Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If you want the story to continue, play The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask next: Nintendo’s official timeline places it after Ocarina of Time on one of the series’ branching paths. If you’re choosing by gameplay instead, consider The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess for another classic 3D adventure, A Link Between Worlds for a 2D change of pace, or Breath of the Wild for a more open-ended journey.
Which Zelda game should you play after Ocarina of Time?
Choose based on what you want to carry forward from Ocarina of Time: its place in Zelda’s story, the familiar 3D adventure structure, its dungeons and items, or the freedom to explore. There is no single best match for every player.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Oregon Trail Nintendo Switch | $39.82 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection - Nintendo Switch | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Nintendo Switch | $26.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
ARK: Survival Evolved - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you want next | Start with | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Continue the timeline | Majora’s Mask | Nintendo’s timeline overview places it after Ocarina of Time on one branch. Nintendo’s Zelda timeline |
| Stay with classic 3D Zelda | The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess | Both are recognizable classic-era 3D alternatives, but have distinct presentation and feel. Nintendo Life’s series guide |
| Try a different format | A Link Between Worlds | A 2D entry offers a change in perspective and structure. Nintendo Life’s Zelda game guide |
| Explore a broader, more open world | Breath of the Wild | It takes Zelda in a more open-ended direction than the classic 3D entries. Nintendo Life’s series guide |
Majora’s Mask: the story-connected choice
Majora’s Mask is the clearest pick if you want a follow-up connected to Ocarina of Time rather than simply another game in the series. Nintendo describes the timeline as branching after Ocarina: “After the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the timeline splinters yet again, this time between the Child and Adult timelines.” The official overview names Majora’s Mask among the subsequent games.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →That connection makes it the natural next game for a timeline-minded player; it does not mean it is automatically the best fit for everyone. If continuity matters less to you than a particular style of adventure, use the alternatives below to guide your choice.
#1 Best Overall
- True to the Original
- Striking Art Direction and Score
- Respectful Representation
- Officially Licensed & Supported
- Deluxe Edition Content: Full game, Cowboys & Critters DLC, 3 art cards, Reversible coversheet
Other classic 3D Zelda options
The Wind Waker
Pick The Wind Waker if you want another classic 3D Zelda adventure but would rather not treat the next game as a direct continuation. It is one of the series’ recognized 3D alternatives, with a presentation and feel distinct from Ocarina of Time. Nintendo’s timeline overview also lists it among the games on a later timeline path.
Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess is another classic-era 3D option. Nintendo’s timeline places it among the entries following the timeline split, but it is not interchangeable with Majora’s Mask as a story follow-up. Choose it for another 3D Zelda experience rather than because a timeline placement alone proves it is the closest gameplay match.
Rank #2
- Includes both Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue, plus all single-player DLC.
- Become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag. Take part in an award-winning naval experience and explore a massive open world.
- Become the ultimate assassin hunter in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, and play as a Templar for the first time in franchise history.
- Additional bonus content: Black Beard: The Lost Journal (pp. 1– 55) and Assassin’s Creed: Awakening Volumes 1 & 2.
- Experience enhanced features like handheld mode, HD Rumble, a touch screen interface, and motion control aiming.
Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword is also part of the recognizable classic 3D Zelda conversation. It offers a different feel from Ocarina of Time; the available sources do not establish it as a universally closer match than The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess. Consider it if you want to stay in 3D while trying another variation on the series’ older adventure style.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTry 2D Zelda for a change of perspective
If you want to keep exploring Zelda without repeating the older 3D format, try A Link Between Worlds. It is a named alternative in Nintendo Life’s overview of the series. The point is a change in structure and perspective, not a downgrade: 2D Zelda is its own way to experience the series.
Rank #3
- Explore a Massive World: Meet Hello Kitty and Friends across distinct biomes with more than 100 hours of adventure and affecting stories to experience. Brave Kuromi’s haunted mansion in the Spooky Swamp, unearth ancient secrets with Retsuko in fiery Mount Hothead, grow rare flowers with Wish me mell in the Merry Meadows, discover new treasures underwater in Rainbow Reef, and so much more.
- Be Who You Want: Express yourself as an original, Sanrio-style avatar with a wide range of adorable character customization options. Select from dozens of faces, features, and body shapes, then collect hundreds of clothing items. Change your appearance at any time.
- Craft, Create, Collect: Bake delicious recipes with Hello Kitty, brew magic potions with Kuromi, collect critters with Keroppi, learn to fish from Badtz-maru, and so much more. Share gifts and complete quests to deepen your friendship with even more beloved characters.
- Team Up in Multiplayer: Everything is better with friends. Invite other players to your island and complete multiplayer challenges to boost each other’s stamina, solve the island’s trickiest puzzles, chase new high scores, or build beautiful vacation homes together. Multiplayer guests can even decorate their own Friendship Cabins on your island.
Choose Breath of the Wild for open-ended exploration
Breath of the Wild is the choice if what appeals to you is discovering a broad world and deciding where to go, rather than simply finding another game that follows the older formula. It represents a more open-ended modern direction for Zelda, so approach it as a change of structure rather than a like-for-like sequel to Ocarina of Time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check availability before choosing a platform
Nintendo has announced classic Zelda games through Nintendo Switch Online, but those announcements are regional and dated. The titles available can depend on your country and membership tier, so check the official catalog for your region before subscribing or planning to play a particular classic. See Nintendo’s US Nintendo Switch Online page and Nintendo’s UK Nintendo Switch Online page for regional information.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Capture and Tame Dinosaurs: Discover over 100 different dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures on the island, finding ways to tame them into useful additions for your tribe's dyno herd
- Survive Above All: Hunger, thirst, basic safety, and protecting yourself from the weather are all part of the game
- Harvest, Hunt and Build: Cut down trees and turn them into a basic home, which you can quickly expand into a Jurassic estate. Hunt for meat, scavenge for plants (or start your own garden!)
- Customize Everything: An extensive crafting system invites you to mix and match materials scavenged from the island, while also modifying the colors, textures, shapes, and styles
- Explore the Island: Solve the mystery of The ARK as you explore this massive island, discovering Explorer's Notebooks (filled with clues!) throughout
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.
Recommended Free Tools
