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Start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, then play Tears of the Kingdom. That two-game route gives a new player the clearest modern introduction: the first teaches exploration and experimentation without requiring Zelda lore, while the second is explicitly its sequel and builds on the same Hyrule. Choose Link’s Awakening instead if you want a shorter, guided adventure; choose Echoes of Wisdom if you want to play as Zelda and prefer puzzle-solving; choose the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of Ocarina of Time from 5 November 2026 if you want the classic 3D template with modern controls. You do not need to follow Nintendo’s official timeline before starting.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Free plan / price | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | Most newcomers; freedom and discovery | Open-air world, 100+ shrines, 180+ weapons | Regular US price not stated in the supplied store details; Expansion Pass $19.99 | Switch, Switch 2 Edition | Oct 2026 |
| Echoes of Wisdom | Playing as Zelda; puzzle-first, gentler action | Top-down adventure with Tri Rod echoes | $59.99 regular US price | Switch; Switch 2 compatible | Oct 2026 |
| Link’s Awakening (Switch remake) | Shortest complete modern introduction | Compact dungeon-led adventure | $59.99 regular US price | Switch; Switch 2 compatible | Oct 2026 |
| Ocarina of Time (Switch 2 remake) | Classic 3D structure with updated presentation | Overhauled visuals, orchestral music, voice acting and modern camera | $59.99 digital; $69.99 physical | Switch 2 only; launches 5 Nov 2026 | Oct 2026 |
| Tears of the Kingdom | Second game after Breath of the Wild | Land, sky and Depths; building and systems-heavy puzzles | $69.99 regular US price | Switch, Switch 2 Edition | Oct 2026 |
Prices are Nintendo US regular prices where supplied and were checked in October 2026. The Switch 2 Ocarina of Time remake is unreleased until 5 November 2026, so its positioning comes from Nintendo’s product description rather than independent reviews.
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Which Zelda game should I play first?
For almost everyone, play Breath of the Wild. Its open-air design lets you climb, glide, fight, solve shrines or simply follow a road, and it explains its mechanics through the world rather than through prior series knowledge. Nintendo’s store description begins with Link waking after a 100-year slumber with no memories, which mirrors the newcomer’s situation.
Why Breath of the Wild is the default
- There is no lore prerequisite: the story introduces its version of Hyrule, Link and Zelda from the beginning.
- You can approach the main objectives in different orders instead of clearing a fixed dungeon sequence.
- Nintendo lists more than 100 Shrines of Trials and over 180 weapons, giving experimentation a large mechanical vocabulary.
- ZeldaSpeedRuns’ GameFAQs average is 80+ hours, so it can be a short campaign or a long exploration game depending on how much optional content you pursue.
The trade-off is scale. Weapon durability means equipment wears out, and the map, climbing and survival systems can feel less directed than a traditional Zelda. If that sounds exciting rather than intimidating, it is the right first purchase.
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Why Tears of the Kingdom comes second
Nintendo calls Tears of the Kingdom “this sequel to the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game.” It assumes familiarity with the earlier Hyrule’s geography, characters and basic controls, then adds floating islands, the underground Depths and abilities such as Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend and Recall. Play it after Breath of the Wild so its changes feel like a meaningful expansion instead of an overloaded tutorial.
ZeldaSpeedRuns lists an 80+ hour GameFAQs average. The game sold more than 10 million copies in its first three days according to IGN’s 2026 roundup, and Game Informer described it as the fastest-selling Legend of Zelda at launch in 2023. Those sales figures describe launch performance, not a guarantee that every player will prefer its more complex systems.
What if I want a shorter or easier first Zelda?
Choose a compact 2D game rather than forcing yourself through the large open-world pair. Link’s Awakening is the most straightforward short introduction; Echoes of Wisdom is the best fit for puzzle fans, younger players or anyone who specifically wants Zelda as the playable hero.
Link’s Awakening: the gentlest traditional on-ramp
The Switch remake, released 20 September 2019, keeps a clear sequence of dungeons and tools while adding modern mapping, extra item slots and Chamber Dungeons. ZeldaSpeedRuns records a 26.5-hour GameFAQs average. Its $59.99 regular US price and 5.9 GB Switch file size (6.1 GB on Switch 2 listing) make it a relatively small commitment, though the dream-island story is separate from the modern Hyrule of Breath of the Wild.
