For most newcomers, play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time first, then Majora’s Mask. Nintendo describes Majora’s Mask as a follow-up set after Link’s victory over Ganondorf, so Ocarina of Time gives you the story context behind Link’s next adventure. Choose Majora’s Mask first instead if its repeating time loop and character-focused activities are what interest you most.
Is Majora’s Mask a sequel to Ocarina of Time?
Yes. Nintendo describes Majora’s Mask as a follow-up to Ocarina of Time, set three months after Link’s victory over Ganondorf. Link travels to Termina, where the moon threatens the land and he becomes caught in a repeating three-day cycle. Nintendo’s official description of Majora’s Mask establishes that connection.
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Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda | $70.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $56.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
You can begin with either game, but playing Ocarina of Time first gives the follow-up more narrative context. The games’ central conflicts and settings are distinct: Ocarina is Link’s quest to save Hyrule from Ganondorf, while Majora’s Mask takes place in Termina and centers on preventing the moon’s fall.
How do the games play differently?
| What to consider | Ocarina of Time | Majora’s Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Main structure | A classic overarching quest to save Hyrule. | A repeating three-day cycle in Termina; managing time and learning residents’ schedules are part of play. |
| Core appeal | Following Link’s story as he becomes the Hero of Time and opposes Ganondorf. | Planning what to do before the cycle resets, alongside activities tied to Termina’s residents. |
| Distinctive abilities | Not characterized by transformation masks in the cited descriptions. | Masks are central: Link can transform into Deku, Goron, and Zora forms, each with different abilities, and other masks have special uses. |
| Tone | Not characterized by Nintendo’s cited descriptions here. | Nintendo’s publisher description calls it dark and brooding and describes its world as unsettling; that is promotional wording, not a universal player response. |
Nintendo’s descriptions of Majora’s Mask and Majora’s Mask 3D explain the cycle and transformation abilities. The practical difference is that Ocarina points you through a broad quest, while Majora asks you to learn how a limited stretch of time works and decide how to use it.
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Which Zelda game should you play first?
Choose Ocarina of Time first if…
- You want the story in its intended order, with Majora’s Mask following Link’s victory over Ganondorf.
- You would rather start with a conventional, overarching quest to save Hyrule.
- You want a foundation for Link’s next adventure before entering Termina.
Choose Majora’s Mask first if…
- The repeating three-day cycle sounds more appealing than a straightforward quest structure.
- You enjoy planning around deadlines and learning characters’ schedules.
- Transformation abilities and character-centered activities are your strongest draw.
Starting with Majora’s Mask is a reasonable preference-based choice; it simply means encountering a follow-up before its preceding story. If you are undecided, play Ocarina of Time first and continue to Majora’s Mask.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which versions can you play?
Access depends on the edition and platform available to you. Nintendo lists Majora’s Mask 3D for Nintendo 3DS with a release date of February 13, 2015. Its page describes refreshed visuals, touch-screen item selection, schedule and map information, Bombers’ Notebook alarms, and hints from Sheikah Stones. Nintendo also says purchases in the Nintendo 3DS eShop ended on March 27, 2023; that notice concerns that purchase channel and does not establish current used-game prices or every present-day way to play. See Nintendo’s Majora’s Mask 3D page for its edition details.
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
As of October 7, 2026, Nintendo’s US store lists a physical edition of Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 with a release date of November 5, 2026. Because that date is still in the future, the listing does not establish that the edition is already available. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing for current status; it does not establish other retailers’ stock or pricing.
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Rank #3
- Step into a world of adventure—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Use your ingenuity to survive and thrive in Hyrule
- Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app
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.
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