warns the princess of the impending danger, averting Ganon’s rise to power.
Link pulling sword from stone.Link obtains the Master Sword in a pivotal moment in the Zelda timeline. Image courtesy of Nintendo.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
The Adult Timeline
In this timeline, Link, after being sent back in time, doesn’t warn Zelda about Ganondorf. This absence leads to Ganondorf’s reign and the eventual flooding of Hyrule.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
The Fallen Hero Timeline
This darker timeline arises from Link’s defeat against Ganon in Ocarina of Time. Ganon obtains the Triforce, but is subsequently sealed within the Sacred Realm by Zelda and the people of Hyrule.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons (can be played in either order)
- The Legend of Zelda
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
The Enigma of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
The placement of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom within the established timeline remains ambiguous. Nintendo has intentionally left their exact position open to interpretation, suggesting they exist far in the future, potentially at the end of one or all timelines, or perhaps even in a unified timeline.
Zelda and Link discover something in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.Link and Zelda exploring ancient ruins in Tears of the Kingdom. Image courtesy of Nintendo.
While theories abound, their true placement remains a mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving Legend of Zelda saga. Ultimately, the placement of these two games remains a captivating debate for fans to ponder.
Conclusion
The Legend of Zelda timeline, while complex, provides a fascinating framework for understanding the connections between the games. By exploring each branch and recognizing the significance of Ocarina of Time, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich lore and intricate storytelling of this iconic franchise. While questions remain regarding the placement of the latest entries, the ongoing discussion and speculation contribute to the enduring legacy of The Legend of Zelda.
