{"id":195075,"date":"2026-01-20T07:03:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T07:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=195075"},"modified":"2026-01-20T07:03:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T07:03:30","slug":"does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Does TOTK break the Zelda timeline?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/#Does_TOTK_Break_the_Zelda_Timeline\" title=\"Does TOTK Break the Zelda Timeline?\">Does TOTK Break the Zelda Timeline?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/#Understanding_the_Zelda_Timeline\" title=\"Understanding the Zelda Timeline\">Understanding the Zelda Timeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/#TOTK_and_the_Zelda_Timeline\" title=\"TOTK and the Zelda Timeline\">TOTK and the Zelda Timeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_TOTK_Break_the_Zelda_Timeline\"><\/span>Does TOTK Break the Zelda Timeline?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> has been a subject of debate among fans for years, and the release of <strong>Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK)<\/strong> has only added to the complexity, with its storyline and events potentially altering the course of the <strong>Zelda franchise<\/strong>. According to <strong>Nintendo&#8217;s official website<\/strong>, <strong>Breath of the Wild<\/strong> and <strong>Tears of the Kingdom<\/strong> are placed at the end of the timeline, but the game&#8217;s events may have created a <strong>new timeline<\/strong>, leaving fans wondering about the <strong>canon<\/strong> and <strong>continuity<\/strong> of the series. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Zelda_Timeline\"><\/span>Understanding the Zelda Timeline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Zelda series<\/strong> is known for its complex and interconnected timeline, spanning multiple games and storylines. The <strong>Split Timeline<\/strong> theory, which emerged after the release of <strong>Ocarina of Time<\/strong>, suggests that the series is divided into multiple branches, each with its own unique storyline and characters.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TOTK_and_the_Zelda_Timeline\"><\/span>TOTK and the Zelda Timeline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>TOTK&#8217;s storyline, which takes place after the events of <strong>Breath of the Wild<\/strong>, introduces new characters and plot twists that challenge the existing understanding of the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong>. The game&#8217;s use of <strong>time travel<\/strong> and <strong>alternate realities<\/strong> raises questions about the <strong>canon<\/strong> and <strong>continuity<\/strong> of the series, leaving fans to wonder about the implications of TOTK on the overall <strong>Zelda narrative<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional insight into the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> and TOTK&#8217;s place within it:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Q: Does TOTK change the Zelda timeline?<\/strong>  A: TOTK&#8217;s events may have created a <strong>new timeline<\/strong>, but the game&#8217;s connection to the existing <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> is still unclear.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Where does TOTK fit into the Zelda timeline?<\/strong>  A: TOTK takes place after <strong>Breath of the Wild<\/strong>, but its exact position in the timeline is uncertain due to the game&#8217;s use of <strong>time travel<\/strong> and <strong>alternate realities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Is TOTK the last game in the timeline?<\/strong>  A: While TOTK advances the story of <strong>Breath of the Wild<\/strong>, it does not necessarily mark the end of the <strong>Zelda series<\/strong> or the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What happens to Zelda in TOTK?<\/strong>  A: Zelda is sent back in time and transformed into a <strong>dragon<\/strong>, playing a crucial role in the game&#8217;s storyline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Can you find Zelda in TOTK?<\/strong>  A: Yes, Zelda can be found in the <strong>Temple of Time<\/strong>, which is accessible through a <strong>yellow marker<\/strong> on the game&#8217;s map.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Does Tetra know she&#8217;s Zelda?<\/strong>  A: In <strong>The Wind Waker<\/strong>, Tetra is unaware of her true identity as <strong>Princess Zelda<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Is TOTK the end of Zelda?<\/strong>  A: No, the <strong>Zelda series<\/strong> will continue, with multiple <strong>time travel events<\/strong> and <strong>splits<\/strong> ensuring the timeline remains open-ended.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Does Tears of the Kingdom ruin the timeline?<\/strong>  A: TOTK&#8217;s use of <strong>time travel<\/strong> and <strong>alternate realities<\/strong> adds complexity to the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong>, but it does not necessarily &#8220;ruin&#8221; it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Does Zelda become human again?<\/strong>  A: Yes, Zelda is transformed back into a human after Link defeats <strong>Ganondorf<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Which Zelda timeline is canon?<\/strong>  A: The <strong>official Nintendo website<\/strong> considers <strong>Skyward Sword<\/strong> as the beginning of the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong>, while <strong>Ocarina of Time<\/strong> marks a significant split in the timeline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Which Zelda game splits the timeline?<\/strong>  A: <strong>Ocarina of Time<\/strong> is the game that splits the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> into multiple branches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What is the longest gap between Zelda games?<\/strong>  A: The longest gap between <strong>Zelda games<\/strong> was five years, five months, and 15 days, between <strong>Breath of the Wild<\/strong> and <strong>Breath of the Wild 2<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What is the downfall timeline in Zelda?<\/strong>  A: The <strong>Downfall timeline<\/strong> occurs when Link abandons his original timeline, creating a new branch without a hero.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: What caused the Zelda timeline to split?<\/strong>  A: The <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> split is caused by <strong>Zelda sending Link back in time<\/strong> using the <strong>Ocarina<\/strong>, creating multiple branches and parallel universes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Q: Is Ganon from Ocarina of Time the same as Twilight Princess?<\/strong>  A: Yes, <strong>Ganondorf<\/strong> is the same character in <strong>Ocarina of Time<\/strong>, <strong>Twilight Princess<\/strong>, and <strong>Wind Waker<\/strong>, but at different points in his life and with varying art styles. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> remains a complex and intriguing aspect of the <strong>Zelda series<\/strong>, with TOTK&#8217;s events adding a new layer of complexity to the narrative. While the game&#8217;s impact on the <strong>canon<\/strong> and <strong>continuity<\/strong> of the series is still unclear, it is evident that TOTK has significant implications for the <strong>Zelda franchise<\/strong> as a whole. As the series continues to evolve, fans can expect new <strong>time travel events<\/strong> and <strong>splits<\/strong> to emerge, ensuring the <strong>Zelda timeline<\/strong> remains a rich and dynamic aspect of the <strong>gaming world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does TOTK Break the Zelda Timeline? The Zelda timeline has been a subject of debate among fans for years, and the release of Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) has only added to the complexity, with its storyline and events potentially altering the course of the Zelda franchise. According to Nintendo&#8217;s official website, Breath of the &#8230; <a title=\"Does TOTK break the Zelda timeline?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/does-totk-break-the-zelda-timeline\/\" aria-label=\"More on Does TOTK break the Zelda timeline?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-195075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195075","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=195075"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195075\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195075"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195075"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=195075"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}