What Zelda Game Should I Play First?

For the best starting point, play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

So, you are wondering what zelda game should i play first? Many begin their adventures with a classic. Ocarina of Time offers a perfect balance of puzzle-solving, combat, and story. This game represents the formula for many later titles in the series. It introduces key elements that define the Zelda experience.

What Zelda Game Should I Play First?

So, you’re ready to jump into the amazing world of Hyrule, but there are so many Legend of Zelda games! It can feel a little overwhelming, like looking at a treasure chest overflowing with goodies and not knowing where to start. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people ask this very question: “What Zelda game should I play first?” The good news is, there isn’t one single “right” answer. The best starting point depends on what kind of gaming experience you’re looking for. Let’s explore some popular options and see which one might be the perfect gateway into the series for you.

Understanding the Zelda Gameplay Style

Before diving into specific games, let’s talk about what makes a Zelda game a Zelda game. Most entries share some common elements:

• Exploration: The world is big and full of secrets. You’ll spend time wandering around, finding hidden caves, and talking to interesting characters.
• Puzzles: Many dungeons and areas require you to solve puzzles using items and your brainpower. These puzzles can be anything from moving blocks to lighting torches in a specific order.
• Combat: You’ll fight monsters with swords, bows, and other weapons. Figuring out enemy weaknesses is key to winning battles.
• Story: Each game has a different story, but they usually involve Link saving Princess Zelda from an evil villain, typically Ganon.
• Items: You’ll find special items throughout your adventure that allow you to reach new areas or solve puzzles. Some common items include bombs, boomerangs, and a hookshot.

Option 1: The Classics – A Journey Through Time

Starting with the Original: The Legend of Zelda (NES)

The very first Legend of Zelda game, released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is a piece of gaming history. It’s a pixelated adventure where Link explores a vast overworld, searches for dungeons, and eventually takes on Ganon.

Pros:

• It’s the very beginning of the series.
• It’s a challenge! If you enjoy games that make you think and figure things out, this is for you.

Cons:

• It can be very difficult, even for experienced gamers.
• It doesn’t hold your hand. The game gives few hints, so you might get lost easily.
• It’s very different from more modern Zelda games.

Who is it for? Gamers who are interested in retro gaming, enjoy a serious challenge, or want to understand how the Zelda series began.

A Link to the Past (SNES): A Timeless 2D Adventure

Many fans consider A Link to the Past, on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), one of the best Zelda games ever made. It has a big world, lots of dungeons, and introduced many important elements to the series. It’s often seen as the standard for 2D Zelda gameplay.

Pros:

• It has a great balance between exploration, puzzles, and combat.
• It introduces the concept of two worlds, Light and Dark, which makes the gameplay more interesting.
• The story is engaging and the characters are memorable.

Cons:

• It’s still a bit old. If you’re used to 3D games, its 2D graphics might feel a bit outdated.
• It can still be challenging in some parts.

Who is it for? Players who want a well-rounded 2D Zelda experience and don’t mind retro graphics.

Ocarina of Time (N64): The 3D Legend

Ocarina of Time, released on the Nintendo 64, is a landmark game that defined 3D action-adventure for many years. It took the formula of the 2D games and brought it into a fully realized 3D world.

Pros:

• It’s a truly epic adventure with a story that’s both exciting and emotional.
• It introduces many elements now considered staple in the series, like Z-targeting for combat and riding Epona the horse.
• The dungeons are varied and inventive.

Cons:

• It may look a bit dated by today’s standards.
• The controls can feel a bit clunky compared to modern games.

Who is it for? People who want to experience a classic 3D adventure that had a big impact on gaming or anyone who wants to experience the 3D evolution of the series.

Majora’s Mask (N64): Darker and More Unique

Majora’s Mask, also on the Nintendo 64, is a very unique game in the Zelda series. It has a darker tone and a time-loop mechanic. Link must save the world in just three days, repeatedly reliving the same period.

Pros:

• It has a unique story and atmosphere.
• The time-loop mechanic adds a lot of interesting gameplay elements.
• It’s a great change from the usual Zelda formula.

Cons:

• The time-loop mechanic can be confusing and stressful for some people.
• It’s less welcoming to new players than some of the other games.

Who is it for? Gamers looking for a different, more experimental take on the Zelda formula. It might be better to try other Zelda games first, then come to this.

