Legend of Zelda Timelines Explained

The Legend of Zelda series is beloved worldwide for its rich stories, unforgettable characters, and immersive worlds. But what truly sets it apart is its famously complex timeline. Unlike most game series that follow a straightforward sequence, Zelda’s story splits into multiple paths after a key moment, creating three distinct timelines filled with different versions of Hyrule and Link’s adventures. Understanding these timelines helps make sense of the series’ many games, their connections, and the evolving battle between good and evil. Let’s break down these timelines and see how each game fits into the bigger picture.

10. The Child Timeline

This timeline follows Link after he defeats Ganon and is sent back in time to warn Zelda, preventing the future disaster. Because Link’s warning changes events, the future where Ganon takes over never happens here. The story continues with Majora’s Mask, where Link travels to the parallel world of Termina to stop its impending destruction. This game is darker and more surreal, but directly follows the child Link story.

Centuries later, Twilight Princess picks up with a new threat invading Hyrule from the Twilight Realm, alongside the return of Ganondorf. The timeline also includes Four Swords Adventures, where Link teams up with multiple versions of himself to battle evil. The Child Timeline is rich in atmosphere and lore, but remains a narrower story compared to others.

9. The Downfall Timeline

This branch imagines a “what if” scenario where Link loses to Ganon. It’s the darkest split in the timeline. Starting with A Link to the Past, set centuries after Link’s defeat, Hyrule is thrown into chaos, and a new hero rises to seal away evil once again. Following this are Link’s Awakening, where Link is stranded on a mysterious island, and the paired games Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, which explore new lands and threats.

The timeline continues with A Link Between Worlds, a sequel to A Link to the Past. It revisits Hyrule with a new villain and game mechanics, and finally, Tri Force Heroes, focusing on cooperative gameplay. The Downfall Timeline is extensive and packed with classic entries, though less directly connected to Ocarina’s original story.

8. The Adult Timeline

In this timeline, after Link’s victory, he disappears, creating a future without a hero to protect Hyrule. This leads to The Wind Waker, where Hyrule is flooded and a new Link must set out to find the missing king and stop Ganondorf. Its sequel, Phantom Hourglass, follows Link’s sea voyage to rescue Tetra and solve new mysteries. Generations later, Spirit Tracks introduces a new land and a fresh battle against an ancient evil. The Adult Timeline is known for its unique art style and exploration, but is more isolated compared to the other branches.

7. Ocarina of Time

This game is the linchpin for the entire timeline. The hero’s actions split the story into three branches. It’s crucial for understanding the Zelda universe, but less of a standalone narrative since it is the origin of all timelines. Though often regarded as one of the greatest games ever, its role as a timeline node means it acts more as a beginning point than a continuation. 

6. The Legend of Zelda

The original 1986 game lays the foundation of the series. It likely takes place after the Downfall Timeline games and follows Link’s quest to collect pieces of the Triforce and defeat Ganon. While simple and iconic, it leaves its exact placement vague and offers a lighter story compared to later Zelda games. Ultimately, the game holds an undeniable influence, introducing many core mechanics and the lore that defines the franchise.

5. The Adventure of Link

A direct sequel to the original Legend of Zelda, The Adventure of Link continues the story by focusing on Link’s quest to awaken Princess Zelda from a powerful curse. This game expands the series’ lore and introduces new gameplay elements like RPG-style levelling and side-scrolling action. While it maintains continuity within the timeline, its mechanics and story feel outdated compared to later entries. Despite its historical significance, The Adventure of Link lacks the depth, polish, and immersive world-building found in more modern Zelda games, which is why it ranks lower in the timeline hierarchy.

4. Majora’s Mask

Though part of the Child Timeline, Majora’s Mask stands out because of its unique, darker tone and its focus on themes like grief and time manipulation. It picks up directly after Ocarina’s ending and takes place in a parallel world. It is a fan favorite thanks to its emotional depth and innovative mechanics, making it a key timeline entry.

3. Twilight Princess

A direct sequel to Majora’s Mask within the Child Timeline, Twilight Princess is one of the most beloved Zelda games. It’s praised for its mature tone, expansive world, and epic story. It successfully expands the lore of the Child Timeline, blending classic Zelda themes with fresh ideas. Ultimately, Twilight Princess is a defining chapter that elevates the Child Timeline’s narrative.

2. The Wind Waker

The Wind Waker is a standout title in the Adult Timeline. It is known for its bold reinvention of the Zelda series. Set in a flooded Hyrule, the game features a distinctive cel-shaded art style that gives it a vibrant, timeless look. It follows a new Link who embarks on an epic voyage across vast oceans to stop Ganondorf’s return. Praised for its innovative storytelling and engaging gameplay, The Wind Waker revitalized the franchise and expanded the timeline’s scope. Its unique blend of exploration, adventure, and emotional depth earns it a high ranking among Zelda games.

1. Breath of the Wild

Nintendo places Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild either at the end of all timelines or outside the timeline entirely, making it a kind of ultimate finale or reboot. It hints at the collapse of Hyrule across timelines and includes elements from all branches. Its massive open world, deep mechanics, and fresh story make it the most ambitious and widely praised Zelda game. It unites fragmented story threads and offers a new beginning for the franchise, earning the top spot.