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You can start The Legend of Zelda without playing the rest of the series. If you want Nintendo’s modern open-world adventures, play Breath of the Wild first and Tears of the Kingdom next. If you’d rather have a more contained adventure, Link’s Awakening is a strong standalone starting point.
Do you need to play Zelda games in order?
No. Zelda does not have one required play order. Nintendo’s official series history branches after Ocarina of Time, rather than laying out a single chain every player must follow. Choose a starting game based on the kind of adventure you want, not its position in the chronology. Nintendo’s Zelda history shows the branching timeline.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - World Edition | $56.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xVZUUZ1hL._SL160_.jpg)
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Which Zelda game should you start with?
| What you want | Start here | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A large modern open-world adventure and a direct follow-up | Breath of the Wild, then Tears of the Kingdom | Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel set shortly after Breath of the Wild, so the first game provides context for the returning world and characters. |
| One modern Zelda adventure, with no commitment to a sequel | Breath of the Wild | Nintendo’s developers say it has its own conclusion; you can stop there or continue later. |
| A more contained adventure with a distinct island setting | Link’s Awakening | It follows Link on Koholint Island, and Nintendo describes the remake as an adventure for both newcomers and longtime fans. |
| A classic series landmark | Ocarina of Time | Nintendo has announced a Nintendo Switch 2 edition as an entry point, scheduled for November 5, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, that edition is upcoming. |
Why play Breath of the Wild before Tears of the Kingdom?
Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma describes Tears of the Kingdom as a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, taking place in Hyrule after the earlier game’s conclusion. Starting with Breath of the Wild makes the sequel’s returning characters and setting more meaningful. Nintendo’s developer interview also makes clear that Tears of the Kingdom is designed to welcome first-time players: its gameplay is intended to be intuitive, and its story was shaped to work for players new to the previous game. So it is possible to start with the sequel, but you will have more context if you play the pair in order.
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What if you want a shorter-feeling, more contained starting point?
Choose Link’s Awakening if a focused island adventure sounds more appealing than a vast open world. The game centers on Koholint Island, giving it a distinct setting from the Hyrule-based open-world pair. Nintendo presents its remake as rebuilt for both fans and newcomers. See Nintendo’s Link’s Awakening page.
#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
Can you start with an older Zelda through Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo says earlier Zelda adventures are available through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The specific games offered can depend on the current service catalog, so check the title listing and subscription tier before choosing this route. Nintendo’s Zelda news archive is the relevant source for its service announcements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the console and edition before choosing
Nintendo’s catalog includes Zelda games for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom require a Nintendo Switch 2; they are not interchangeable with the original Switch releases. Confirm the console and edition shown on the game page or retailer listing before buying. Nintendo’s game catalog lists current editions, while its Switch 2 information covers the newer system.
Quick Recap
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
A simple route for a new player
- Choose the format you want: Start Breath of the Wild for the modern open-world route, or Link’s Awakening for a more contained island story.
- If you chose Breath of the Wild, decide afterward whether you want a sequel: Tears of the Kingdom continues its setting and story context, but it is not required to complete the first game.
- Check the edition against your console: In particular, do not select a Switch 2 Edition unless you have a Nintendo Switch 2.
- If you prefer an older title, check the live subscription catalog: Confirm the exact game and the service tier that includes it before subscribing or making plans.
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.
