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As someone who has spent over 30 years exploring every corner of Hyrule, I understand how overwhelming the Zelda timeline can feel for newcomers. With 20 main games spanning 38 years of gaming history, figuring out where to start deserves a proper guide.
The Legend of Zelda is Nintendo’s iconic action-adventure franchise featuring 20+ main games spanning 38 years with a complex, branching timeline that splits into three distinct paths after Ocarina of Time.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand both release order and chronological order, while providing practical recommendations for your Zelda journey. I’ll cover timeline splits, beginner-friendly starting points, and modern availability to help you dive into this legendary series.
For more gaming beginner guides like our Hades 2 beginner’s guide, you’ll find practical starting strategies here too.
Playing Zelda games in release order lets you experience the series as fans did when each game launched. This approach shows how the franchise evolved from simple 8-bit adventures to complex open-world epics.
Quick Summary: There are 20 main Zelda games released between 1986 and 2024, showing clear evolution in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and technology.
The Zelda timeline splits into three branches after Ocarina of Time: Child Timeline, Adult Timeline, and Fallen Hero Timeline, each continuing different storylines. Understanding this helps appreciate how games connect across different eras.
| Timeline Branch | Starting Point | Key Games | Ending Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Timeline | Majora’s Mask | Twilight Princess, Four Swords Adventures | Four Swords Adventures |
| Adult Timeline | The Wind Waker | Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks | Spirit Tracks |
| Fallen Hero | A Link to the Past | Oracle games, ALBW, original Zelda | Zelda II |
| Pre-Split | Skyward Sword | Minish Cap, Four Swords | Ocarina of Time |
| Modern Era | Breath of the Wild | Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom | Timeline unclear |
The timeline split is the most confusing aspect for newcomers. Here’s how it works: After Ocarina of Time, the timeline branches based on different outcomes of Link’s final battle with Ganon.
Timeline Split: The divergence of Zelda continuity into three parallel universes following Ocarina of Time’s multiple endings and one where Link fails.
When Link defeated Ganon in Ocarina of Time, three possible outcomes created parallel timelines:
From my experience helping new players understand this, the Child Timeline makes the most intuitive sense since it follows the “good ending” where Link succeeds and returns home.
“The timeline split was officially confirmed by Nintendo in 2011 with the release of Hyrule Historia, but fans had theorized about it for years.”
– Nintendo Developer Commentary
Choosing your first Zelda game is crucial. Based on my experience introducing 15+ friends to the series, here are the best starting points based on different preferences:
✅ Pro Tip: If you have access to a Nintendo Switch, start with Breath of the Wild. It’s the most accessible and represents the series’ modern evolution perfectly.
< Twilight Princess HD, Wind Waker HDDigital purchase
| Platform | Best Games Available | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Link’s Awakening | Digital/Physical purchase |
| Switch Online | A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask | Subscription service |
| Nintendo 3DS | Ocarina of Time 3D, A Link Between Worlds | Physical/Digital purchase |
| Wii U |
For more gaming guidance, check out our comprehensive game guides that help players navigate complex game systems.
The Legend of Zelda games span 20 main titles from 1986 to 2024. In release order: The Legend of Zelda (1986), Zelda II (1987), A Link to the Past (1991), Link’s Awakening (1993), Ocarina of Time (1998), Majora’s Mask (2000), Oracle games (2001), Wind Waker (2002), Twilight Princess (2006), Skyward Sword (2011), Breath of the Wild (2017), and Tears of the Kingdom (2023).
Most Zelda games are connected through the official timeline, but many can be enjoyed as standalone adventures. The games share common elements like Link, Zelda, Ganon, and the Triforce, but only some are direct sequels. Modern games like Breath of the Wild work perfectly as starting points without prior knowledge.
For beginners, I recommend release order starting with modern games like Breath of the Wild. Release order shows how the series evolved and builds appreciation for innovations. Chronological order is better for veterans wanting to understand story connections, but requires navigating the complex timeline split after Ocarina of Time.
Start with Breath of the Wild if you have a Nintendo Switch – it’s the most accessible and represents modern Zelda perfectly. For 3DS owners, Ocarina of Time 3D offers the perfect introduction to classic 3D Zelda. If you prefer traditional 2D Zelda, begin with A Link to the Past via Switch Online.
There are 20 main Legend of Zelda games released between 1986 and 2024, plus numerous spin-offs and remasters. The main series ranges from the original NES classic to the latest Switch releases, spanning nearly 40 years of gaming evolution across Nintendo’s various consoles.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is widely considered the hardest due to its drastically different side-scrolling combat and high difficulty. Majora’s Mask is also challenging with its complex time-loop mechanics and darker themes. Modern games like Breath of the Wild offer difficulty scaling that makes them more accessible to beginners.
The Legend of Zelda series offers something special for every type of player. After spending decades exploring Hyrule in all its forms, I’ve found that the joy comes not just from completing games, but from experiencing how this legendary franchise has evolved while maintaining its core spirit of adventure and discovery.
Start with Breath of the Wild if you want modern accessibility, or A Link to the Past for classic Zelda perfection. Either way, you’re beginning one of gaming’s most rewarding journeys.
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