Do I Need to Play All Zelda Games to Play Breath of the Wild?
The Legend of Zelda series has a rich history spanning over three decades, with numerous games that have captivated gamers worldwide. With the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, many fans are wondering if they need to play all the previous Zelda games to fully appreciate the new installment. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide insights on how to approach the series.
The Zelda Timeline: A Brief Overview
Before diving into the main topic, it’s essential to understand the Zelda timeline. The series has multiple timelines, with some games sharing a common narrative thread. The three main timelines are:
- The Child Timeline: This timeline follows the events of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.
- The Adult Timeline: This timeline is a direct continuation of Ocarina of Time.
- The Downfall Timeline: This timeline is a result of the events in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.
Do I Need to Play All Zelda Games to Play Breath of the Wild?
The short answer is no, you don’t need to play all Zelda games to play Breath of the Wild. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can jump right into the adventure without prior knowledge of the series.
Breath of the Wild’s Story
Breath of the Wild takes place hundreds of years after the events of the previous Zelda games. The game’s story is focused on the protagonist, Link, who awakens from a deep sleep to find a world devastated by a catastrophic event known as the "Great Calamity." The game’s narrative is designed to be self-contained, with minimal references to previous games.
Can I Play Breath of the Wild Without Knowing the Zelda Series?
Yes, you can play Breath of the Wild without knowing the Zelda series. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can enjoy the game without prior knowledge of the series. The game’s world, characters, and story are all new and unique, making it an excellent starting point for new players.
What About the Zelda Games That Came Before Breath of the Wild?
While you don’t need to play all Zelda games to play Breath of the Wild, the games that came before it are still worth playing. Here’s a brief overview of the games that are relevant to Breath of the Wild:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: This game is a direct precursor to Breath of the Wild and shares some similarities with the game’s world and characters.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: This game is also connected to Ocarina of Time and shares some similarities with Breath of the Wild’s world and characters.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: This game is not directly connected to Breath of the Wild, but it shares some similarities with the game’s world and characters.
What Order Should I Play the Zelda Games In?
If you’re new to the Zelda series, here’s a suggested order to play the games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: This game is a classic and sets the stage for the series.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: This game is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time and shares some similarities with Breath of the Wild.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: This game is not directly connected to Breath of the Wild, but it shares some similarities with the game’s world and characters.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This game is the latest installment in the series and can be played without prior knowledge of the series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you don’t need to play all Zelda games to play Breath of the Wild. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can jump right into the adventure without prior knowledge of the series. However, the games that came before it are still worth playing, and the suggested order to play the games is:
- Ocarina of Time
- Majora’s Mask
- Twilight Princess
- Breath of the Wild
Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran of the series, Breath of the Wild is an excellent starting point for your Zelda journey.