How is the Zelda Timeline Structured?
The Zelda Timeline is incredibly complex and has three separate branching paths. In Legend of Zelda, those stories have unfolded through many iterations of Link's journey, but also showcase how the games continue to interweave those major elements that form the backbone of the franchise's universe. There's also an element of Time Travel that further complicates the chronological order.
All of this stems from a key point: the Hero of Time and the impact that Ocarina of Time (a key, core game that often serves as the linchpin that splits the Zelda universe in three parts - these are the Child Timeline, Adult Timeline, and Fallen Hero Timeline). While a Zelda Timeline Chart or Zelda Timeline Explained gives an easy overview - fans often struggle with the order of Zelda Games and their chronological placement.
Why is the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Timeline Important?
The Zelda franchise continues to push the boundaries, expanding with new releases as new titles continue to be produced for those dedicated fans. With The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom (released in 2017 and 2023, respectively) many are trying to determine where those titles fit into a Zelda Timeline Explained.
The reason that The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, specifically its TOTK Timeline Placement, has gained much attention - and discussion from those dedicated fans who are very aware of the Zelda universe is how this release has further challenged their understanding, and is the latest example of how Zelda Lore Explained is expanding and changing, along with offering those who are interested in playing in this franchise an intricate world.
What are the Most Recent Zelda Games in the Zelda Series Timeline?
While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more recently released games for Nintendo's popular series - it appears to break convention with how the Zelda timeline is organized. Zelda Game Timeline or Zelda Games By Release Date provides an understanding that some Zelda games do take place in those different, established timelines. In the latest Zelda releases, those fans have struggled to find where those titles are in that universe,
This series often tries to create a level of mystery around these events, with an expectation that the studio will deliver a set, fixed order to their timeline, but a new perspective is emerging as those who love Zelda. These include those titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom. In some instances, those titles that might be associated with a series of spin-offs ( like The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure ) do take place before some of those releases, like Breath of the Wild.
Does The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Have Any Connections To Previous Games?
Those familiar with the Zelda franchise - will have made connections with those past games. Especially when exploring the expansive map of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (these were released for the Switch - those titles will serve as an introduction to how this world appears. Many will even remark about how they recognise those locations from other games.
The series is, in fact, interconnected - offering audiences and Zelda fans a series of links to Zelda Game History. While it seems as if those key events in those games serve as an inspiration and have become a vital part of the Zelda legacy and a part of the larger world and the series - but those connections to the earlier iterations of this popular game franchise might be difficult to immediately determine - as the producers for those earlier installments of Legend of Zelda might not have thought to establish a definitive Zelda Series Timeline. Those seeking to explore will discover this is part of a long-running series, where those who play the game can make those links between their actions and their impact on the franchise - an overarching storyline.
What Is The Link Between Ocarina of Time and Tears of the Kingdom?
It may seem unusual, but Ocarina of Time (known as one of the most prolific games that brought a unique combination of innovation, action, storytelling and was even a key factor for how the Gaming industry evolved) and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have a major connection to one another.
In Ocarina of Time those who played through its levels might have made a series of key choices, some that resulted in the Adult Timeline or those who fell short - which leads to the Fallen Hero Timeline, but even those who were able to follow through - also faced a major divergence - one that led to the Child Timeline (which is known as the "true" timeline as the Hero of Time is able to go back into time and make a choice to stop Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule). It's unclear just how The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom relates to those timelines but one key component: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has those remnants and ruins of past games, which can be recognized across a range of locations, showcasing how this series' storylines intertwine - with an intricate set of connections that are sure to capture those dedicated Zelda fans.
Does The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Exist in Its Own Timeline?
Tears of the Kingdom is a new title for the Legend of Zelda franchise and this production revolves around The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In particular, many fans wonder where these games fit in Zelda Game Order, especially given how those titles - even though it has been stated by the studio they should not be viewed as standalone and are not meant to be separated from the rest of the games, still has not received a placement.
There have been suggestions to add both of these games in an entirely new part of the Zelda Timeline. One might notice the use of "The Age of Calamity". However, one key component for those dedicated fans: these games take place after a number of releases including a time when those key events happened: Those connected to the "Skyward Sword Timeline." These are known as an origin story for the Legend of Zelda and showcase the founding of Hyrule - however, with those new games, like Tears of the Kingdom it's been revealed by the studio that the creators are aiming to make the series unbounded in terms of how it will explore various time periods in those narratives. These narratives may be set in an unknown timeframe - an idea that keeps fans interested in the long-term possibilities, for Zelda Timeline and the overall story and how the creators will add those iconic characters, adventures and even those powerful beings from past releases into the franchise.
What is The Best Order to Play The Zelda Games?
While there are countless Zelda games, fans will recognize that some titles are considered better for new players than those more advanced and even complex gameplays. Those looking to play the entire Zelda series should begin with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, an adventure in Hyrule - those familiar with this franchise are also aware that this particular title serves as a foundation - offering players the ability to see a complex, intricate and often immersive story. For many who are interested in exploring the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ( the latest, and greatest adventure that allows fans to traverse a world with new possibilities in exploration), a few key events take shape:
Fans will want to go back through those earlier installments as they might notice how the creators often use those events and storylines in the Zelda games, creating those unique references - it seems to make playing Ocarina of Time even more rewarding. Some fans also look to those titles as Zelda Game Order, which offers an easy way to understand and dive into these incredible stories - some might say that even The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (the original storyline - often associated with The Legend of Zelda franchise as it brings to light the events leading to those first creations in Hyrule and the series's main figures). One might notice just how many of those classic titles can give those who play this franchise a sense of awe, appreciation, and a key foundation to play Tears of the Kingdom.