Option 2: The Modern Era – Streamlined Adventures

The Wind Waker (GameCube): A Sailing Adventure

The Wind Waker, released on the GameCube, has a very distinctive visual style and focuses on sailing across a vast ocean. This game feels very different from any previous Zelda games, featuring a cartoon-style art that is really charming and colorful.

Pros:

• It has a beautiful and unique visual style.
• Exploring the world by boat is very relaxing and fun.
• The story and characters are very charming.

Cons:

• The sailing can sometimes feel a bit slow for some players.
• Some of the later dungeons can be frustrating to navigate.

Who is it for? Players who like a game with a unique visual style and enjoy exploration and sailing. It’s often considered a great starting point for new players.

Twilight Princess (GameCube/Wii): Gritty and Epic

Twilight Princess, available on both GameCube and Wii, has a more serious and darker tone than other Zelda games. It tries to return to the more realistic style introduced by Ocarina of Time. It features epic battles and an engaging story.

Pros:

• It has a more mature story and tone.
• The combat is polished and engaging.
• The world is big and full of things to discover.

Cons:

• It can be slower paced at the beginning compared to other titles.
• The darker art style is not for everyone.

Who is it for? Players who enjoy a more mature and serious tone in their games or fans of realistic fantasy worlds. It is a good starting game but can be a bit slower in pace for new players.

Breath of the Wild (Switch/Wii U): Open World Freedom

Breath of the Wild, released on the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, is a major departure for the series. It’s a huge open-world adventure where Link can go almost anywhere from the start. This game gives the player so much freedom to explore Hyrule at their own pace.

Pros:

• It gives you a huge amount of freedom to explore.
• There are so many things to do and see.
• The world is gorgeous and feels very alive.

Cons:

• It can feel a bit overwhelming for new players with all of the freedom.
• The weapon durability system can be frustrating for some players.

Who is it for? Players who love open-world games and want a lot of freedom to explore or those who want a more modern take on Zelda gaming. It’s arguably one of the most accessible starting points, despite its large scope.

Tears of the Kingdom (Switch): Expanded Open World

Tears of the Kingdom, the sequel to Breath of the Wild, is set in the same open-world of Hyrule but adds new areas to explore in the sky and in the depths below. It also introduces new gameplay mechanics such as Ultrahand and Fuse that can help players create various contraptions.

Pros:

• It builds upon all the great aspects of Breath of the Wild with expanded exploration.
• The new mechanics and building abilities make gameplay more fun and creative.
• The story is more compelling than its predecessor.

Cons:

• It expects you to have experience with Breath of the Wild’s mechanics.
• Like the previous game, the open-ended world can be daunting for new players.

Who is it for? Players who have enjoyed Breath of the Wild and want more open-world Zelda action. It’s not recommended as the first Zelda game due to its reliance on the prior game.

Table: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a simple table to help you compare these Zelda games.

Considering Your Preferences

When picking your first Zelda game, consider what types of games you usually enjoy. Do you prefer:

• Classic, pixelated graphics? Then The Legend of Zelda or A Link to the Past might be a good start.
• 3D exploration and battles? Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, or Twilight Princess could be a great choice.
• Huge open worlds? Try Breath of the Wild.
• A game that isn’t too long? Older titles tend to be shorter than the newer open-world ones.
• Games that are challenging? The Legend of Zelda or Majora’s Mask will give you a good test.
• Story-driven gameplay? Most Zelda games tell a great story, but Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Tears of the Kingdom are known for their narratives.

Ultimately, the best Zelda game to start with is the one that sounds most exciting to you. Every game in the series offers something special. There’s no wrong answer and every player’s journey through Hyrule is unique! The key is to jump in, experience the world, and get lost in the adventure! Have fun and happy gaming!

What Zelda Game Should You Play First?

Final Thoughts

For a first time player, Ocarina of Time is a must. Its classic gameplay and story provide a great entry point to the series. It sets many core mechanics that you will see again.

If you prefer something more modern, Breath of the Wild offers a huge open world to explore. This game’s freedom may also appeal to new players. However, Ocarina gives important context.

Ultimately, considering all factors, when asking ‘what zelda game should i play first’, start with Ocarina of Time. This title establishes the foundational elements of the series.