Echoes of Wisdom: play as Zelda and solve problems creatively
Released 26 September 2024, Echoes of Wisdom lets Zelda copy objects and monsters with the Tri Rod, then use those echoes to solve traversal and combat problems. Its swordfighter form is timed, so the game remains primarily puzzle-first rather than a conventional sword-focused adventure. CBR characterizes it as easier than most Legend of Zelda games. ZeldaSpeedRuns lists a 28-hour GameFAQs average, and Nintendo’s regular US listing is $59.99.
The Switch file size is 5.6 GB and the Switch 2 listing is 5.7 GB. It is Switch 2 compatible, with a free visual and HDR update noted for the platform. Choose it when “I want to be Zelda” or “I prefer puzzles to demanding combat” is more important than learning the series through a 3D sandbox.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA Link to the Past: the distilled 2D classic
Nintendo Switch Online includes A Link to the Past. CBR calls it a “perfect distilled Legend of Zelda experience,” and ZeldaSpeedRuns gives it a 30.2-hour GameFAQs average. Its overhead map, item-based dungeon progression and compact objectives are more traditional than Breath of the Wild, but the 1991 design can be less explicit about where to go. It is an excellent second step for someone who wants to understand the series’ 2D roots.
Should I play Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom first?
Play Breath of the Wild first. Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel, and its larger map and construction systems make more sense after you have seen the earlier game’s version of Hyrule.
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- Begin with Breath of the Wild on Switch or the Switch 2 Edition.
- Move to Tears of the Kingdom when you want a bigger follow-up with sky islands, the Depths and building mechanics.
- After both, use Echoes of Wisdom or Link’s Awakening as a shorter 2D change of pace, or try a classic such as Ocarina of Time.
The Switch 2 Editions of both games launched 5 June 2025. Nintendo lists higher resolution, smoother frame rates, faster loading, HDR, an extra save slot and Zelda Notes through the Nintendo Switch App. Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can access those editions at no extra cost according to Nintendo’s store information; the original Switch games remain playable on Switch 2.
Is the Ocarina of Time remake a good first Zelda?
It is a promising classic-style entry point, but no independent reviews exist before its 5 November 2026 release. Nintendo markets the Switch 2 remake as “a great entry point into this legendary series,” with overhauled visuals, orchestral music, voice acting, expanded cutscenes, jump and dash commands, a right-stick camera, Threads of Time objective tracking and microphone ocarina input.
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Do not treat Nintendo’s “entry point” wording as a post-review verdict. The remake may become your preferred first game, but Breath of the Wild remains the safer recommendation for a newcomer choosing today.
Do I need to play older Zelda games before the new ones?
No. Each mainline game is a self-contained legend with its own version of Link, Zelda and Hyrule. Knowing older stories can add references and context, but it is not required to understand Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Link’s Awakening or Echoes of Wisdom.
The series producer and director have also described the timeline as flexible rather than a strict production constraint. Speaking to Game Informer on 7 December 2023, director Hidemaro Fujibayashi said that getting too detailed about placement creates restraints for creativity. That is why timeline order is best treated as a lore project after you know which styles you enjoy, not as an entrance exam.
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What is the best Zelda order for different kinds of newcomers?
Use the path that matches the experience you want rather than trying to complete every release.
Path A: modern open-world route
- Breath of the Wild
- Tears of the Kingdom
- Echoes of Wisdom or Link’s Awakening for a 2D palate cleanser
- Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 from 5 November 2026, or the Nintendo 64 version through the Expansion Pack
- Skyward Sword HD if you want the story associated with the origin of the Master Sword
Path B: short and gentle route
- Link’s Awakening (Switch remake)
- Echoes of Wisdom or A Link to the Past through Nintendo Switch Online
- Breath of the Wild when you are ready for a much larger sandbox
Path C: classic 3D pilgrimage
- Ocarina of Time (Switch 2 remake from 5 November 2026, or the Expansion Pack version before then)
- Majora’s Mask through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- The Wind Waker through the Switch 2 GameCube library, or Breath of the Wild
Majora’s Mask follows the same Link as Ocarina of Time, but its three-day cycle and darker tone assume that you already understand the earlier game. ZeldaSpeedRuns lists a 46.9-hour average for Skyward Sword, so it is a substantial later choice rather than a quick prequel.
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Path D: 2D classics route
- A Link to the Past
- Link’s Awakening DX
- Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
- The Minish Cap
All four are available through Nintendo Switch Online libraries listed by IGN in September 2026. The two Oracle games are separate adventures even though Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary catalogue counts them as one of its 20 core-entry slots.
Path E: orders to avoid for a first playthrough
Do not begin with complete release order or full timeline order. Release order starts with the cryptic NES original and then Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, a punishing side-scrolling outlier. Timeline order would make Skyward Sword the first stop, and CBR notes that even the HD edition can create motion-control friction. Twilight Princess also has a long village opening and no current Switch remaster, while Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures and Tri Force Heroes are multiplayer-focused experiments.
