Should You Play All Zelda Games in Order? A Comprehensive Guide
The Legend of Zelda franchise is a cornerstone of gaming, beloved for its captivating stories, engaging gameplay, and iconic characters. With a vast collection of titles spanning decades, a common question arises: should you play all Zelda games in order? The short answer is no, you don’t have to, but the longer answer is far more nuanced and depends on what you hope to get out of the experience. While the games share recurring characters and themes, most Zelda titles are designed to be enjoyed as standalone adventures. However, there are compelling reasons to explore them in a certain order if you’re aiming for a deeper appreciation of the lore or simply wish to chart the series’ evolution.
Why Playing in Order Isn’t Essential
Standalone Stories
Each Zelda game offers a unique story with its own self-contained narrative. You’ll almost always play as Link, the hero, and encounter the evil Ganon (or a similar antagonist) and Princess Zelda, but their roles and the circumstances of their conflict vary significantly. This allows you to jump into virtually any game without feeling lost or confused by a complex, serialized plot.
Diverse Gameplay
The gameplay across the Zelda series is remarkably diverse. From the 2D top-down adventures of the early titles to the groundbreaking 3D exploration of Ocarina of Time and the open-world freedom of Breath of the Wild, each game provides a distinct experience. This diversity means that you can choose a game that resonates with your preferred style of play, without feeling constrained by a predetermined order.
Flexible Entry Points
Most Zelda games are designed as potential entry points into the series. Games like A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and Breath of the Wild are frequently recommended as excellent starting points for new players. This accessibility means that you don’t need to slog through older titles you might not enjoy to get to the ones that you’re excited about.
Arguments for Playing in a Specific Order
Chronological Order vs. Release Order
While the games have a timeline (or rather, multiple timelines), playing them in that order isn’t often recommended. Chronological order and release order are different things; release order is usually the way to go. The game that chronologically comes first might not be the best game to start with. For many, the best method is to go by release order, as that lets you see the evolution of the franchise, and usually gives you a smoother introduction to the gameplay mechanics and conventions.
Timeline Continuity
While each game tells a standalone story, there are loose connections and recurring themes that connect them. Playing in an order that makes sense helps to understand how the world of Hyrule has changed and how some characters and plots are reused or reimagined throughout the series. For those interested in the overall story and world-building, a chronological or release-based approach might be more rewarding.
Direct Sequels and Prequels
Some Zelda games are direct sequels, like Majora’s Mask which takes place shortly after Ocarina of Time, or Tears of the Kingdom, which follows on from Breath of the Wild. Experiencing these games in sequence enhances the understanding of the story and the character arcs. The Wind Waker and its sequels Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are another instance where playing in order improves the narrative flow.
A Recommended Approach
Instead of adhering to a strict chronological order, consider a more flexible approach. Start with a well-regarded entry point like A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, or Breath of the Wild. After experiencing one of these, consider the direct sequels for a more cohesive narrative experience. If you don’t like a specific style of game, don’t feel obligated to continue, unless you feel you must experience that particular title for story.
For example, a good path could be:
- Ocarina of Time (for its foundational story)
- Majora’s Mask (as its direct sequel)
- The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks (as the “Wind Waker” saga)
- A Link to the Past (for its classic top-down gameplay)
- A Link Between Worlds (as its spiritual successor)
- Breath of the Wild (for a modern experience)
- Tears of the Kingdom (as a direct sequel)
This order balances the desire for story with the evolution of gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best Zelda game to start with for a beginner?
Many recommend Breath of the Wild for new players due to its open-world design and accessibility. However, A Link to the Past is also a great starting point, being more traditional and setting a good foundation for the series. Ocarina of Time is another very popular choice.
2. Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
While not strictly necessary, playing Breath of the Wild beforehand is highly recommended. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel, and you’ll appreciate the advancements and nuances in its story and gameplay much more if you’re familiar with the world and mechanics from Breath of the Wild.
3. Is there a single “correct” chronological timeline order?
The Zelda timeline is complex and debated among fans. The official timeline splits into multiple branches after Ocarina of Time. Playing by release order is easier and more rewarding, as the creators tend to build upon their past successes, making each new title more accessible.
4. Which Zelda games are directly connected as sequels?
The major direct sequels are Majora’s Mask following Ocarina of Time, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks following The Wind Waker and Tears of the Kingdom following Breath of the Wild.
5. Are there any Zelda games I can skip?
This is a subjective choice, but you don’t need to play every single one. If you dislike the gameplay of a specific game, don’t feel compelled to finish it. However, you can miss out on details that may or may not be important to the overall lore, depending on how closely you wish to follow it.
6. What about the 2D vs. 3D Zelda games?
The 2D games offer a classic top-down perspective, while the 3D games immerse you in fully explorable 3D environments. Both styles are beloved and have their unique charms. It comes down to personal preference. A Link to the Past is a great representation of 2D Zelda while Ocarina of Time is a landmark in 3D gaming.
7. Should I play the Oracle games (Ages and Seasons)?
The Oracle games are unique in that they are designed to be played in either order, with some changes. Playing both is an advantage for the overall experience, but they are not essential to the overall lore.
8. What’s the easiest Zelda game?
Twilight Princess is often cited as the easiest Zelda game due to its straightforward puzzles and less challenging combat, however that is a very subjective choice, as others may find a 2D Zelda easier.
9. Is Breath of the Wild a sequel to Ocarina of Time?
While the Link in Breath of the Wild may be a descendant of the Link in Ocarina of Time, they are not the same character. They are part of a larger history with shared themes, but Breath of the Wild is not a direct sequel.
10. How long does it take to play all Zelda games?
It would take approximately 360 hours to beat the main stories of all mainline Zelda games, and potentially upwards of 750 hours for 100% completion. This is a substantial time investment.
11. Is it better to get stamina or hearts first in Tears of the Kingdom?
Most players and guides recommend prioritizing stamina upgrades early in Tears of the Kingdom, as it allows you to explore more effectively and dodge enemy attacks.
12. How can I play the older Zelda games on the Nintendo Switch?
You can access older Zelda games through Nintendo Switch Online, where the NES, SNES, and Game Boy emulators are available.
13. Why is Tears of the Kingdom considered so hard?
Tears of the Kingdom presents a higher challenge due to stronger enemies and the introduction of “gloom” damage, which saps your maximum health and creates a greater need to be careful.
14. Is Tears of the Kingdom the end of the Zelda franchise?
No, Tears of the Kingdom is not expected to be the final Zelda game. The series’ immense popularity suggests that we will see more adventures in the future.
15. Is Tears of the Kingdom bigger than Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is significantly larger than Breath of the Wild with two additional layers of the Hyrule map to explore. The Depths are as large as the surface map.
In conclusion, while you can definitely enjoy Zelda games without playing them in a strict order, the order you choose can enhance your appreciation of the series’ story, gameplay, and evolution. Choose what works best for you and enjoy exploring the world of Hyrule.