What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time before The Wind Waker if you want the most useful story context. Nintendo places Ocarina of Time before the timeline divides and puts The Wind Waker on the Adult Era branch after Hyrule is flooded. The islanders in The Wind Waker still preserve the legend of the Hero of Time, the title associated with Ocarina of Time. You can begin with The Wind Waker and follow its plot, but Ocarina of Time makes the world’s memories, customs and historical references carry more weight.
The one-game answer: start with Ocarina of Time
If you only have time for one earlier Zelda game, choose The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its story establishes the Hero of Time that The Wind Waker treats as a figure from the past, and it is the game immediately before Nintendo’s timeline branches into separate eras.
The connection is visible as soon as The Wind Waker begins. The game opens on a small island where people pass down the legend of the Hero of Time. When boys reach the same age as that hero, the island’s custom is to dress them in green. That tradition is not random decoration: it is a living memory of the earlier adventure. Knowing where the legend came from lets you read the opening as history rather than as an unexplained local ritual.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →This recommendation is about context, not access or difficulty. The Wind Waker is still a complete adventure on its own. The earlier game supplies historical perspective; it is not a prerequisite that the sequel mechanically checks.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What Ocarina of Time contributes
The Hero of Time behind the legend
Ocarina of Time gives the title “Hero of Time” a specific narrative identity. Nintendo’s official history describes Link’s first meeting with Princess Zelda and Ganondorf’s attempt to seize the Triforce. Those events become the remembered age referenced by the islanders in The Wind Waker.
That relationship changes how you interpret the later game’s opening. The green clothing, the coming-of-age ceremony and the reverence for an older hero are all echoes of a story the audience has already experienced. Without Ocarina of Time, they remain understandable world-building; after it, they also function as deliberate historical continuity.
The timeline position that leads to the Adult Era
Nintendo’s timeline chart places Ocarina of Time before the chronology divides into different eras. The Wind Waker follows the Adult Era path, after the event identified in the chart as “Hyrule is flooded.” Majora’s Mask, by contrast, sits on the Child Era path. This is why Ocarina of Time is the direct preparation and Majora’s Mask is an optional side branch.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The historical stakes without requiring a lore course
You do not need to memorize a complete Zelda timeline before sailing. The useful preparation is narrower: understand that an earlier hero faced Zelda and Ganondorf, that the resulting history split into branches, and that the branch containing The Wind Waker remembers that hero even though its own setting is different. Playing Ocarina of Time supplies those facts naturally instead of asking you to learn them from a chart.
A spoiler-conscious play order
Use this order if you want the strongest historical progression while keeping optional material clearly separated:
- Ocarina of Time: the essential context game. It introduces the Hero of Time and occupies the point before the timeline split.
- Majora’s Mask: optional. It explores the Child Era branch, not the direct history that leads to The Wind Waker.
- The Wind Waker: the target game. Its island setting preserves the Hero of Time legend, and Link’s story moves toward the Forsaken Fortress and the King of Red Lions after his sister is kidnapped.
- Phantom Hourglass: play after The Wind Waker, not before it. Nintendo describes its events as taking place a few months after The Wind Waker, with Link and Tetra’s pirates searching for a new land.
If you want the shortest route, play only the first and third entries. If you want to experience both branches that grow out of Ocarina of Time, insert Majora’s Mask before The Wind Waker, while treating it as a parallel-era detour rather than setup.
Where Majora’s Mask fits—and where it does not
Majora’s Mask is a meaningful follow-up for readers who want to see the other branch of Zelda history, but it is not required to understand The Wind Waker. Nintendo’s chart places it in the Child Era, whereas The Wind Waker belongs to the Adult Era after the flood of Hyrule.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That distinction matters when planning your time. Playing Majora’s Mask first will give you another perspective on the consequences of Ocarina of Time’s split, but it will not add a missing chapter to the specific Adult Era path that The Wind Waker follows. Choose it for breadth, not because the later game assumes you completed it.
The Wind Waker’s opening: what prior knowledge changes
The opening is designed to communicate its history through ordinary island life. A legend is passed down, boys reaching age twelve are dressed in green like the remembered hero, and the ceremony becomes personal when Link’s sister is kidnapped. Link then sets out toward the Forsaken Fortress and encounters the King of Red Lions.