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What is the official Zelda timeline order?
The chronology is useful for understanding recurring legends, but it is not the recommended play order. Nintendo’s published history places four games before the split, then divides the series after Ocarina of Time into three branches.
Before the split
- Skyward Sword
- The Minish Cap
- Four Swords
- Ocarina of Time
Hero is defeated (Downfall branch)
- A Link to the Past
- Link’s Awakening
- Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
- A Link Between Worlds
- Tri Force Heroes
- Echoes of Wisdom
- The Legend of Zelda
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
October 2026 summaries from Metro and ZeldaSpeedRuns place Echoes of Wisdom after Tri Force Heroes on this branch. Older summaries had treated its placement as unsettled, so this is a chronology detail that may be revised.
Hero is triumphant: Child Era
- Majora’s Mask
- Twilight Princess
- Four Swords Adventures
Hero is triumphant: Adult Era
- The Wind Waker
- Phantom Hourglass
- Spirit Tracks
Where do Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fit?
They sit in a late or separate block rather than requiring you to finish the three older branches. A Nintendo Live 2024 Sydney slide reported by Eurogamer and Kotaku showed both games apart from the established branches. A September 2026 revision to Nintendo’s Japanese history page, reported by Olhar Digital, added a second founding of Hyrule before Tears of the Kingdom’s Imprisoning War. Because that placement remains volatile, it should not delay a first playthrough.
What is the complete Zelda release order?
Nintendo UK’s 40th-anniversary Game History catalogue lists 20 core entries. Dates below are the European catalogue dates unless noted; the Oracle pair shares one catalogue slot.
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legend of Zelda | 15 Nov 1987 Europe; 21 Feb 1986 Japan | NES |
| 2 | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | 26 Sep 1988 Europe; 14 Jan 1987 Japan | NES |
| 3 | A Link to the Past | 24 Sep 1992 | Super NES |
| 4 | Link’s Awakening | 18 Nov 1993; Switch remake 20 Sep 2019 | Game Boy; Switch |
| 5 | Ocarina of Time | 12 Dec 1998; Switch 2 remake 5 Nov 2026 | Nintendo 64; Switch 2 |
| 6 | Majora’s Mask | 17 Nov 2000 | Nintendo 64 |
| 7 | Oracle of Ages / Oracle of Seasons | 5 Oct 2001 | Game Boy Color |
| 8 | Four Swords | 28 Mar 2003 | Game Boy Advance |
| 9 | The Wind Waker | 2 May 2003 | GameCube |
| 10 | The Minish Cap | 12 Nov 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| 11 | Four Swords Adventures | 7 Jan 2005 | GameCube |
| 12 | Twilight Princess | 8 Dec 2006 (Wii date) | Wii/GameCube |
| 13 | Phantom Hourglass | 19 Oct 2007 | Nintendo DS |
| 14 | Spirit Tracks | 11 Dec 2009 | Nintendo DS |
| 15 | Skyward Sword | 18 Nov 2011; HD 16 Jul 2021 | Wii; Switch |
| 16 | A Link Between Worlds | 22 Nov 2013 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 17 | Tri Force Heroes | 23 Oct 2015 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 18 | Breath of the Wild | 3 Mar 2017 | Switch/Wii U; Switch 2 Edition |
| 19 | Tears of the Kingdom | 12 May 2023 | Switch; Switch 2 Edition |
| 20 | Echoes of Wisdom | 26 Sep 2024 | Switch |
ZeldaSpeedRuns counts 21 main games because it lists the two Oracle titles separately. Both counts are accurate descriptions of the catalogue convention.
Where can I play the beginner Zelda games in late 2026?
A Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 covers the recommended route. The original Switch versions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom, Link’s Awakening and Skyward Sword HD are playable on Switch 2 under Nintendo’s compatibility notes.
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Switch 2 editions and exclusive
- Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have enhanced Switch 2 Editions released 5 June 2025.
- The Ocarina of Time remake is Switch 2 exclusive and launches 5 November 2026.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is also a Switch 2 title, but it is a musou spin-off rather than a beginner mainline adventure.
Nintendo Switch Online libraries
The listed Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack libraries include the original The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II, A Link to the Past, A Link to the Past & Four Swords, Ocarina of Time, Link’s Awakening DX, Majora’s Mask, The Minish Cap, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The Switch 2 GameCube library adds The Wind Waker. Older hardware is still needed for practical access to Twilight Princess, the DS games, the 3DS games and Four Swords Adventures.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much storage do these games need?
