The Perfect Order in Which to Play The Legend of Zelda Games

I ranked these games so that you can get the most out of playing Legend of Zelda. If you have played the games in this order, then all of the little details of previous Zelda games filter in. I tried minimizing spoilers, but some are in here.

1. The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time

This game was not the first Legend of Zelda game released, but it did build the foundation for all future Zelda game storylines and character references. I remember imploring my best friend, a huge Wind Waker fan, to play Ocarina of Time. Every Zelda game gains more depth because of this one, since it’s storyline carries through to future games. Future games will reference the Legendary Hero of Time, and often it means you as Link in Ocarina of Time. Navi, Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, the Sages, and Epona go down in history, as do certain songs and locations.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

As convoluted as the famous Zelda storyline is, the Majora’s Mask obviously follows Ocarina of Time. It has the same art style, and it fills in the blank for Link’s missing childhood. Previously, his adult life became legend, while the life as a child was stolen from him. Now, we see him and Epona get pulled into another adventure after he parts ways with the Princess to live life as he was “supposed to be”.

3. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

In Wind Waker, with great awe we drift down into the now archaic land of the lost Hero. By first completing Ocarina of Time, then sailing our way into its history, the two stories marry perfectly. Legends are revived, with some interesting references to the past such as Phantom Ganon… A new set of boss fights, a fresh set of lovable characters, and the map of islands become very entertaining.

4. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Before the Legend of Zelda became what it is today, it was once an arcade game. Then, it evolved into a full role playing storyline in Ocarina of Time. Yet, Twilight Princess blew all Zelda games out of the water with its stunning scenery and character rendition. The other games are a perfect build up for this with a unique twist: The Twilight Realm. No longer at sea, this takes place once again in Hyrule, only a Hyrule cast in shadow.

Instead of navigating age change as an adult versus a child, Link discovers how being a Wolf and a Human lead to discovering the darkest parts of Hyrule. As you learn songs as Wolf Link, you can even try identifying which previous Zelda games they are from. As you explore the Lost Woods, you discover the ruins of the long lost Temple of Time. Entering the time capsule, the hall of Sages past has cascading light and imposing pillars. Playing this game later than Ocarina of Time enables you to gape at this newly orchestrated Temple.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Skyward Sword was released in 2011. Naturally I devoured it in only a few days, doing nothing else other than get my Zelda fix. Some say this could be a prequel to Ocarina of Time. I would say that’s a little difficult because both Ocarina of Time and Skyward Sword describe relatively the same time period; an uninhabitable earth before the goddesses gave life to the world.

A theme from Ocarina of Time does resurface here. In Ocarina of Time, Zelda is rushed from the castle on horseback with Impa as they escape Ganondorf. Then she hurls her Ocarina into the moat so he can get it. In Skyward Sword, Impa defends Zelda from Lord Ghirahim. Meanwhile, Zelda gets her Harp to Link, with a famous quote from Legend of Zelda.

6. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild was an interesting one. I put it last because I believe it is very disconnected from the traditional Legend of Zelda storyline. This simultaneously makes it unique and possibly not a real Zelda game. If you need to connect it with previous Zelda games, then play it after the Ocarina of Time. Otherwise it doesn't seem to be anything like the originals.

The only traditional reference was to different Sage’s. Daruk, descendant of the Gorons, served much the same role as Darmani in Majora's Mask or Darunia in Ocarina of Time. Urbosa seemed to be a descendant of Nabooru, from Ocarina of time.

Breath of the Wild also does a more in depth storyline depicting the relationship between Link and Zelda. Some say it romanticizes Link and Zelda’s friendship, which most fan ficks do already. However, part of the tradition seems to be that most fans “ship” them, but it’s never going to happen in game. This came very close when they connected in the memory quest.

A different take on this is that Zelda’s vulnerability is touching. Her commitment to Hyrule is very strong, even empowering. This brings new depth to her relationship with Link. Whatever your position, the graphics are great.

I was very impressed by the graphics and open world of Breath of the Wild. As a video game, I loved to play it, and I was even challenged by this game! However, it is very difficult for me to consider it a traditional Zelda game. This is why I recommend playing it later so you can decide for yourself.

Conclusion

I will always refer to The Ocarina of Time for being the most in depth delivery of the storyline for Legend of Zelda games. That is why I recommend you play it before the others, to build a foundation of knowledge about Zelda. That said it may not be your favorite game - that's okay! I hope this list helps you to see some of the differences between the styles of Zelda games. All of them have something to offer, including the ones I didn't list here. If you would like to read more, please check out my blog!

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