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Majora’s Mask vs. Ocarina of Time: Which Zelda Game Should You Play First?

By Freedom251 Team · · 2 min read

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For most newcomers, play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time first, then Majora’s Mask. Nintendo describes Majora’s Mask as a follow-up set after Link’s victory over Ganondorf, so Ocarina of Time gives you the story context first. Choose Majora’s Mask first instead if a repeating time loop, a ticking deadline, and character-focused side activities sound like the stronger draw.

Is Majora’s Mask a sequel to Ocarina of Time?

Yes. Nintendo calls Majora’s Mask a follow-up to Ocarina of Time and places its story three months after Link’s victory over Ganondorf. The games are connected, but Majora’s Mask moves Link to a different land and gives him a different central problem. Nintendo’s official description of Majora’s Mask provides the sequence and setting.

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How the two games differ

What matters Ocarina of Time Majora’s Mask
Story and setting Link becomes the Hero of Time and sets out to save Hyrule from Ganondorf. Link travels to Termina, where the moon threatens the land and he relives the same three days.
Structure A classic overarching quest to save Hyrule. A repeating three-day cycle makes time management and residents’ schedules part of play; resets let Link revisit the cycle and pursue objectives.
Signature abilities The cited Nintendo descriptions do not identify a comparable signature transformation system. Masks let Link transform into Deku, Goron, and Zora forms, each with different abilities; other masks have special uses.
Tone The cited description centers on the quest to save Hyrule. Nintendo’s publisher description calls it dark and brooding and describes its world as unsettling; that is promotional language, not a universal player response.

Nintendo outlines Ocarina of Time’s quest on its official listing. The story, cycle, and masks in Majora’s Mask are described on Nintendo’s game page.

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Which Zelda game should you play first?

Choose Ocarina of Time first if you want the clearest story order

Start with Ocarina of Time if you want to meet Link in the adventure that comes before Majora’s Mask. It establishes his victory over Ganondorf, the event Nintendo uses to frame the follow-up. It is also the better fit if you want a conventional, overarching quest rather than a schedule-driven loop.

#1 Best Overall
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
  • A collectible Game & Watch system packed with Legend of Zelda classics

Choose Majora’s Mask first if its loop appeals more

You can begin with Majora’s Mask if you are most interested in learning how the three-day cycle works, planning around time, and using transformation masks. That preference-based choice prioritizes its distinctive structure; it does not change the games’ story order.

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Which versions can you play?

Access depends on platform and edition. Nintendo’s UK page lists Majora’s Mask 3D for Nintendo 3DS with a release date of February 13, 2015. That version includes refreshed visuals, touch-screen item selection, schedule and map information, Bombers’ Notebook alarms, and hints from Sheikah Stones. Nintendo states that purchases in the Nintendo 3DS eShop ended on March 27, 2023; this does not establish current used-game prices or every present-day way to play. See Nintendo’s Majora’s Mask 3D page for the version details.

Rank #2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition
  • 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

As of October 7, 2026, Nintendo’s US store lists a physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Ocarina of Time with a November 5, 2026 release date, which is still in the future. The listing describes a reworked edition; check Nintendo’s official product page for current release information.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
A collectible Game & Watch system packed with Legend of Zelda classics
$70.99
Bestseller No. 2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition
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
$59.99
Bestseller No. 3
The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition
Step into a world of adventure—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!; Use your ingenuity to survive and thrive in Hyrule
$69.00
Rank #3
The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition
  • Step into a world of adventure—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
  • Use your ingenuity to survive and thrive in Hyrule
  • Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Majora’s MaskNintendoOcarina of TimeThe Legend of ZeldaVideo Games

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