Do You Have to Play Zelda Switch Games in Order?
The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved franchise for decades, and with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch, new players are eager to dive into the world of Hyrule. But with so many games in the series, it’s natural to wonder: do you have to play the Zelda Switch games in order?
The Short Answer
No, you don’t have to play the Zelda Switch games in order. Each game in the series is designed to be a standalone experience, with its own unique story and gameplay mechanics. While there may be some connections between games, you can jump into any game in the series without feeling lost or confused.
The Long Answer
While it’s true that you don’t have to play the Zelda Switch games in order, there are some benefits to playing them in chronological order. Here’s a brief overview of the series:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017): This game is set hundreds of years after the events of the previous games and follows Link as he awakens from a deep sleep to find a world in ruins.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): This game is set in the 3D era of the series and follows Link as he travels through time to prevent the evil Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce of Power.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000): This game is set in the same time period as Ocarina of Time and follows Link as he relives the same three days over and over to prevent a disaster from occurring.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006): This game is set in a dark, alternate version of Hyrule and follows Link as he battles to save the world from the Twilight Realm.
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011): This game is set in the early days of the series and follows Link as he battles to save the world from the evil Demise.
Playing the Games in Order
If you do choose to play the Zelda Switch games in order, here’s a rough timeline of the series:
| Game | Release Year | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time | 1998 | Ganondorf’s rise to power |
| Majora’s Mask | 2000 | The events of Ocarina of Time |
| Twilight Princess | 2006 | The aftermath of Ocarina of Time |
| Skyward Sword | 2011 | The early days of the series |
| Breath of the Wild | 2017 | The aftermath of the events of the previous games |
Playing the Games Out of Order
If you prefer to play the Zelda Switch games out of order, here are some benefits to consider:
- Unique Storylines: Each game in the series has its own unique storyline, so you can jump into any game without feeling like you’re missing out on important plot points.
- Different Gameplay Mechanics: Each game in the series has its own unique gameplay mechanics, so you can experience different ways of playing the game.
- No Spoilers: Playing the games out of order means you won’t have any spoilers for the previous games, so you can experience the story and gameplay without any prior knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s true that you don’t have to play the Zelda Switch games in order, there are some benefits to playing them in chronological order. However, each game in the series is designed to be a standalone experience, so you can jump into any game without feeling lost or confused. Whether you play the games in order or out of order, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the world of Hyrule.