“On a small island in the middle of the ocean, where the legend of the Hero of Time is being passed down, it is customary to celebrate when young boys reach the age of twelve, the same age as the hero, by dressing them in green.”
— Nintendo’s official Zelda history page
If you have played Ocarina of Time, this passage connects a familiar heroic identity to a new generation and a radically different setting. If you have not, the same information still explains the island’s custom; you simply experience the reference as background lore rather than as a continuation of a known legend.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick comparison: which game belongs in your plan?
| Game | Story relevance to The Wind Waker | Timeline role | Best reason to play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time | Highest | Before the timeline split | Understand the Hero of Time and the remembered Zelda-and-Ganondorf conflict. |
| Majora’s Mask | Indirect | Child Era branch | Explore the alternate branch created after Ocarina of Time. |
| The Wind Waker | Target | Adult Era after Hyrule is flooded | Experience the island world and its living legend. |
| Phantom Hourglass | Follow-up | A few months after The Wind Waker | Continue Link and Tetra’s search for a new land. |
This comparison keeps “important” and “interesting” separate. Ocarina of Time is important for the direct historical link. Majora’s Mask can be important to your personal interest in the Child Era, but the Adult Era story does not require it. Phantom Hourglass may be the natural next purchase or playthrough, yet its later placement means it cannot explain the target game’s opening.
Choose by the amount of time you have
A full three-game route is not automatically better. If you want the clearest setup with the least delay, go from Ocarina of Time straight to The Wind Waker. This makes the Hero of Time reference fresh and keeps the Adult Era branch at the center of your plan.
Add Majora’s Mask when your goal is comparative timeline study rather than efficient preparation. Its Child Era placement gives you a second perspective on the split, but it also adds a complete adventure that is not part of the direct lead-in. Treat it as enrichment and schedule it only if that branch interests you.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If your available time is limited to the target game, start there without guilt. The island’s legend, the green clothing custom, the kidnapped sister and the voyage toward the Forsaken Fortress provide an immediate narrative orientation. You can always return to Ocarina of Time later and recognize which details were inherited from the earlier age.
Original releases and practical planning
Nintendo’s history page identifies the original platform and release date for each game. Those details describe the historical editions, not guaranteed modern availability. Store catalogues, subscriptions, remasters and regional compatibility can change, so verify the edition offered in your country before buying or scheduling a playthrough.
| Game | Original platform | Original release date | Role in this order |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Nintendo 64 | November 21, 1998 | Essential context before The Wind Waker |
| The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask | Nintendo 64 | April 27, 2000 | Optional Child Era branch |
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | GameCube | December 13, 2002 | Target game |
| The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass | Nintendo DS | June 23, 2007 | Optional sequel after The Wind Waker |
The historical source does not establish current retail stock, subscription access, regional editions or compatibility. Treat any present-day platform claim as a separate check rather than assuming that an original release is still sold in the same form everywhere.
How to plan a purchase without assuming access
If you are choosing one physical or digital product to pair with this guide, Ocarina of Time is the logical match for the minimum-context recommendation. The original listing identified by Nintendo is the Nintendo 64 version, but that fact alone does not identify a current store listing, a compatible system or a regional edition. Check the exact platform and territory before paying.
The Wind Waker is the destination game, not an extra prerequisite. If you already own it, you can begin immediately and add Ocarina of Time later for historical context. If you are planning the continuation, look for an accurately identified edition of Phantom Hourglass; its place in the chronology makes it a post-Wind Waker choice.
Do not treat a release date as a price, stock or access guarantee. Nintendo’s historical information gives the original systems and dates, while present-day availability depends on the edition and region you can actually obtain.
A focused preparation plan before you start Ocarina of Time
You do not need a complete timeline guide. A short, spoiler-light plan keeps the earlier game useful without turning preparation into homework.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Set the purpose. Play to understand the origin of the Hero of Time legend and the events before the timeline split, not to collect every piece of Zelda history.
- Keep the three central names in view. Link, Princess Zelda and Ganondorf form the basic historical relationship that Nintendo highlights in its description of Ocarina of Time.
- Notice the point where history branches. You do not need to resolve every later timeline interpretation; simply recognize that Nintendo’s chart places different games on different era paths after this title.
- Finish the story before judging the references. The cultural memory in The Wind Waker is easier to read after you have seen the earlier hero’s role for yourself.
