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You don’t need to play every The Legend of Zelda game—or follow a single series-wide order—to get started. For the modern open-world adventures, begin with Breath of the Wild, then play its direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. If you’d rather have a more contained adventure, Link’s Awakening is a newcomer-friendly alternative.
Choose a starting point by the kind of adventure you want
| What you want | Where to start | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A large open-world adventure and a natural sequel to continue with | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | It begins the modern open-world pair; Tears of the Kingdom follows it directly. |
| One modern Zelda adventure, with no commitment to another | Breath of the Wild | Nintendo’s developers say it has its own conclusion, so you can stop there or continue later. |
| A more contained story in a distinct setting | The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening | Its adventure centers on Koholint Island, and Nintendo presents the remake as welcoming to newcomers as well as fans. |
| A classic entry, with a specific release date in mind | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Nintendo has described its announced Switch 2 edition as an entry point. That edition is scheduled for November 5, 2026. |
Why Breath of the Wild is the clearest first game for the open-world pair
Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, set in Hyrule after the earlier game’s events. Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma describes it as taking place after the conclusion of Breath of the Wild. Playing the earlier game first gives you context for the returning world and characters, and makes their next chapter more meaningful. Nintendo’s developer interview explains the connection.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $56.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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You can still start with Tears of the Kingdom if that is the game you have or want to play. Aonuma and director Hidemaro Fujibayashi say its gameplay and story were designed to feel comfortable for first-time players, too. Starting with the sequel means less prior context, not that you must have completed the previous game to follow along.
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Link’s Awakening offers a different kind of first step: a contained island adventure rather than the broad Hyrule setting of the modern pair. Nintendo’s description places Link on Koholint Island and presents the remake as an adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers. Choose it if that distinct setting and more focused scope appeal to you; it does not require you to play other Zelda games first. Nintendo’s game page has the official description.
#1 Best Overall
- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls, objects and enemies in fun ways
Do you need to follow Zelda’s timeline?
No. Nintendo’s official history branches after Ocarina of Time, rather than presenting the franchise as one simple chain of games that must be completed in order. A game’s place in that chronology is not a requirement for beginning the series. Pick an entry based on its setting and structure, or on whether you want a direct sequel afterward. Nintendo’s Zelda history shows the branching chronology.
Check the console and edition before choosing
Nintendo lists Zelda games across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are playable only on Nintendo Switch 2; don’t mistake those editions for the original Switch releases when checking compatibility. Confirm the console and edition on the relevant Nintendo store listing before buying.
Can you play older Zelda games through a subscription?
Nintendo says some earlier Zelda adventures are available through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Availability depends on the specific game and current service catalog, so check the catalog rather than assuming a particular title is included with a particular tier. Nintendo’s news archive is the cited source for the general subscription availability statement.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIs Ocarina of Time available on Switch 2 now?
Nintendo announced a Switch 2 edition of Ocarina of Time for November 5, 2026. As of October 10, 2026, that date is still in the future, so the announced Switch 2 edition is not yet available. Nintendo described it as an entry point for players new to the game. Nintendo’s announcement archive provides the release information.
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