Where to Start · The Legend of Zelda
Where to Start with The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is Nintendo's action-adventure franchise running since 1986 following Link, a hero reincarnated across timelines to defeat Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda. The series has a canonical timeline — the Zelda timeline splits into three branches after Ocarina of Time — but most games are accessible standalone and playing in timeline order is not recommended for newcomers. The franchise has two distinct modern eras: the pre-Breath of the Wild era (linear dungeon progression, item gating, defined structure) and the open air era (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, complete freedom from the first moment). Both are extraordinary.
Where you start depends on which structure appeals.
If you only play one Zelda game
Play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017). It redefined open world game design — no waypoints, no quest markers, complete freedom to go anywhere and approach everything however you choose. The physics engine allows solutions Nintendo never anticipated. The world rewards curiosity in ways no prior Zelda game did. Tears of the Kingdom (2023) expands everything BotW built and is the better game by most measures — start with BotW first for the world discovery to land properly, then move to TotK.
The classic peak — Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time (1998) is the game that defined 3D action-adventure design and remains one of the most influential games ever made. Link growing from child to adult, the Temple of Time, Hyrule Field, the Water Temple — all of it established the template. The 3DS remake (Ocarina of Time 3D) is the best version to play today — improved visuals, gyroscope aiming, and a map that makes the Water Temple manageable. If you want the historical experience and the game that shaped the genre, start here.
Majora's Mask — the dark one
Majora's Mask (2000) is the most unusual Zelda game — a three-day time loop, the moon falling on Termina, and a tone of grief and existential dread that no other Nintendo game has approached. It is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time using the same engine and assets. Play Ocarina of Time first. The 3DS remake is the recommended version. Majora's Mask is not an entry point but it is the most emotionally ambitious game in the series.
Timeline reality — the split after Ocarina of Time is fascinating wiki material, not a beginner routing guide. Pick games for era, tone, and structure — not encyclopedic chronology.
The 2D era highlights
A Link to the Past (1991) is the definitive SNES Zelda and the template for every 2D entry that followed — Light World and Dark World, the Master Sword, Hyrule Castle. Available on Nintendo Switch Online (SNES library). Link's Awakening (1993, remade 2019) is a charming standalone adventure on a mysterious island — the 2019 Switch remake is beautiful and the best way to experience it. A Link Between Worlds (2013, 3DS) is the best 3DS Zelda and a brilliant reimagining of A Link to the Past's world.
Wind Waker and Twilight Princess
Wind Waker (2002, GameCube) is cel-shaded ocean exploration — sailing between islands, the most visually distinctive Zelda, and a tone of adventure and wonder. Wind Waker HD on Wii U is the definitive version. Twilight Princess (2006) is the darkest classic era Zelda — mature tone, wolf transformation, and the most cinematic pre-BotW entry. Twilight Princess HD on Wii U is the best version.
Recommended order by preference
Modern open world: Breath of the Wild → Tears of the Kingdom. Classic 3D: Ocarina of Time 3D → Majora's Mask 3D → Wind Waker HD. Best 2D entry: A Link to the Past or Link's Awakening Remake. Best overall starting point for any newcomer: Breath of the Wild.