The Legend of Zelda Series, In Order

The Legend of Zelda series, created by Nintendo, is one of the most influential and enduring franchises in video game history. Debuting in 1986, the series follows the adventures of the courageous hero, Link, as he embarks on quests to rescue Princess Zelda and protect the kingdom of Hyrule from various evils. Known for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and immersive worlds, the series blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and action into a captivating experience. Over the decades, Zelda has evolved with new mechanics, artistic styles, and storytelling techniques, continually setting the standard for adventure games. Note: This article only lists core entries and not remakes. The Legend of Zelda Series in Production Order The Legend of Zelda Initial releaseFebruary 21, 1986DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Famicom– NES– Game Boy Advance The Legend of Zelda (1986) is a pioneering action-adventure game originally released by Nintendo in 1986 for the NES. It introduced players to the fantasy land of Hyrule, where a young hero named Link embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and stop the evil Ganon from obtaining the powerful Triforce. Blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and real-time combat, the game set the foundation for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Its open-world design, non-linear gameplay, and hidden secrets made it a revolutionary title that continues to influence the genre today. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Initial releaseJanuary 14, 1987DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Famicom– NES– GameCube– Game Boy Advance Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1987) is the unique and often polarizing sequel to Nintendo’s groundbreaking The Legend of Zelda. Released in 1987 for the NES, it took bold steps away from its predecessor’s top-down perspective, introducing side-scrolling action, RPG elements like experience points, and a more complex combat system. Though it divided fans with its difficulty and drastic gameplay shift, Zelda II remains a significant and influential chapter in the franchise’s evolution. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Initial releaseNovember 21, 1991DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) marked a triumphant return to the series’ top-down roots while expanding the formula in groundbreaking ways. Featuring two interconnected worlds, a richer storyline, and innovative dungeon design, it set the standard for future Zelda titles. Widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, A Link to the Past solidified the franchise's legacy and introduced many elements that would become staples in the series. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Initial releaseJune 6, 1993DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Game Boy The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993) was the series’ first foray onto a handheld console—and a surprisingly introspective one. Set on the mysterious Koholint Island, far from Hyrule and Princess Zelda, the game delivered a charming yet surreal adventure that blended classic Zelda gameplay with quirky characters and unexpected twists. Despite its modest hardware, Link’s Awakening pushed creative boundaries and remains a fan favorite for its emotional depth and unique setting. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Initial releaseNovember 21, 1998DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo 64– GameCube The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) revolutionized the action-adventure genre and set a new benchmark for 3D gaming. As Link’s first fully three-dimensional journey, it introduced innovations like Z-targeting, a dynamic time-travel narrative, and an expansive world filled with dungeons, secrets, and memorable characters. Ocarina of Time not only defined a generation but also cemented Zelda’s place at the pinnacle of gaming history. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Initial releaseApril 27, 2000DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo 64– GameCube The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) stands out as one of the darkest and most emotionally complex entries in the series. Built on the engine of Ocarina of Time, this sequel takes a bold turn with its haunting three-day time loop, surreal atmosphere, and themes of loss, identity, and impending doom. Set in the mysterious world of Termina, Majora’s Mask challenges players to think differently, offering a deeply personal and unforgettable Zelda experience. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages Initial releaseFebruary 27, 2001DeveloperFlagshipPlatform(s)– Game Boy Color The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (2001) is one half of a unique dual-game adventure developed by Capcom in collaboration with Nintendo. Set in the land of Holodrum, the game focuses on action and puzzle-solving through the innovative use of season-changing mechanics. Players control Link as he battles to rescue the Oracle of Seasons and restore balance to a disrupted world. With its tight gameplay, clever dungeon design, and ability to link with Oracle of Ages for a larger story, Oracle of Seasons remains a standout in the handheld Zelda lineup. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Initial releaseDecember 2, 2002DeveloperCapcomPlatform(s)– Game Boy Advance The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (2002), released as part of the Game Boy Advance version of A Link to the Past, introduced cooperative multiplayer to the Zelda series for the first time. Designed for up to four players, it features a lighthearted, puzzle-focused adventure where multiple Links must work together to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Though shorter and more arcade-like than traditional Zelda titles, Four Swords brought a fresh, social dynamic to the franchise and laid the groundwork for future multiplayer Zelda experiences. