The Legend of Zelda Games series is one of the most adored gaming brands after almost 40 years of adventures. The narrative of Link, Zelda, and Ganon has captivated millions of gamers worldwide, from the NES’s iconic 8-bit dungeons to the Nintendo Switch’s expansive open worlds.
It can be intimidating to start playing Zelda if you’ve never played any of the games before, especially since there are so many of them and even a purported history connecting them all.
The optimal sequence to play Zelda games is a common question among novice players, though, because there are so many titles, remakes, and branching histories. Should you explore Nintendo’s created story chronology or stick to the release order?
We’ve simplified things by breaking down both options so you may select the playstyle that works best for you.
Let’s explore the Zelda games in order and also how to play these.
How to Play Zelda Games in the Order of Their Release
Here is the full list of Zelda games in order of release, from the NES era to the current Switch installments. For you to experience the series the way other fans did.
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The Legend of Zelda
Published: 1986
System: NES
That’s where Zelda games in order started. In order to save Princess Zelda from the malevolent Ganon, players lead Link through Hyrule while collecting Triforce fragments. It was straightforward, durable, and ageless; it laid the groundwork for all subsequent developments.
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Published: 1987
System: NES
A straightforward follow-up that adopted a completely different strategy by incorporating side-scrolling combat and RPG-like features. It is still one of the Zelda games in order hardest entries, and opinions among fans about whether it’s too harsh or underappreciated are still divided.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Published: 1991
System: SNES
This Zelda games in order, is frequently regarded as one of the best SNES games ever, debuted the dual-world concept. Its use of dungeons, puzzles, and an epic plot solidified the Zelda formula.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Published: 1993
System: Game Boy
The original Zelda experience on a portable device. Link has to awaken the enigmatic Wind Fish while stranded on Koholint Island. It’s still a fan favorite because it’s odd, poignant, and unforgettable.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Published: 1998
Platform: N64
A benchmark in gaming history. Time travel, Z-targeting combat, and some of the series’ most renowned dungeons were all introduced with this 3D leap. often regarded as one of the best video games ever created.
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Published: 2000
Platform: N64
This Zelda game in Order has a darker adventure, which takes place right after Ocarina of Time, and puts Link in a three-day time loop in order to prevent the moon from colliding with Termina. renowned for its distinct mask system, eerie tone, and side tasks.
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons
Published: 2001
System: Game Boy Color
You can play these two related games in either order. Whereas Seasons prioritizes action, Ages concentrates on riddles. The complete story can be unlocked by connecting them.
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Published: 2002
System: Game Boy Advance
This is one of the Zelda Games entry, which was included with A Link to the Past, had a strong multiplayer bent. Up to four Links could cooperate to overcome dungeons and solve puzzles.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Published: 2002/2003
Platform: GameCube
A daring switch to cel-shaded graphics that initially split admirers but has since won them over. One of Zelda Games most endearing and poignant journeys takes you across a flooded Hyrule.
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Published: 2004
Platform: GameCube
This multiplayer-focused Zelda games built on Four Swords by adding more diverse dungeons and a larger story to the cooperative action.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Published: 2004
System: Game Boy Advance
The Minish, a little race of people, were introduced by this vibrant portable treasure. Link gains the ability to shrink and learns about Hyrule from a completely different angle. frequently regarded as underappreciated.
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Published: 2006
Platform: Wii/GameCube
A more realistic, darker version of the franchise. Link becomes capable of changing into a wolf and fights Ganondorf once more alongside his beloved companion Midna.
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Published: 2007
Platform: Nintendo DS
Primarily controlled by the DS stylus, this game is a direct sequel to The Wind Waker. In a playful yet original entry, Link and Tetra explore the oceans.
- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Published: 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Link is a train engineer in New Hyrule, set around a century after Phantom Hourglass. The appearance of Princess Zelda Games as a spirit companion distinguishes this quest
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Released: 2011 (Wii) / 2021 HD Remake (Switch)
Platform: Wii / Switch
The creation of the Master Sword and the never-ending cycle of Link, Zelda, and Demise (Ganon’s ancestor) are the subjects of the first story in Zelda’s timeline. Although motion controls caused controversy, the Switch remake improved them.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Published: 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
A spiritual follow-up to A Link to the Past, including Lorule, a parallel kingdom, and wall-merging mechanisms. It’s one of the greatest handheld entries, both familiar and new.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
Published: 2015
System: Nintendo 3DS
A handheld game that focuses on multiplayer and involves three Links cooperating. Enjoyable in crowds, although frequently regarded as skippable in contrast to mainline titles.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Published: 2017
Platform: Nintendo Switch/Wii U
A huge reimagining of the franchise in an open world. Link has to wake up after a hundred years of sleep in order to vanquish Calamity Ganon. often regarded as one of the best games ever played.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (Spin-off)
Release date: 2020
Platform: Nintendo Switch
A spin-off in the musou style that comes before Breath of the Wild. Despite not being a mainline game, it adds lore for backstory-hungry fans and examines the Great Calamity.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Published: 2023
System: Nintendo Switch
The straight follow-up to Breath of the Wild, which expands on its open-world layout with additional powers, sky islands, and underground exploration. It expands Hyrule in amazing ways while carrying on the plot.
Which Order Is Best?
- Order of Release: Ideal for beginners. You will like how Zelda Games changed over the years.
- Chronological order: For lore enthusiasts, chronological order is ideal. You’ll notice how Nintendo ties together each Hyrule era.
- Modern Order: If you are looking for the newest and easiest-to-read posts, start with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
To wrap up
The extensive backstory of the Legend of Zelda Games franchise spans multiple timeframes and serves as a history lesson in gaming innovation. There is no incorrect way to experience these adventures, whether you choose to dig into the lore-driven chronology or follow the release path.
Simply gather your bravery, sword, and shield, then enter the realm of Hyrule.
