How to Read the Legend of Zelda in Order?
The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved franchise for decades, with a vast array of games that can be overwhelming for new players. With the release of Breath of the Wild, a new generation of gamers is eager to dive into the world of Hyrule, but where do they start? In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to play the Legend of Zelda series in order, including the chronological order, the release order, and the easiest games for beginners.
Chronological Order
The Legend of Zelda series has a complex timeline, with multiple timelines and parallel universes. The most widely accepted timeline is the Child Timeline, which is the result of the events in Majora’s Mask. The chronological order of the games is as follows:
- Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 3DS)
- Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64, 3DS)
- Twilight Princess (GameCube, Wii, HD)
- The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance)
- Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS)
- Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS)
- Skyward Sword (Wii)
- Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch, Wii U)
This order makes sense because the events of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask set the stage for the rest of the series, while Twilight Princess takes place in an alternate timeline. The games that follow are all connected by the Child Timeline.
Release Order
If you want to play the games in the order they were released, the sequence is:
- The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, 1987)
- A Link to the Past (SNES, 1991)
- Link’s Awakening (Game Boy, 1993)
- Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
- Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64, 2000)
- The Wind Waker (GameCube, 2002)
- The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
- Twilight Princess (GameCube, Wii, 2006)
- Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS, 2007)
- Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS, 2009)
- Skyward Sword (Wii, 2011)
- Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch, Wii U, 2017)
This order allows you to experience the evolution of the series and the innovations introduced in each game.
Easiest Games for Beginners
If you’re new to the Legend of Zelda series, you may want to start with the easier games. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – This game is an excellent starting point, as it’s more accessible to new players and features a more intuitive gameplay mechanic.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – This game is a classic and features a more traditional Zelda gameplay experience.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – This game is a classic and features a more challenging gameplay experience.
Table: Legend of Zelda Games in Order
| Game | Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | 1986 | NES |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 1987 | NES |
| A Link to the Past | 1991 | SNES |
| Link’s Awakening | 1993 | Game Boy |
| Ocarina of Time | 1998 | Nintendo 64 |
| Majora’s Mask | 2000 | Nintendo 64 |
| The Wind Waker | 2002 | GameCube |
| The Minish Cap | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| Twilight Princess | 2006 | GameCube, Wii |
| Phantom Hourglass | 2007 | Nintendo DS |
| Spirit Tracks | 2009 | Nintendo DS |
| Skyward Sword | 2011 | Wii |
| Breath of the Wild | 2017 | Nintendo Switch, Wii U |
In conclusion, the Legend of Zelda series is a beloved franchise with a rich history and complex timeline. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned veteran, there are many ways to experience the games in order. The chronological order provides a sense of continuity and story, while the release order allows you to experience the evolution of the series. For beginners, the easiest games to start with are Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time, and A Link to the Past.