There is no universal winner between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: the better choice depends on whether you want to discover the original adventure or experiment with the sequel’s building-focused abilities. If you plan to play both, start with Breath of the Wild. Nintendo identifies Tears of the Kingdom as its sequel and recommends catching up on the earlier game’s story first.
At a glance: which Zelda game fits you?
| If you want… | Choose… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| To play the story in sequence or experience the earlier adventure first | Breath of the Wild | It comes before Tears of the Kingdom, and Nintendo advises players to catch up on its story before starting the sequel. |
| To build things, combine objects, and experiment with abilities | Tears of the Kingdom | The sequel adds abilities that support construction and experimentation; GameSpot’s review describes these tools as central to how the game plays. |
| To explore a familiar Hyrule with new places to discover | Tears of the Kingdom | Nintendo describes an adventure through Hyrule as well as mysterious floating sky islands. |
| To understand the series’ transition from one game to the next | Breath of the Wild, then Tears of the Kingdom | The second game is a sequel, so playing in release order gives you the earlier story context Nintendo recommends. |
What makes the games feel different?
Breath of the Wild: the original adventure
Breath of the Wild is the starting point for this pair. Choose it if you want to encounter this version of Hyrule before the sequel revisits it, or if story context matters to you. Nintendo’s recommendation to catch up on its story makes it the straightforward first game for anyone planning to play both.
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Tears of the Kingdom: more room to build and experiment
Tears of the Kingdom builds on the familiar setting with new abilities that let players construct and experiment with objects. That distinction is a matter of play style, not an objective measure of quality: GameSpot’s description of the tools as the engine of the game is a reviewer’s interpretation, not a standardized comparison. Nintendo also highlights the sequel’s floating sky islands alongside Hyrule.
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Yes, if you intend to play both. Nintendo calls Tears of the Kingdom a sequel and advises players to catch up on Breath of the Wild’s story first. Playing the earlier game gives you that context in order. If you only want one game and are primarily drawn to building and experimentation, the sequel’s new abilities may make it the more appealing choice, even without treating it as an objective upgrade for every player.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Does Tears of the Kingdom feel too familiar?
It returns to Hyrule, so some of its appeal is in seeing a known setting again rather than starting with an entirely unrelated world. Nintendo presents the sequel as an adventure across Hyrule and floating sky islands. If revisiting a familiar place with new abilities and additional areas sounds appealing, that is a reason to choose it; if you would rather experience the earlier game first, begin with Breath of the Wild.
Check the edition and console before buying
Nintendo currently lists editions for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Check the exact game edition and your console on the current Nintendo product listings before purchasing: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo’s Switch 2 information advertises faster loading and describes save-data limitations for the edition, so confirm the current details if you are moving between systems or editions. Listings and arrangements may vary by region and can change.
Rank #2
- 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.
Are amiibo required?
No. Nintendo Support says compatible The Legend of Zelda amiibo figures can provide in-game items in both games, and that the figures are sold separately. Treat them as optional extras, not a requirement for choosing or playing either game.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
![The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xVZUUZ1hL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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
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