In what order should you play Breath of the Wild? Whenever you want – but here‘s the enriched path for Zelda fans
As an passionate gamer who has eagerly awaited every Zelda release since the 90s, I can definitively say The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece that stands tall even amongst its storied franchise lineage.
Breath of the Wild is fully enjoyable whenever you play it – its lack of reliance on past plotlines and completely reinvented open world mechanics make it one of the most accessible entry points into the storied Legend of Zelda franchise. For newcomers and veterans alike, Breath of the Wild is absolutely mesmerizing from the very first moments emerging onto the Great Plateau.
And yet…with over 30 years and 20 games worth of rich, intricate world building and gameplay innovation, exploring some past Zelda titles can bring an added depth when finally venturing into Breath of the Wild‘s beautiful post-apocalyptic Hyrule.
As a long-time fan now sharing my passions as a content creator, allow me take you on a suggested adventure that is sure to amplify the experience for both first-timers and life-long Zelda devotees.
Why Play Past Zelda Games Before BotW?
Breath of the Wild is filled with nostalgic callbacks, clever references and familiar locations that long-time fans will delight at discovering. Finding descendants of characters like Impa and Zelda, stumbling on Ranch Ruins that look straight out of Ocarina of Time, or even recognizing the musical cues from past games elevates the adventure. You begin to realize Breath of the Wild isn‘t just reinventing the franchise – it is a culmination of everything that has come before.
Equally as important, earlier games provide crucial context into core aspects of Zelda so pronounced in Breath of the Wild – intricate dungeons, innovative items, melodic soundtracks and deep lore. Appreciating the series‘ measured introduction of groundbreaking new ideas with each successive game allows you to better understand how revolutionary Breath of the Wild truly is.
Finally, I‘d be remiss as a passionate fan not to promote playing some utterly magical Zelda experiences in their own right. While Breath of the Wild may now top many lists, Ocarina of Time still holds records for critical acclaim, Wind Waker‘s vibrant world is etched vividly across an entire artistic generation, and Link to the Past remains a seminal blueprint of game design genius.
Before wandering Breath of the Wild‘s ravaged fantasy realm, allow me take you on a suggested quintessential journey through the highest peaks of Hyrule lore.
Recommended Play Order For Newcomers
For those unfettered by decades-long fandom, here is focused list of the most critically/historically essential 3D Zelda games that set foundations for Breath of the Wild:
| Title | Original Release | Est. Playtime | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time | 1998 (N64) | ~20 hours | Cornerstone 3D template, pioneering lock-on combat and puzzle mechanics, recurrent motifs like Gorons and Zora races |
| Wind Waker | 2002 (GameCube) | ~30 hours | Vibrant cel-shaded art style, expansive sailing overworld, influential lore moments |
| Twilight Princess | 2006 (GameCube/Wii) | ~45 hours | More mature tone, dense game map, Midna companion ties BotW Twilight lore |
| Skyward Sword | 2011 (Wii) | ~45 hours | Origins of Master Sword and Zelda/Link reincarnation cycle, stamina mechanics inspiration for BotW |
| A Link Between Worlds | 2013 (3DS) | ~15 hours | Excellent top-down throwback, pioneered non-linear open exploration for Zelda |
Platform note: All titles above are available on modern systems like Switch/Wii U via Nintendo Online or remastered ports
Release Order For Returning Heroes
For my fellow grizzled Zelda experts awaiting Breath of the Wild as the next fabled adventure in our 30-year saga, playing by release order allows you to vividly relive the series‘ entire fascinating evolutionary arc:
| Year | Title | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Legend of Zelda (NES) | The game that started it all – even now, overworld theme gives me chills of adventure |
| 1991 | A Link to the Past (SNES) | Quintessential 2D template, the Master Sword, iconic tunes – revolutionary perfection |
| 1993 | Link‘s Awakening (GB) | Charming experimentation with dream levels, side characters like Marin |
| 1998 | Ocarina of Time (N64) | First 3D leap – raised bar for game design and influenced generations |
| 2000 | Majora‘s Mask (N64) | Risky direct sequel – arguably scariest, most poignant Zelda tale with 3-day mechanic |
| 2002 | Wind Waker (GC) | Stunning cel-shaded art style, expansive sailing overworld, influential lore moments |
| 2006 | Twilight Princess (GC/Wii) | Doubled down on Ocarina mechanics for epic dark adventure – Midna ties BotW Twilight lore |
| 2011 | Skyward Sword (Wii) | Full 1:1 Motion, intro of stamina mechanics and Master Sword origins. Polarizing for fans |
| 2013 | Link Between Worlds (3DS) | Excellent top-down throwback pioneered non-linear open exploration realized fully in BotW |
| 2017 | Breath of the Wild (Switch/Wii U) | First true open world reinvention – wedded learnings from past experiments into utterly breathtaking experience |
Whether you take the focused newcomer journey or nostalgic veteran ride through time, I hope this guide provides suggestions to amplify your time with my personal game of the generation – the awe-inspiring masterpiece Breath of the Wild.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, its time to dust off my trusty Switch and return to the bewitching fields of Hyrule once more!