Nintendo’s store listings give the following file sizes. Download sizes can change with updates, so leave additional free space beyond the listed figure.
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| Game | Switch listing | Switch 2 listing |
|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | 14.4 GB | 24.1 GB Edition |
| Tears of the Kingdom | 16.5 GB; 16.6 GB shown for Switch 2 backward-compatible version | 20.1 GB Edition |
| Echoes of Wisdom | 5.6 GB | 5.7 GB |
| Link’s Awakening | 5.9 GB | 6.1 GB |
| Ocarina of Time remake | Not available | Estimated 27 GB |
Which Zelda games should I postpone?
Save the following until you know which Zelda style you enjoy:
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: its side-scrolling combat, experience system and harsh opening are unlike the rest of the series.
- Majora’s Mask: the three-day cycle and darker structure work better after Ocarina of Time.
- Tears of the Kingdom: its construction and ability systems are more rewarding after Breath of the Wild.
- Original NES The Legend of Zelda: historically foundational but cryptic by modern standards.
- Twilight Princess: its village introduction is a weak on-ramp, and the game is not currently on Switch.
- Multiplayer experiments: Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures and Tri Force Heroes make more sense when you have a group and some solo Zelda context.
How we picked the order
The ranking weighs four things: whether the game teaches its systems without prior lore, how clearly a newcomer can find the next objective, how available it is on Switch or Switch 2 in late 2026, and whether its difficulty or structure assumes another Zelda game. Nintendo’s sequel description establishes the Breath of the Wild-to-Tears of the Kingdom dependency; the shorter alternatives are ranked by their guided formats and published GameFAQs averages from ZeldaSpeedRuns.
What should I play after my first Zelda?
After Breath of the Wild, play Tears of the Kingdom if you want more systems and a larger world. After a 2D first game, try Breath of the Wild for the dramatic change in scale. Once you have completed either modern route, explore Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, A Link Between Worlds or Skyward Sword HD according to whether you want classic 3D dungeons, sailing, compact 2D exploration or origin-story lore.
The practical answer remains simple: start with Breath of the Wild, continue directly into Tears of the Kingdom, and use the older games as invitations to explore different designs—not as homework.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to play the Zelda games in order?
No. The games reuse names, places and ideas, but most tell a complete story with a new incarnation of Link and Zelda. Follow release or timeline order only if you enjoy tracing how the series’ mechanics and mythology evolved.
What is the easiest Zelda game for beginners?
Echoes of Wisdom is the strongest choice if puzzle-solving matters more to you than sword combat, while the Link’s Awakening remake is the most compact traditional adventure. Neither requires knowledge of an earlier game.
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Where does Echoes of Wisdom fit in the timeline?
October 2026 timeline summaries from Metro and ZeldaSpeedRuns place it on the Hero-is-Defeated branch after Tri Force Heroes. That placement is useful for lore discussions but has no bearing on when you should play it.
Can I play the original classics without buying old consoles?
Many are included in Nintendo Switch Online libraries, including A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, the Oracle games and The Minish Cap. The current listings do not provide the same Switch access for Twilight Princess, the DS entries or the 3DS entries, so those may require legacy hardware.
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The Switch 2 remake launches on 5 November 2026, with a $59.99 digital price and $69.99 physical price in Nintendo’s US listing. Until then, the Nintendo 64 original is the available option through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play the Zelda games in order?
No. The games reuse names, places and ideas, but most tell a complete story with a new incarnation of Link and Zelda. Follow release or timeline order only if you enjoy tracing how the series’ mechanics and mythology evolved.
What is the easiest Zelda game for beginners?
Echoes of Wisdom is the strongest choice if puzzle-solving matters more to you than sword combat, while the Link’s Awakening remake is the most compact traditional adventure. Neither requires knowledge of an earlier game.
Where does Echoes of Wisdom fit in the timeline?
October 2026 timeline summaries from Metro and ZeldaSpeedRuns place it on the Hero-is-Defeated branch after Tri Force Heroes. That placement is useful for lore discussions but has no bearing on when you should play it.
Can I play the original classics without buying old consoles?
Many are included in Nintendo Switch Online libraries, including A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, the Oracle games and The Minish Cap. The current listings do not provide the same Switch access for Twilight Princess, the DS entries or the 3DS entries, so those may require legacy hardware.
When is the next Ocarina of Time version available?
The Switch 2 remake launches on 5 November 2026, with a $59.99 digital price and $69.99 physical price in Nintendo’s US listing. Until then, the Nintendo 64 original is the available option through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
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