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Initial releaseDecember 13, 2002DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– GameCube The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002), marked a bold stylistic shift for the series with its vibrant cel-shaded visuals and oceanic setting. Set hundreds of years after Ocarina of Time, the game follows a new incarnation of Link as he sails across a vast sea to rescue his sister and uncover the secrets of a sunken Hyrule. Though initially divisive due to its cartoon-like art style, Wind Waker has since become a beloved classic, praised for its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and sense of adventure. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures Initial releaseMarch 18, 2004DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– GameCube The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (2004) builds on the multiplayer concept introduced in Four Swords with a more structured, story-driven experience. Featuring both single-player and co-op gameplay for up to four players, it blends classic top-down Zelda action with strategic teamwork as four color-coded Links battle across Hyrule to stop the resurrected Vaati. With its unique mix of puzzle-solving, fast-paced combat, and innovative connectivity using Game Boy Advance link cables, Four Swords Adventures offers a distinct and entertaining twist on the traditional Zelda formula. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Initial releaseNovember 4, 2004DeveloperCapcomPlatform(s)– Game Boy Advance The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004) is a charming and colorful entry in the series developed by Capcom in collaboration with Nintendo. Set in the land of Hyrule, the game introduces the Minish—tiny, hidden creatures—and gives Link the ability to shrink to their size using a magical talking hat named Ezlo. With its inventive puzzles, vibrant art style, and a fresh perspective on familiar Zelda mechanics, The Minish Cap stands out as a creative and whimsical adventure that captures the heart of the series in a compact handheld format. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Initial releaseNovember 19, 2006DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Wii– GameCube The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006), released for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii, is one of the darker and more mature entries in the series. Set in a Hyrule plagued by a mysterious twilight realm, players control Link as he transforms into a wolf and embarks on a quest to save the land from an encroaching evil. With its expansive world, atmospheric visuals, and deep narrative, Twilight Princess blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a more epic, cinematic feel, making it a fan favorite and a defining title in the franchise’s evolution. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Initial releaseJune 23, 2007DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo DS The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007), brings the beloved series to handheld gaming with a unique touch-screen-driven adventure. A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, the game follows Link as he embarks on a journey across the seas to rescue Princess Zelda and stop the evil Ghost Ship. With its innovative use of the DS’s touchscreen for puzzles and combat, along with its charming art style and engaging exploration, Phantom Hourglass delivers a fresh yet familiar Zelda experience that captivated both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Initial releaseDecember 7, 2009DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo DS The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (2009) takes Link on a new adventure through a world of steam-powered trains and enchanted forests. Set in a new land where the Spirit Tracks—magical railways—are mysteriously disappearing, Link teams up with the spirit of Princess Zelda to uncover the truth behind the evil threatening the kingdom. With its creative use of the DS’s touchscreen for both train navigation and puzzle-solving, Spirit Tracks offers a unique blend of exploration, action, and strategy while maintaining the series’ signature charm and storytelling. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Initial releaseNovember 18, 2011DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Wii The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) delves into the origins of Link, Zelda, and the iconic Master Sword. Set in a floating world above the clouds, the game introduces motion-controlled swordplay, where players use the Wii Remote to mimic real-life sword swings for more precise combat. With its lush, vibrant environments, deep lore, and the introduction of new mechanics like the stamina bar and flying, Skyward Sword offers a unique and innovative take on the classic Zelda formula, though its reliance on motion controls and puzzle-focused gameplay made it a polarizing entry among fans. