Should I Play All Zelda Games Before Breath of the Wild?

Absolutely not. While a deep dive into the Legend of Zelda’s rich history can certainly enrich your experience, it’s not at all necessary to play every single game before diving into the breathtaking world of Breath of the Wild (BOTW). BOTW is designed to be a standalone experience, a fresh take on the Zelda formula that welcomes both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.

Why You Don’t Need to Play All Zelda Games First

The core of the Zelda series rests on a foundation of recurring themes and archetypes rather than a rigid, sequential narrative. Each game generally presents a self-contained story featuring Link, Zelda, and Ganon locked in a perpetual struggle for the fate of Hyrule. This means you can jump into almost any entry and understand the basic premise without prior knowledge.

BOTW takes this concept to a new level. It intentionally distances itself from the series’ established conventions in many ways, focusing on open-world exploration and player freedom. While there are nods and references to previous games that fans will appreciate, they are easter eggs and flavor additions, not essential plot points. The amnesiac nature of Link in BOTW actually helps facilitate this, creating a clean slate for both the character and the player. You are discovering Hyrule anew, just like he is. You don’t need to know who the Zora are, or the history of the Master Sword to enjoy the game. The game provides all the necessary background information as you explore. The main focus of this game, and how it differs from previous iterations, is the exploration and freedom it gives its player.

Think of the Zelda games as variations on a theme, each with its own unique melody and instrumentation. You can enjoy each one individually without needing to know every prior composition. Furthermore, trying to play every Zelda game before BOTW could easily become an overwhelming and time-consuming task, potentially delaying you from experiencing one of the greatest video games ever made.

The Benefits of Playing Other Zelda Games (Eventually)

While not essential, exploring other Zelda titles can enhance your overall appreciation of the series, including BOTW. You’ll recognize familiar creatures, weapons, locations, and even musical motifs. Understanding the series’ lore and history can also deepen your understanding of some of the background elements in BOTW.

Here’s a breakdown of how playing older Zelda games can enhance your experience, without being crucial:

• Appreciating the Evolution: Seeing how the series has evolved from its 2D roots to its modern open-world format can be fascinating. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the design choices made in BOTW.
• Understanding Recurring Themes: Familiarity with the recurring themes of courage, wisdom, and power will provide context for the actions of Link, Zelda, and Ganon.
• Spotting Easter Eggs: There are countless references to previous games hidden throughout BOTW. Recognizing these nods can be a fun way to connect with the series’ history.
• Deepening Lore Knowledge: Certain characters and locations have significant histories within the Zelda universe. Playing previous games can provide more in-depth knowledge of these elements.
• Enjoying Diverse Gameplay: The Zelda series offers a wide variety of gameplay styles, from top-down exploration to 3D action-adventure. Experiencing these different styles can broaden your gaming horizons.

Where to Start If You Want to Dip Your Toes In

If you are truly insistent on playing another Zelda game first, consider Ocarina of Time or A Link to the Past. Ocarina of Time is often considered a foundational entry in the series, establishing many of the conventions that would become staples. A Link to the Past is an excellent example of 2D Zelda gameplay, offering a balanced and engaging adventure. However, again it’s not essential to play these before BOTW, but are an important part of the franchise.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to play other Zelda games before BOTW is entirely up to you. But the most important thing is to dive in and experience the adventure! Don’t let a sense of obligation prevent you from enjoying what is truly a remarkable game. You can always explore the series’ back catalog later, after you’ve fallen in love with Hyrule. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of games on learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?

While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, building upon its world, characters, and mechanics. You’ll miss out on a lot of context and appreciation for the story if you skip BOTW.

2. What Zelda game should I play first if not Breath of the Wild?

Ocarina of Time is a popular and excellent starting point. It’s considered a classic and establishes many of the series’ core elements. A Link to the Past is also a great choice for a 2D Zelda experience.

3. Is Breath of the Wild too hard for beginners?

Breath of the Wild can be challenging, especially in the early hours, but it’s designed to be accessible to beginners. The game gradually introduces you to its mechanics and systems. Don’t give up!

4. In what order should I play the Zelda games?

There’s no single “correct” order. You can play them in release order, chronological order (according to the official timeline), or simply pick and choose based on your interests.

5. Are all Zelda games connected?

Yes, but loosely. They all exist within a single, branching timeline, but each game generally tells a self-contained story.

6. Can you do Breath of the Wild in any order?

Yes, Breath of the Wild is designed with open-world freedom in mind. You can tackle the Divine Beasts in any order you choose.

7. What happens when you 100% Breath of the Wild?

You’ll receive a completion star on your save file, but there’s no in-game reward for achieving 100% completion. It’s purely for bragging rights.

8. What game is 100 years before Breath of the Wild?

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild and tells the story of the Great Calamity.

9. Should I play Skyward Sword before Breath of the Wild?

No, its not a requirement. While Skyward Sword is the first game in the timeline, it has little to no effect in the storyline in Breath of the Wild.

10. Does Breath of the Wild have two endings?

Yes, there is a standard ending and a “true” ending. The true ending requires you to find all of Link’s lost memories.

11. Should I get a heart container or stamina vessel first in Breath of the Wild?

Stamina vessels are generally considered more valuable early on. More stamina allows you to climb, paraglide, and explore more easily.

12. Can you get 40 hearts in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, you can obtain up to 40 hearts by collecting heart containers and pieces.

13. How many hearts does it take to pull the Master Sword?

You need a minimum of 13 full heart containers to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild.

14. How many shrines does it take to get max stamina?

It takes 120 shrines to get max stamina, and 120 shrines to get max heart containers.

15. Does starting a new game in Breath of the Wild delete the old one?

Yes, starting a new game will overwrite your old save data, unless you’re playing in Master Mode, which has separate save slots.