GameTimeline

Release & story order

The Legend of Zelda timeline

Every main Legend of Zelda game by release date or in-story order—from the 1987 original through Echoes of Wisdom—with the three official timelines grouped after Ocarina of Time and notes on remakes and optional side games.

Updated July 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When each game was released. Remakes are separate rows—same story as the originals, different purchase. Most newcomers start with Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time, not the 1987 original.

  • Open-world path → Breath of the Wild → Tears of the Kingdom (Echoes of Wisdom is a separate 2D adventure on Switch)
  • Classic 3D path → Ocarina of Time → Majora's Mask → Wind Waker or Twilight Princess
  • 2D Fallen hero path → A Link to the Past → Link's Awakening → Oracle duo → A Link Between Worlds → Echoes of Wisdom
  • Oracle games—play Seasons then Ages (or either alone); see FAQ
Story order tips

When events happen in Hyrule's history. Skyward Sword is the earliest main game; Ocarina of Time splits lore into three parallel branches; Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom sit thousands of years later—mostly as legend, not recent history.

  • Earliest to latest main chain: Skyward Sword → … → Ocarina → (three branches) → Breath of the Wild → Tears of the Kingdom
  • After Ocarina, follow one branch at a time—Child, Adult, or Fallen hero—not every game in release order
  • Fallen hero order on this page: A Link to the Past → Link's Awakening → Oracle → A Link Between Worlds → Tri Force Heroes (optional) → Echoes of Wisdom → NES Zelda I & II
  • Far future (Breath / Tears): treat earlier games as in-universe legend — Nintendo has not picked a branch
  • Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords Adventures are optional co-op — skip on solo lore runs

When each game was released. Tap a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

  1. The Legend of Zelda

    The Legend of Zelda

    NESAction-adventureClassic

    The first Zelda — eight dungeons, no hand-holding, and the template for the whole series.

    Overview
    Open-ended action-adventure on NES with a large overworld, hidden secrets, and non-linear dungeon order — unusual for 1986–87 console design.
    In-game setting
    Story placement is on the Fallen hero timeline (see Story order). Link gathers the Triforce pieces to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon.
    Should you play it?
    Historically important but harsh for newcomers — start with Breath of the Wild or A Link to the Past unless you want the full retro run.
    Release date
    US NES launch August 22, 1987. Japan FDS February 21, 1986.
  2. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

    Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

    NESAction-adventureClassic

    Side-scrolling RPG sequel — the black sheep of the main numbered line.

    Overview
    Side-view combat, experience points, and magic spells instead of the top-down formula — still the only mainline Zelda structured like an RPG platformer.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline, years after the first game. Link places crystals in palaces to awaken Zelda and prevent Ganon's return.
    Should you play it?
    Optional for lore — many marathon lists skip it. Play after the original if you want every Fallen hero beat.
    Release date
    US NES launch December 1988.
  3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

    The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

    SNESAction-adventureClassic

    SNES classic — two worlds, the Master Sword, and the Triforce wish that defines later lore.

    Overview
    Light and Dark World switching, dungeon items that open the overworld, and a tighter narrative than the NES games — the template for 2D Zelda for two decades.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline after Ocarina's defeated-timeline branch. Link pulls the Master Sword and stops Agahnim and Ganon.
    Should you play it?
    Best classic 2D entry point. A Link Between Worlds is a direct sequel in story time — play this first.
    Release date
    US SNES launch April 13, 1992.
  4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

    Game BoyAction-adventure

    Dream island adventure — no Hyrule or Triforce, but beloved characters and music.

    Overview
    First portable Zelda — smaller scope, quirky NPCs, and trading-sequence side quests that later games copied.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline, directly after A Link to the Past in official order. Link washes ashore on Koholint Island.
    Should you play it?
    Play the 2019 Switch remake unless you want the Game Boy original. Story stands alone.
    Release date
    US Game Boy launch August 1993. DX on Game Boy Color 1998.
  5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

    N64Action-adventureClassic

    The 3D breakthrough — time travel, seven years, and the timeline split the whole franchise hangs on.

