The Legend of Zelda series has enchanted gamers for nearly 40 years. With 19 main games, it’s shaped the action-adventure genre. The series has a complex timeline with time travel and multiple branches.
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In 2011, Hyrule Historia revealed the official chronology. It showed three timelines stemming from Ocarina of Time. This unveiling excited fans and clarified the series’ intricate narrative.
Recent releases like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have added more complexity. Fans now debate where these new games fit in the overall story. The series’ rich lore keeps players engaged.
Iconic characters like Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon appear throughout the games. The legendary Triforce is also a constant element. These familiar aspects have made Zelda a gaming industry cornerstone.
Key Takeaways
- The Legend of Zelda series spans nearly 40 years with 19 main games, featuring a complex timeline with three branching timelines.
- The official Zelda chronology was first published in the 2011 Hyrule Historia, revealing the Fallen Hero, Child, and Adult timelines.
- The recent releases of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have further complicated the timeline, leaving room for fan interpretation.
- The series is renowned for its rich lore, iconic characters like Link and Princess Zelda, and the recurring battle against the villain Ganon.
- The Legend of Zelda has had a significant cultural impact, influencing the action-adventure genre and inspiring generations of gamers.
Understanding the Three Timeline Branches
The Legend of Zelda series has a complex timeline spanning three decades. It branches into three distinct paths after Ocarina of Time. These are the Fallen Hero, Child, and Adult Timelines.
Each timeline offers a unique view of Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf’s ongoing struggle. They create a rich tapestry of stories across multiple games.
The Fallen Hero Timeline
This timeline starts if Link loses in Ocarina of Time. Ganondorf gets the full Triforce and is sealed in the Sacred Realm.
It includes games like A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, and the Oracle games. A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes, and the original NES Zelda games are also part of it.
The Child Timeline
In this timeline, Link warns of Ganondorf’s betrayal after beating Ganon. He returns to his childhood, stopping Ganondorf’s rise to power.
This branch features adventures in Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, and Four Swords Adventures.
The Adult Timeline
This timeline follows the future where Link defeated Ganon in Ocarina of Time. When Ganon returns and no hero appears, the gods flood Hyrule.
It includes the seafaring adventures of The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks. These games feature the creation of New Hyrule.
Fans love the complex Legend of Zelda timeline. It offers many stories and experiences that have lasted for years.
From Ocarina of Time to Tears of the Kingdom, the series keeps growing. It’s created an unforgettable gaming legacy that continues to amaze players.
Zelda Games in Order: From Skyward Sword to Tears of Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda timeline starts with Skyward Sword, set in the Era of the Goddess Hylia. Released in 2011, it’s the earliest game in the official series timeline. The Minish Cap and Four Swords follow, adding to the Zelda story.
Ocarina of Time, released in 1998, splits the storyline into three branches. These are the Fallen Hero Timeline, the Child Timeline, and the Adult Timeline. This split creates diverse games exploring different outcomes for Link and Hyrule.
Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, is near the end of all three timelines. It hints at a possible merge of the storylines. This open-world game sets up the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, launching in May 2023.
The exact placement of these recent games remains unclear. This ambiguity allows fans to speculate and interpret as the story unfolds.
FAQ
How long has the Legend of Zelda series been around?
The Legend of Zelda series has been around for nearly 40 years. It includes 19 main games in its impressive lineup.
What is the complexity of the Zelda timeline?
The Zelda timeline is complex due to time travel and multiple timelines. It also features a 10,000-year time skip. Hyrule Historia revealed three branching timelines in 2011.
What are the three timeline branches in the Zelda series?
The three timeline branches are the Fallen Hero, Child, and Adult Timelines.
Can you explain the Fallen Hero Timeline?
The Fallen Hero Timeline occurs if Link loses in Ocarina of Time. Ganon gets the Triforce and is sealed in the Sacred Realm.
This timeline includes A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening. It also features Oracle of Seasons and Ages, A Link Between Worlds, and more.
Can you explain the Child Timeline?
The Child Timeline follows Link’s return to childhood after beating Ganon. He warns of Ganondorf’s betrayal, stopping his rise to power.
This timeline includes Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, and Four Swords Adventures.
Can you explain the Adult Timeline?
The Adult Timeline continues from Link’s victory over Ganon in the future. When Ganon returns and no hero appears, the gods flood Hyrule.
This timeline includes Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks. It features a new Hyrule founded after the flood.
What is the chronological order of the Zelda games?
The chronological order starts with Skyward Sword. The Minish Cap and Four Swords follow. Ocarina of Time then causes the timeline split.
Where do the latest Zelda games, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, fit into the timeline?
Breath of the Wild is set at the end of all three timelines. It might be converging them. Tears of the Kingdom follows shortly after Breath of the Wild.
The exact placement of these recent games remains unclear. This ambiguity allows fans to form their own theories.
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