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Yes. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an official direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, continuing its story in the same Hyrule after the earlier game ends. Nintendo has not established a definitive placement for the pair in the franchise’s older timeline branches in the sources cited here.
How are the two games connected?
Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma describes Tears of the Kingdom as “a direct sequel” to Breath of the Wild, which released in 2017. The sequel takes place in Hyrule after the events of the first game; Aonuma says it is set there “shortly after” its ending, without specifying an exact number of years. Nintendo’s developer interview also explains that the team used the established Hyrule as a foundation for new gameplay and discoveries.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $56.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (Nintendo Switch) | $58.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - For Nintendo Switch 2 | $89.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Does Tears of the Kingdom also tell an older story?
Yes. Alongside its sequel-era events, Tears of the Kingdom explores ancient Hyrule and the Imprisoning War, a conflict that had been passed down as myth in the kingdom. This storyline reaches into the past, but it does not change the confirmed order of the two games: Tears of the Kingdom follows Breath of the Wild. Nintendo discusses this ancient-history thread in the second part of its developer interview.
Do you need to play Breath of the Wild first?
No—not to follow the basic story of Tears of the Kingdom. Director Hidemaro Fujibayashi says the developers aimed to make the story work for both new and returning players, and included an in-game character guide to help explain relationships. Playing Breath of the Wild first can provide context for the continuing story and make callbacks more familiar, but Nintendo’s comments do not make it a prerequisite.
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- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls, objects and enemies in fun ways
What order should you play them in?
- Play Breath of the Wild first if you want to experience the story in its intended sequence and meet the characters in the earlier game.
- Play Tears of the Kingdom next to see the same Hyrule after the first game’s conclusion.
- If you start with Tears of the Kingdom, use its character guide when you want help with relationships or background.
Where do they fit in the wider Zelda timeline?
Their relationship to each other is clear; their exact position among the older branches of the Zelda chronology is not established by the sources cited here. A 2023 Game Informer interview with Aonuma and Fujibayashi addresses interest in the timeline, but does not provide a definitive branch assignment. Treat specific placements as interpretations unless Nintendo clearly confirms them.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Enhanced resolution, framerates, and load times optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore a massive open-air version of Hyrule with complete freedom.
- Solve physics-based puzzles, survive dynamic weather, and uncover hidden secrets.
- Customize your adventure with weapons, gear, and food you craft yourself.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app for bonuses, item sharing, and social features.
Rank #2
- See Hyrule 100 years before the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game and experience the events of the Great Calamity.
- Join the struggle that brought Hyrule to its knees. Learn more about Zelda, the King of Hyrule, the four champions; Urbosa, Revali, Mipha, Daruk and more through dramatic cutscenes as they try to save the kingdom from Calamity. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is the only way to see first-hand what happened 100 years ago.
- Battle hordes of Hyrule’s most formidable foes - From barbaric Bokoblins to towering Lynels, Ganon’s troops have emerged in droves. Revisit iconic locations such as Zoras Domain, Death Mountain and Hyrule Field and use your playable heroes’ distinct abilities to carve through hundreds of enemies to save Hyrule from the impending Calamity.
- Team up and take on Ganon - Pass a Joy-Con to a friend and take on Calamity Ganon as a team in local co-op multiplayer. Fight side-by-side or divide your efforts to cover more ground, complete objectives and defeat the forces of darkness!
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