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WhileThe Legend of Zeldais one of Nintendo ’s most darling franchise , its timeline remain one of the series ' most infamous aspects . The multiple timeline offshoot and confusing placements of certain titles have arguably resulted in more questions than answer . While it is for certain confusing , Nintendo ’s desire for eachZeldagame to deliver its own distinct experiencemeans that the truth of the series timeline is seldom a priority for the developer .
Although theZeldatimeline falters in terminus of accuracy , it has the vast benefit of providing valuable insight into the share attribute between multiple beloved titles . outgrowth of theZeldatimeline tend to be define by sure characteristicsthat can be found within the game engross say branch , ranging across aspects like tone , set , or narrative . With this in mind , a closer look into theZeldatimeline shows one stop that Nintendo favor the most , which may be prevent the franchise from propose a with child variety of creative experience for the actor .
Many Zelda Games Take Place During The Hero Is Defeated Timeline
Games Set During This Period Share Many Similarities
As show onthe officialLegend of Zeldawebsite , manyZeldagames take topographic point in the Hero is Defeated timeline , include the likes ofLink ’s AwakeningandA Link Between Worlds . As one of three offshoot created play along the events ofOcarina of Time , the Hero is Defeated timeline come after a scenario in which the Hero of Time is get the better of by Ganondorf . It is the most populated branch within theZeldatimeline , with a current total of eight game , which far exceeds the six games shared between both of the other branch .
ManyZeldatitles are set before the events ofOcarina of Time , includingSkyward SwordandThe Minish Cap . These titles are under one united timeline , and draw the blood line of Hyrule and the Triforce .
As these games are set within the same fourth dimension period , they tend to share a quite a little of the same characteristics . For example , many of theZeldatitles within this arm feature similardesigns for many charactersand enemies , from the Bokoblins to Ganon himself , while the game set within Hyrule favor a like layout of the kingdom , with sealed fix stay in the same place . Furthermore , the games in the Hero is Defeated timeline often share the same uplifting , inspiring whole tone that encourages the player to head out and search .
The dungeon maker in Link ’s Awakening is frustrating , yet it could be the start point for an exciting new focal point for the Zelda serial .
It makes sense that so manyZeldatitles are invest within the Hero is Defeated timeline . This special time period is rest home to some of the most iconic and beloved aspects of the serial , whether that be its character designs or grand ambiance . Even if aZeldaentry in the Hero is Defeated timeline does n’t take place in Hyrule , its borrowing of the flow ’s most well - do it characteristics feed the plot this instant recognizability , helping to widen the title ’s overall appeal .
Each Zelda Timeline Branch Offers Something Unique
The Alternate Timelines Differ In Atmosphere And Narrative
While the Hero is foiled timeline is a darling expression of theZeldaseries ' overall history , Nintendo ’s over - reliance on this period of time has resulted in the series missing out on the potential offered by the substitute timelines . Each branch created followingOcarina of Timeis wildly dissimilar from the others in terms of tone and design , with the two Hero is Triumphant timeline divert much further from certain iconic staples . While games arrange within these alternate periods may lose that recognizability , they give thespian a lot of mixture in the variety of adventures they can experience .
These alternate timeline offshoot are often home to some of theZeldaseries ' most unique titles . For example , the timeline that follows Child Link after his triumph against Ganondorf includes titlessuch asMajora ’s MaskandTwilight Princess , both of which espouse a darker and more sober tone than what is typically seen within theZeldaseries . Both games ' use of a more ripe narrative and unsettling standard atmosphere make a sensation of despair and forebodingthat ’s unlike any other experience offered by aZeldatitle before or since .
The titles determine within the geological period ca n’t propose the same form of experience as a plot likeMajora ’s Mask .
TheZeldagames that take position in these alternate timeline are validation of the levels of creativity that the series has to extend . However , Nintendo ’s tendency to bond with the Hero is disappointed timeline has leave in a 10000 ofZeldagames that , while often setting themselves aside with distinct gameplay mechanics , have this sense of indecorum in their intro that prevents them from stand out . As iconic as the Hero is Defeated timeline may be , the title set within the geological period ca n’t proffer the same kind of experience as a biz likeMajora ’s Mask .
Future Zelda Games Should Take Place During Different Time Periods
Giving The Series A Greater Sense Of Variety
It ’s unclouded thatfutureZeldagames will benefitfrom being placed during unlike periods within the serial timeline . Whether that lies in one of the Hero is victorious branch or in the united timeline prior to the case ofOcarina of Time , these unlike periods have their own distinct tone and atmospheric state that perfectly demonstrates the malleability of theZeldaseries overall . Sharing futureZeldagames across these periods would allow these titles to take a unlike steering , creating a multitude of original entries for players to receive .
The next Legend of Zelda biz has a lot to learn from the gambling industry , especially one of 2025 ’s biggest and most originative indie games .
FutureZeldagames may benefit from shew entirely new clip periods to give them a singular identity . This is most evident withBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom , whose separation from the rest of theZeldatimeline allowed the titles to create their own context from the ground up while providing a slower , more tranquil adventure than what the series had previously offered . By having that white ticket , futureZeldatitles would be able to craft a completely unfamiliar experience for the player , breaking out of the confines of a specific time period .
Due to multiple contradictory reports and command , it ’s currently indecipherable how eitherBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomfit into theZeldatimeline , if at all . A display at a Nintendo Live event in 2024 depicted bothBOTWandTOTKas being altogether freestanding from the rest of the series , while both games are omit from theZeldawebsite ’s timeline .
Only sentence will order how futureZeldatitles will accommodate into the series timeline . That being tell , it ’s exonerated that the timeline ’s multiple branches are n’t simply a case of attempt to connectZeldagames coherently but do as a showcase of the many different kind of dangerous undertaking that the serial publication has to offer . Nintendo should take vantage of the potential that these other timeline branches offerto give a greater sense of change toThe Legend of Zeldaoverall , maintaining that sense of creativity that make the enfranchisement so beloved .
root : Nintendo
Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic
Summary
The Legend of Zelda franchise follow the dangerous undertaking of Link , an elf - alike Hylian , and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord - turned - demon Rex Ganon . The series is known for its mixture of action , adventure , and puzzle - solving elements , often revolving around the collection of the Triforce , a powerful relic pass on by the goddess who create Hyrule . Each game features unlike embodiment of Link and Zelda , maintaining magnetic core elements while usher in new part and configurations .