- Move to The Wind Waker next. Going directly from the essential game to the target keeps the Adult Era connection prominent.
If you start with The Wind Waker instead
Starting with The Wind Waker is a valid choice when access, time or preference makes an older game impractical. Use the opening as your orientation: the island’s legend refers to a hero from a previous age, green clothing is part of a local coming-of-age custom, and Link’s immediate goal begins with rescuing his kidnapped sister.
When the game mentions the Hero of Time, read the references as intentional history rather than as instructions to stop and find another game. The story supplies enough local context to follow Link’s journey. You will miss the emotional recognition that comes from having played Ocarina of Time, but you will not be missing a required control tutorial, a mandatory plot chapter or a prerequisite item.
What to play after The Wind Waker
Phantom Hourglass is the next chronological stop
Phantom Hourglass belongs after The Wind Waker. Nintendo places its events a few months later and describes Link setting out with Tetra’s pirates in search of a new land. It therefore works as a continuation of the ocean-era story, not as preparation for the original island setting.
Why it should stay out of the pre-play list
Putting Phantom Hourglass before The Wind Waker reverses the relationship established by Nintendo’s chronology. If your aim is to understand the target game’s setup, stop the pre-play sequence at Ocarina of Time—with Majora’s Mask optional—and save Phantom Hourglass for afterward.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common planning mistakes
Treating Majora’s Mask as mandatory
The Child Era placement makes Majora’s Mask interesting, but not a missing link in the Adult Era story. Add it when you want the alternate branch, not because the opening of The Wind Waker depends on it.
Assuming every later game is a prequel
Phantom Hourglass is explicitly described as occurring after The Wind Waker. Its position makes it a follow-up and prevents it from serving as background preparation.
Confusing original release information with current access
A Nintendo 64 or GameCube release date tells you when a game first appeared and on which original system. It does not promise that a current digital catalogue, subscription or physical listing is available in your region. Confirm the specific edition and platform before committing to a purchase.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Expecting a complete timeline lecture to improve the first hour
The useful context is selective. The Hero of Time, the Zelda-and-Ganondorf conflict and the Adult-versus-Child Era distinction explain the relevant references. Additional timeline study may be enjoyable, but it is not needed to understand why the islanders dress young boys in green or why the earlier hero matters.
Final recommendation by time available
- One game: choose Ocarina of Time before The Wind Waker.
- Two games: play Ocarina of Time, then The Wind Waker.
- Three games and an interest in branching history: play Ocarina of Time, add Majora’s Mask for the Child Era, then play The Wind Waker for the Adult Era path.
- Continuing after the target: follow The Wind Waker with Phantom Hourglass, whose story begins a few months later.
The core choice remains simple: Ocarina of Time is the game that most directly turns The Wind Waker’s remembered hero and timeline position into meaningful continuity. Everything else is either an optional branch, the target itself or a sequel to save for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Zelda game should I play before The Wind Waker?
Play Ocarina of Time. Nintendo places it before the timeline split, and The Wind Waker’s island culture preserves the legend of its Hero of Time.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchDo I need to play Majora’s Mask before The Wind Waker?
No. Majora’s Mask is on Nintendo’s Child Era branch, while The Wind Waker follows the Adult Era path. Play it for the alternate branch, not as required setup.
Can I start with The Wind Waker?
Yes. Its opening explains the island’s Hero of Time legend and green-clothing custom well enough to follow the story. Ocarina of Time adds recognition and historical depth rather than a mandatory plot chapter.
Where does Phantom Hourglass fit?
Play Phantom Hourglass after The Wind Waker. Nintendo describes its events as occurring a few months later, with Link and Tetra’s pirates searching for a new land.
What are the original release platforms and dates?
Nintendo lists Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64 on November 21, 1998; Majora’s Mask for Nintendo 64 on April 27, 2000; The Wind Waker for GameCube on December 13, 2002; and Phantom Hourglass for Nintendo DS on June 23, 2007.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Do those original release details confirm what I can buy today?
No. They describe historical editions. Check current store listings, subscriptions, regional compatibility and the exact platform separately before purchasing.
The Bottom Line
Best preparation: play Ocarina of Time, then The Wind Waker. Add Majora’s Mask only if you want the Child Era branch, and save Phantom Hourglass for the sequel that follows a few months later.
Quick Recap
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.