    Overview
    Z-targeting, 3D dungeons, child/adult dual world, and ocarina songs that change the world state — set the 3D action-adventure standard for years.
    In-game setting
    Child Link stops Ganondorf from seizing the Triforce; adult Link awakens sages. Nintendo's official chronology splits into three branches after this game.
    Should you play it?
    Essential. Play Ocarina of Time 3D on Switch or 3DS if you want modern controls — same story.
    Release date
    US N64 launch November 23, 1998.
  6. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

    The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

    N64Action-adventure

    Direct sequel tone — three-day clock, Termina, and a much darker story than Ocarina.

    Overview
    72-hour loop, transformation masks, and a small map packed with side quests — more experimental than any mainline Zelda before Breath of the Wild.
    In-game setting
    Child timeline, immediately after Ocarina. Link searches for Navi and must stop the moon from crushing Termina.
    Should you play it?
    Play right after Ocarina in release or Child-timeline story order. Majora's Mask 3D is the convenient port.
    Release date
    US N64 launch October 26, 2000.
  7. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

    The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

    Game Boy ColorAction-adventure

    Linked Game Boy Color duo — seasons change the overworld. Partner game: Oracle of Ages.

    Overview
    Two cartridges designed to link for a combined ending — season/age mechanics swap dungeon puzzles between games.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline after Link's Awakening in Nintendo's official order. A new hero — not the same Link as A Link to the Past. Din and the Rod of Seasons.
    Should you play it?
    Play Ages and Seasons back-to-back for the full plot (order flexible — see FAQ). Either game works solo.
    Release date
    US Game Boy Color launch May 14, 2001 — same day as Oracle of Ages.
  8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

    The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

    Game Boy ColorAction-adventure

    Time travel between past and present — the partner game to Oracle of Seasons.

    Overview
    Past/present map layers and seed-based puzzles — the other half of the linked Oracle duology.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline after Link's Awakening in Nintendo's official order. New hero — linked play with Seasons unlocks the true finale.
    Should you play it?
    Finish both Oracle games for the linked ending. Both are available on Switch.
    Release date
    US Game Boy Color launch May 14, 2001.
  9. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
    Optional

    The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords

    GBAMultiplayerOptional

    Multiplayer-only adventure bundled with A Link to the Past on GBA.

    Overview
    Co-op required — four Links, randomized stages, and Vaati as the villain.
    In-game setting
    Story placement before Ocarina of Time in Nintendo's official chronology. Introduces Vaati and the Four Sword.
    Should you play it?
    Optional — skip unless you want Vaati lore or have friends for co-op. Four Swords Adventures is a separate game.
    Release date
    US bundled with A Link to the Past GBA December 9, 2002.
  10. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

    The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

    GameCubeAction-adventure

    Cel-shaded sea adventure — Adult timeline, hundreds of years after Ocarina.

    Overview
    Cel-shaded art, sailing across the Great Sea, and expressive animation that aged better than realistic 2003 graphics.
    In-game setting
    Adult timeline: Ganondorf returns after the Hero of Time left. Link sails to rescue Aryll and confronts the Triforce at the Tower of the Gods.
    Should you play it?
    Wind Waker HD on Wii U or Switch is the easiest way to play. Directly leads into Phantom Hourglass.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch March 24, 2003.
  11. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
    Optional

    The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

    GameCubeMultiplayerOptional

    Co-op GameCube adventure — Child timeline, but often skipped in solo playthroughs.

    Overview
    Four-player co-op on one screen with Game Boy Advance link for some modes — unusual hybrid console design.
    In-game setting
    Child timeline after Twilight Princess in official order. Vaati and a shadow Link plot across Hyrule.
    Should you play it?
    Optional for solo players — hard to find locally. Skip unless you want every Child-timeline entry.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch June 7, 2004.
  12. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

    The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

    GBAAction-adventure

    Origin of the Four Sword and Vaati — set long before Ocarina in lore.

    Overview
    Shrink to Minish size to explore dungeons from a new scale — cap-based kinstone fusion opens the map.
    In-game setting
    Early Hyrule history before Ocarina. Link and Ezlo stop Vaati from breaking the Picori blade.
    Should you play it?
    Play before Four Swords in story order if you care about Vaati. Also bundled with A Link to the Past on Game Boy Advance.
    Release date
    US GBA launch January 10, 2005.
  13. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

    The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

    WiiGameCubeAction-adventure

    Mature tone and wolf Link — Child timeline, decades after Majora's Mask.

