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Which Zelda Game Should I Play First on Switch? A Comprehensive Guide

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So, you’re ready to dive into the magical world of Hyrule, but you’re staring at your Nintendo Switch library, overwhelmed by the sheer number of Legend of Zelda titles. Which one should you play first? The good news is, there’s no single “right” answer, but let’s cut through the confusion and offer you a solid recommendation:

For most players, the best starting point on the Nintendo Switch is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Here’s why:

Accessibility: Breath of the Wild is incredibly accessible to newcomers. It doesn’t require prior knowledge of the series’ lore or mechanics. The game’s opening Great Plateau acts as a fantastic tutorial, gradually introducing you to its core systems: exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and crafting.
Open World Freedom: Unlike many Zelda games with a more linear structure, Breath of the Wild throws you into a vast open world from the start. You can literally go anywhere and do almost anything. This freedom is incredibly liberating and makes for a unique and personalized experience.
Modern Design: Breath of the Wild represents a significant departure from traditional Zelda conventions. It incorporates modern game design principles, such as emergent gameplay, physics-based interactions, and a focus on player agency. This makes it feel fresh and engaging, even for players who are unfamiliar with the series’ history.
Stunning World: The game’s world is breathtaking. From the rolling hills of Hyrule Field to the snow-capped peaks of the Hebra Mountains, every region is meticulously crafted and filled with secrets to discover. The sense of exploration is unparalleled.
Popularity and Community: Breath of the Wild is arguably the most popular Zelda game of all time. This means there’s a large and active online community where you can find tips, tricks, and discussions. If you get stuck, there’s always someone willing to help.

While Breath of the Wild is a great starting point, there are other options worth considering:

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: This is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild and builds upon its foundation. However, it assumes you’re familiar with the world, characters, and gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to play Breath of the Wild first.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Remake): This is a charming and faithful remake of the classic Game Boy title. It offers a more traditional Zelda experience, with a linear story, dungeons, and puzzles. It’s a great option if you want a taste of classic Zelda gameplay without feeling overwhelmed.
Nintendo Switch Online: By subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, you gain access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, including The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. These games are historically significant and offer a glimpse into the series’ origins. However, they can be quite challenging and may not be the best starting point for everyone.

Ultimately, the best Zelda game to start with is the one that appeals to you the most. Consider your own gaming preferences and what you’re looking for in a Zelda experience. If you want a modern, open-world adventure, go with Breath of the Wild. If you prefer a more traditional, linear experience, try Link’s Awakening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Zelda and choose the best starting point:

Which Zelda game is the easiest to get into?

Breath of the Wild is designed to be very approachable for new players. Its open world allows you to explore at your own pace and learn the game’s mechanics gradually.

Is it necessary to play the Zelda games in order?

No, it is not necessary. Most Zelda games are standalone adventures with self-contained stories. While some games have direct sequels (like Tears of the Kingdom being a sequel to Breath of the Wild or Majora’s Mask being a sequel to Ocarina of Time), you can generally enjoy each game without having played the others.

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

Yes, it is highly recommended. Tears of the Kingdom builds directly upon the world, story, and mechanics of Breath of the Wild. You’ll have a much better understanding and appreciation of Tears of the Kingdom if you’ve played its predecessor.

Which Zelda game has the best story?

This is subjective, but popular choices include Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Skyward Sword. Each of these games has a compelling narrative with memorable characters and emotional moments.

Which Zelda game has the best dungeons?

Many fans consider A Link to the Past to have some of the best dungeons in the series. Other strong contenders include Ocarina of Time and Link’s Awakening.

Which Zelda game is the most challenging?

The original The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link are known for their difficulty. Some players also find Majora’s Mask challenging due to its time-based mechanics.

What is the difference between 2D and 3D Zelda games?

2D Zelda games (like A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening) feature a top-down perspective and focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat within a 2D environment. 3D Zelda games (like Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild) offer a third-person perspective and emphasize exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in a 3D world.

What is the Zelda timeline?

The Zelda timeline is a complex and debated topic among fans. The official timeline splits into multiple branches after the events of Ocarina of Time. However, most games are loosely connected and can be enjoyed without understanding the intricacies of the timeline.

Which Zelda games are available on Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online offers access to The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX.

Are the Oracle games worth playing?

Yes! Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are fantastic Game Boy Color titles with unique gameplay mechanics and interconnected stories. They are well worth playing, especially if you enjoy classic Zelda gameplay. Although playing Oracle of Seasons before Oracle of Ages provides the best difficulty curve for most players, fans who find that Oracle of Ages is calling their name won’t miss out on anything crucial by starting there.

What makes Breath of the Wild so different from other Zelda games?

Breath of the Wild breaks many traditional Zelda conventions by offering a vast open world, emergent gameplay, physics-based interactions, and a focus on player agency. It also features a more streamlined story and a greater emphasis on exploration and survival.

Is Skyward Sword a good starting point?

While Skyward Sword is the first game in the Zelda timeline chronologically, it’s not always recommended as a starting point. Its motion controls can be divisive, and its more linear structure may not appeal to players who prefer the freedom of Breath of the Wild. So why do we recommend you replay Skyward Sword? Well, because it offers up the foundation that would ultimately flourish and grow into Breath of the Wild.

Which Zelda game is the best to start with for children?

Link’s Awakening (Remake) is a good option for children due to its charming visuals, simple story, and straightforward gameplay. Breath of the Wild is also a viable choice, but parents may want to supervise younger children due to its open world and potential for challenges.

How long does it take to beat a Zelda game?

The length of a Zelda game varies depending on the title and your playstyle. Breath of the Wild can take hundreds of hours to fully explore, while Link’s Awakening can be completed in around 20-30 hours.

Where can I learn more about the history of Zelda and gaming?

You can visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to explore scholarly research and resources on game-based learning and the cultural impact of video games. The field of games is more than just entertainment and it is important to use resources to understand the societal impacts and how we can better build educational systems. This organization provides valuable insights into how games like Zelda influence learning, problem-solving, and cultural understanding.

No matter which Zelda game you choose to start with, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. So grab your Switch, pick a game, and get ready to explore the magical world of Hyrule!