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Initial releaseNovember 22, 2013DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo 3DS The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (2013) is a standout entry in the beloved Zelda franchise. Serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic A Link to the Past, it introduces innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability for Link to transform into a painting and travel along walls. The game features a non-linear progression, giving players the freedom to tackle dungeons in any order and explore the world of Hyrule and its dark counterpart, Lorule. With its nostalgic art style, clever puzzle-solving, and engaging mechanics, A Link Between Worlds delivers a fresh yet familiar experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Initial releaseOctober 22, 2015DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo 3DS The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (2015), takes a unique approach to the Zelda series by focusing on cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Unlike traditional entries, the game allows up to three players to team up locally or online, controlling separate Links to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in dungeons. With a lighthearted art style reminiscent of A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes introduces a fresh dynamic with its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and the ability to combine abilities in creative ways. While it departs from the usual solo adventure, the game still captures the charm and spirit of the Zelda franchise, offering a fun and cooperative experience. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Initial releaseMarch 3, 2017DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo Switch– Wii U– Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) redefines the Zelda series with its open-world exploration and innovative gameplay. Set in a vast, beautifully crafted Hyrule, players control Link as he awakens from a long slumber to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon. The game introduces a new level of freedom, allowing players to explore the world at their own pace, solve puzzles, battle enemies, and even climb almost any surface. With its dynamic weather systems, realistic physics, and a rich, immersive environment, Breath of the Wild has become one of the most acclaimed games of all time, pushing the boundaries of what an adventure game can be. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Initial releaseMay 12, 2023DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo Switch 2– Nintendo Switch The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023) builds upon the groundbreaking success of Breath of the Wild with an expanded, even more immersive world. Set in the same vast Hyrule, the game introduces new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to explore floating islands in the sky and manipulate time. Players control Link as he embarks on a new quest to uncover the mysteries behind the kingdom's latest crisis, facing new challenges and enemies. With enhanced exploration, deeper storytelling, and innovative mechanics, Tears of the Kingdom continues to push the boundaries of open-world adventure, offering an unforgettable experience for both fans of the series and newcomers alike. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Initial releaseSeptember 26, 2024DeveloperNintendoPlatform(s)– Nintendo Switch The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024) is a fan-made concept that imagines a new chapter in the iconic Zelda franchise. While not an official release from Nintendo, this project draws on the series’ beloved themes of exploration, puzzle-solving, and heroism. Set in a mysterious land where the very fabric of time and wisdom is at risk, Echoes of Wisdom envisions Link embarking on an adventure that taps into the ancient powers of the Triforce, all while exploring new dungeons and facing intricate challenges. With fan-created artwork, mechanics, and storylines, Echoes of Wisdom represents the passion of Zelda fans and their dedication to expanding the universe. The Legend of Zelda in Chronological Order Zelda Timeline Illustration (Source: Polygon) Back before it was official, most fans had already worked out there there were multiple timelines going on. That’s true, but there are technically three of them. There’s the Child Timeline, Adult Timeline, and Fallen Hero Timeline. Each of these stems from Ocarina of Time, which makes sense as that game so heavily focuses on time travel. The Legend of the Goddesses and the Hero Skyward Sword The Minish Cap Four Swords Ocarina of Time There are three possible outcomes based on the possible ways Ocarina could end. These are the aforementioned Child Timeline, Adult Timeline, and Fallen Hero Timeline. The Child Timeline This timeline is the one players will see by beating the game and occurs in the event that Link defeats Ganon in Ocarina of Time and is returned to the past as a child by Zelda. He then warns Zelda and Hyrule about Ganondorf, stopping his plot before it can begin. Link then later leaves Hyrule. Majora’s Mask Twilight Princess Four Swords Adventures The Adult Timeline For the Adult Timeline, things go mostly the same as the Child Timeline, except after being sent back in time, Link didn’t warn Zelda or anyone about Ganondorf. Instead, he simply disappears and no one is there to oppose Ganondorf’s rule. The Wind Waker Phantom Hourglass Spirit Tracks The Fallen Hero Timeline By far the most interesting and dark timeline is the Fallen Hero Timeline. In this scenario, Link simply loses to Ganon during Ocarina of Time. This allows the latter to claim all three pieces of the Triforce. Somehow, Zelda and the people of Hyrule manage to trap Ganon and the Triforce within the Sacred Realm before he can take over the entire world. A Link to the Past Link’s Awakening Oracle of Ages Oracle of Seasons The Legend of Zelda Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom When it comes to the two modern Zelda games, the unfortunate truth is that Nintendo has left it ambiguous. The two prevailing thoughts are that these games either take place at the end of the Child Timeline or somehow reunify all the timelines back into one. However, there is evidence to support and contradict it falling at the end of any or all of the timelines.

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