    Overview
    Wii motion sword controls (optional on GameCube), wolf form, and a long cinematic quest across Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.
    In-game setting
    Child timeline. Link breaks the Twilight shroud with Midna and stops Zant and Ganondorf.
    Should you play it?
    Twilight Princess HD on Wii U is the polished version. Play after Majora's Mask on the Child branch.
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 19, 2006. GameCube version December 11, 2006.
  14. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

    The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

    Nintendo DSAction-adventure

    Direct sequel to Wind Waker — same Link, new sea, touch controls.

    Overview
    DS touch controls for movement and combat, plus the Temple of the Ocean King time loop.
    In-game setting
    Adult timeline, after Wind Waker. Link and Linebeck chase Bellum and Tetra's ghost ship.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Wind Waker. DS-only unless you emulate — leads into Spirit Tracks.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch October 1, 2007.
  15. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

    The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

    Nintendo DSAction-adventure

    Train across New Hyrule — latest game on the Adult timeline.

    Overview
    Train travel on tracks you draw, plus Phantom Zelda co-op possession puzzles.
    In-game setting
    Adult timeline, generations after Phantom Hourglass. Link is a train engineer fighting Malladus with Zelda's spirit.
    Should you play it?
    End of the Adult branch for now. Play after Phantom Hourglass.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch December 7, 2009.
  16. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

    Nintendo 3DSRemake

    Full remake of Ocarina — same story, updated graphics and Master Quest.

    Overview
    Nintendo rebuilt dungeons and visuals for 3DS while keeping the 1998 design intact.
    In-game setting
    Same story placement as Ocarina of Time — timeline split point.
    Should you play it?
    Buy this instead of N64 Ocarina unless you want the original. One purchase covers the story.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch June 19, 2011.
  17. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

    The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

    WiiAction-adventure

    Earliest main game in official lore — origin of the Master Sword and the cycle of reincarnation.

    Overview
    MotionPlus sword swings, stamina climbing, and a pre-Hyrule sky world — story answers where the Master Sword came from.
    In-game setting
    Earliest story date among main games. Link descends from Skyloft to forge the Goddess Sword into the Master Sword and seal Demise.
    Should you play it?
    Skyward Sword HD on Switch is the way to play today. Start here for strict story order — or skip to Ocarina/BotW if you prefer.
    Release date
    US Wii launch November 20, 2011.
  18. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

    The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

    Wii URemake

    HD port with faster sailing — same Adult-timeline story as GameCube.

    Overview
    Swift Sail and upgraded visuals; Triforce hunt shortened compared to GameCube.
    In-game setting
    Adult timeline — identical plot to Wind Waker.
    Should you play it?
    Preferred way to play Wind Waker. Leads into Phantom Hourglass on DS afterward.
    Release date
    US Wii U launch September 20, 2013.
  19. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

    The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

    Nintendo 3DSAction-adventure

    Sequel to A Link to the Past — Lorule, wall merging, and non-linear dungeon rental.

    Overview
    Rent any dungeon order with Ravio's bracelet — merges 2D wall-walking with ALttP's dual-world structure.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline, generations after A Link to the Past. Link faces Yuga and Princess Hilda in Lorule.
    Should you play it?
    Play after A Link to the Past. Leads into Tri Force Heroes (optional co-op).
    Release date
    US 3DS launch November 22, 2013.
  20. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D

    The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D

    Nintendo 3DSRemake

    3DS remake of Majora's Mask — same Child-timeline story.

    Overview
    Quality-of-life tweaks to the three-day cycle and boss fights.
    In-game setting
    Child timeline — same placement as N64 Majora's Mask.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Ocarina 3D. Easier than tracking down N64 hardware.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch February 13, 2015.
  21. The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
    Optional

    The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

    Nintendo 3DSMultiplayerOptional

    Co-op focused spin — fashion and three-player puzzles, light story.

    Overview
    Three-player online co-op required for most content — costume stacking for abilities.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline, after A Link Between Worlds. Link helps Hytopia fight Lady Maud — minimal impact on wider lore.
    Should you play it?
    Optional — skip for a solo lore run unless you want every 3DS entry.
    Release date
    US 3DS launch October 22, 2015.
  22. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

    The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

    Wii URemake

    HD remaster of Twilight Princess — same Child-timeline story.

