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What “release order” means
Release order means the order in which the games were first published, not the order of events in Hyrule’s fictional history. Nintendo presents the in-world history separately, with eras and timeline branches. You do not need to work out those branches before starting a playthrough.
The dates below follow Nintendo’s official European release-history catalogue. They are European dates, not universal launch dates: releases in Japan and North America can fall on different days or in different years. The sequence is the useful part for a release-order playthrough.
Mainline Zelda games in original release order
This list covers the mainline first-party adventures. Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages launched on the same day, so either can come first; playing them together is also a natural option.
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- Become the Hero of Time and save Hyrule from darkness
- Venture into dungeons, solve puzzles, and travel across time in two different eras to restore balance to the land
- A classic tale, reborn for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, visuals built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and more
- Play Link’s in-game ocarina by humming or singing into the Nintendo Switch 2 system microphone
- The Legend of Zelda — Nintendo Entertainment System (1986)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link — Nintendo Entertainment System (1988)
- A Link to the Past — Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1992)
- Link’s Awakening — Game Boy (1993)
- Ocarina of Time — Nintendo 64 (1998)
- Majora’s Mask — Nintendo 64 (2000)
- Oracle of Seasons — Game Boy Color (2001)
- Oracle of Ages — Game Boy Color (2001)
- The Wind Waker — Nintendo GameCube (2003)
- Four Swords — Game Boy Advance (2004)
- Four Swords Adventures — Nintendo GameCube (2004)
- The Minish Cap — Game Boy Advance (2005)
- Twilight Princess — Nintendo GameCube and Wii (2006)
- Phantom Hourglass — Nintendo DS (2007)
- Spirit Tracks — Nintendo DS (2009)
- Skyward Sword — Wii (2011)
- A Link Between Worlds — Nintendo 3DS (2013)
- Tri Force Heroes — Nintendo 3DS (2015)
- Breath of the Wild — Wii U and Nintendo Switch (2017)
- Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo Switch (2023)
- Echoes of Wisdom — Nintendo Switch (2024)
Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary history is the primary reference for this European release sequence and original platform history. The series spans home consoles and handhelds, so a complete playthrough is not confined to one system.
Do you need to play every game?
No. A first-time player can start with any Zelda adventure that appeals to them; the series does not require playing every earlier entry to understand each game. Release order is best if you want to follow the series’ publication history and changes in design. If you mainly want to try a particular era or style, begin with that game and return to the list later.
Rank #2
- 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
Some entries are designed around multiplayer or have a stronger multiplayer focus, notably Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, and Tri Force Heroes. Check the game’s player requirements and the version available to you before planning a solo run.
How remakes and remasters fit the order
Keep each game in the position where its original version first appeared, but feel free to play a later remake or remaster instead. For example, the remake of Link’s Awakening takes the place of the 1993 Game Boy original in a release-order playthrough; it does not move the game to the remake’s own release year. The same principle applies to remastered editions such as Skyward Sword HD.
Rank #3
- The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo’s current Zelda store catalogue lists titles including Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom, Link’s Awakening, and Skyward Sword HD for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Store listings and edition availability can change, so check the product page for your country before buying.
Finding older games to play
Older entries may be available through Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, but availability depends on the service catalogue, subscription tier, and region. Nintendo’s October 16, 2024 announcement identifies selected earlier games available through those services at that time; it is not a guarantee of today’s catalogue. Check the live listing in your country for the exact game and required tier before subscribing.
Rank #4
- As Link, explore a reimagined Koholint Island and collect instruments to awaken the Wind Fish to find a way home
- Explore numerous dungeons, riddled with tricks, traps, and enemies, including some from the Super Mario series
- Meet and interact with unique locals to get help on your adventure
- Listen to a reawakened soundtrack that helps bring life to Koholint Island
- Earn Chambers (Dungeon Rooms) and arrange them to complete objectives in the all new Chamber Dungeon
When choosing how to play an entry, check four things: the platform you have access to, whether you want the original or a remake/remaster, the edition’s control style, and whether the game is primarily a solo adventure or multiplayer-focused. These practical choices affect how you play, not where the game belongs in release order.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about Zelda spin-offs?
The mainline list does not include spin-offs such as Hyrule Warriors or Cadence of Hyrule. They are separate from the mainline adventure sequence, so add them only if you want a broader franchise chronology; do not use them to interrupt the order above.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enhanced performance and visuals exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the skies, caves, and vast lands of Hyrule in a massive open-world adventure.
- Wield new and returning abilities to craft solutions, vehicles, and weapons.
- Discover the mystery behind the spreading gloom threatening the kingdom.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app to share, compare, and earn daily bonuses.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
