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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 that takes place after Link’s victory over Ganondorf, so playing Ocarina of Time first gives you the story context. Prefer a repeating time loop, a ticking deadline, and character-focused side activities? You may enjoy starting with Majora’s Mask instead.
Which Zelda game should you play first?
Choose Ocarina of Time first if you want the clearest story sequence and a classic quest to save Hyrule. Then play Majora’s Mask to see how the follow-up changes the setting, structure, and abilities.
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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 |
Nintendo places Majora’s Mask three months after Link’s victory over Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time. It follows Link to Termina, where the moon threatens the land and he relives the same three days. That connection makes the order meaningful, though the games offer distinct experiences rather than simply repeating the same adventure. Nintendo’s description of Majora’s Mask identifies it as a follow-up and outlines its premise.
Start with Ocarina of Time if…
- You want to experience the story in sequence.
- You prefer a conventional, overarching quest centered on saving Hyrule.
- You want the context for Link’s next adventure before entering Termina.
Start with Majora’s Mask if…
- The repeating three-day cycle sounds more appealing than a straightforward quest.
- You like planning around a deadline and learning when characters are in particular places.
- You are especially interested in transformation abilities and character-centered activities.
Is Majora’s Mask a sequel to Ocarina of Time?
Yes. Nintendo describes Majora’s Mask as a follow-up to Ocarina of Time and places its story after Link defeats Ganondorf. Link’s journey then takes him to Termina, a different land facing a threat from the moon. Playing the earlier game first provides that narrative context, but the preference-sensitive choice is whether you value story order or are more drawn to Majora’s Mask’s unusual structure.
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How the games differ
| What to compare | Ocarina of Time | Majora’s Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Story and setting | Link becomes the Hero of Time and sets out to save Hyrule from Ganondorf. | Link travels to Termina, where the moon threatens the land. |
| Structure | A classic quest with a broad goal of saving Hyrule. | A repeating three-day cycle makes time management and residents’ schedules part of play; each reset lets Link revisit the cycle and pursue objectives. |
| Signature abilities | The supplied Nintendo descriptions do not establish a directly comparable signature ability for this article. | Masks are central. Transformations into Deku, Goron, and Zora forms give Link different abilities, while other masks have special uses. |
| Tone | The supplied Nintendo descriptions do not establish a directly comparable tone for this article. | Nintendo’s publisher description calls it dark and brooding and describes its world as unsettling; that is Nintendo’s characterization, not a universal player response. |
Nintendo’s official Majora’s Mask page describes the time loop, Termina, and transformations. The Majora’s Mask 3D listing also explains features of that specific edition, including touch-screen item selection, schedule and map information, Bombers’ Notebook alarms, and hints from Sheikah Stones.
Which game fits your preferred play style?
Choose the classic quest for a more direct through-line
Ocarina of Time is the more straightforward pick if you want an overarching mission to save Hyrule. It also provides the story background Nintendo uses to frame Majora’s Mask as a follow-up.
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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
Choose the time loop for schedule-driven play
Majora’s Mask makes the three-day cycle part of how you approach objectives. Link relives the cycle, giving you chances to revisit events and pursue goals while learning residents’ schedules. That is a better match if managing time and deciding what to do within a repeating window appeal to you.
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If changing how Link moves and acts is the main draw, Majora’s Mask has the clearer fit. Its Deku, Goron, and Zora transformations each have different abilities, and other masks serve special purposes.
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- 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
What versions can you play?
Access depends on the edition and platform. The available official listings establish these specific options and dates; they do not establish every current way to play or current used-game prices.
| Game or edition | Official listing details | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Majora’s Mask 3D | Nintendo lists it for Nintendo 3DS with a release date of February 13, 2015. | Nintendo states that purchases in the Nintendo 3DS eShop ended on March 27, 2023. The listing describes the 3DS edition’s refreshed visuals and features, but does not establish used-game prices or all present-day access options. |
| Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo’s US store lists a physical edition with a release date of November 5, 2026. | That date is in the future as of October 7, 2026. The listing describes a reworked edition, but does not establish stock, price, or availability through other retailers. |
Check the official Nintendo 3DS listing for Majora’s Mask 3D and the Nintendo US listing for Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 for those edition details.
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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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