    Overview
    1080p visuals, amiibo support, and faster pacing in some sections.
    In-game setting
    Child timeline — same as Wii/GameCube Twilight Princess.
    Should you play it?
    Best version of Twilight Princess. Play after Majora's Mask on the Child branch.
    Release date
    US Wii U launch March 4, 2016.
  23. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    SwitchWii UAction-adventureOpen world

    Open-world reboot — Nintendo places it in a far-future era long after the three Ocarina branches; earlier games are mostly legend in this setting.

    Overview
    Open-air Hyrule, physics, weapon durability, and shrine puzzles — the biggest design shift since Ocarina.
    In-game setting
    Calamity Ganon era — Link awakens after the Great Calamity. Nintendo has not confirmed which Ocarina branch this Hyrule belongs to.
    Should you play it?
    Best modern entry point. Play Tears of the Kingdom next; backtrack to Ocarina or Wind Waker if you want deeper lore.
    Release date
    US Switch/Wii U launch March 3, 2017 — Switch launch title.
  24. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

    SwitchRemake

    Switch remake of Link's Awakening — charming toy-like visuals, same island story.

    Overview
    Full 3D chibi art style and quality-of-life dungeon maps while keeping the 1993 structure.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline — same as Game Boy Link's Awakening.
    Should you play it?
    Play instead of the Game Boy original unless you want retro history.
    Release date
    US Switch launch September 20, 2019.
  25. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

    The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

    SwitchRemake

    Switch port with optional button controls — same earliest-in-lore story.

    Overview
    Button-only control option fixes the Wii motion pain point for many players.
    In-game setting
    Earliest main game in story order — same as Wii Skyward Sword.
    Should you play it?
    Start of strict story order on modern hardware. Then The Minish Cap or jump to Ocarina of Time 3D if you own it.
    Release date
    US Switch launch July 16, 2021.
  26. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

    SwitchAction-adventureOpen world

    Direct sequel to Breath of the Wild — sky islands, Depths, and fuse crafting.

    Overview
    Ultrahand building, Zonai devices, and a three-layer Hyrule (surface, sky, Depths) expand BotW's formula.
    In-game setting
    Same far-future era as Breath of the Wild. Link and Zelda face Ganondorf's return and the Upheaval.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Breath of the Wild — not a standalone entry.
    Release date
    US Switch launch May 12, 2023.
  27. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

    The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

    SwitchAction-adventure

    Playable Princess Zelda with echo copies — 2D adventure on the Fallen hero branch in Nintendo's official order.

    Overview
    Zelda leads the adventure with the Tri Rod and echo mechanics — first mainline game where Zelda is the player character throughout.
    In-game setting
    Fallen hero timeline after A Link Between Worlds. Null and the Still World tie into Ganon echoes from Hyrule's past.
    Should you play it?
    Separate from the BotW/TotK open-world pair — latest mainline release on this page.
    Release date
    US Switch launch September 26, 2024.

FAQ

Where to start, how the three branches work, and what Nintendo has (and has not) confirmed about the far-future era.

Release order

Release order is what you buy and play by launch date — usually starting at the 1987 original or jumping to Breath of the Wild. Story order follows Hyrule's history: Skyward Sword first, Ocarina of Time next, then one of three official branches (Child, Adult, or Fallen hero), and Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom far later. Use Release order to decide purchases; use Story order to follow lore.

Story & timelines

Nintendo confirmed that Ocarina of Time splits history into three branches. The defeated-hero branch is also called the Decline timeline in official lore. Child timeline: Link is sent back — Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, Four Swords Adventures. Adult timeline: the Hero leaves — Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks. Fallen hero timeline: Link fails — A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Oracle, A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes (optional), Echoes of Wisdom, then the NES Zelda games. On Story order, each branch is a separate colored section — read one section top to bottom. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom sit in a far-future section long after every branch.

In a far-future era — thousands of years after the Child, Adult, and Fallen hero games. In this setting, earlier games are mostly remembered as legend, myth, and ruins—not recent history. You can play Breath of the Wild first as an open-world entry, then Tears of the Kingdom (direct sequel only). Nintendo has not confirmed which Ocarina branch this Hyrule follows, and map references to older games are easter eggs, not proof that all branches merged.

Remakes & ports

Optional & skipped

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.