You should play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time first. It provides a great foundation for understanding the series.
Trying to figure out which Zelda game should I play first can feel like a daunting task. The series spans decades and many platforms, each game offering a unique adventure. Deciding where to start can certainly feel overwhelming.
Many fans have strong opinions. Some might suggest a more modern title. However, going back to a classic can make the journey even more rewarding.
Which Zelda Game Should I Play First?
So, you’re ready to dive into the magical world of Hyrule, huh? That’s awesome! The Legend of Zelda series is full of amazing adventures, but with so many games, it can be tough to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out the perfect first Zelda game for you. This isn’t about which game is “the best,” but rather which one provides the most enjoyable and accessible entry point into this beloved franchise.
Understanding What Makes a Good First Zelda Game
Before we get into specific titles, let’s talk about what makes a Zelda game good for beginners. We need to think about a few important things:
- Story Accessibility: A complex story can be confusing. We’re looking for a game with a story that’s easy to understand and follow, even if you’re not familiar with the series’ lore.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Some Zelda games introduce new gameplay mechanics that can be tricky if you’ve never played one before. A good starter game will have easier-to-grasp controls and puzzle designs.
- Difficulty Curve: We want a game that’s challenging, but not frustrating. A gentle learning curve helps you get used to the game’s world and combat without getting overwhelmed too quickly.
- Modern Convenience: Some older games can feel a bit clunky by today’s standards. A game that feels more user-friendly can make a first experience much smoother.
- Availability: Can you even play the game easily? Some titles are only available on older systems, while others are readily accessible on newer consoles.
Top Contenders for Your First Zelda Adventure
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most recommended Zelda games for newcomers. We’ll break down what makes each one a good choice and also mention some potential drawbacks.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Often considered a classic, A Link to the Past is a Super Nintendo game that established many of the core elements we see in later Zelda titles. Here’s why it’s a good starter:
- Classic Formula: It presents a clear picture of what a traditional top-down Zelda game is all about – exploring a big world, solving puzzles, and fighting monsters.
- Easy-to-Understand Story: The story is about saving a princess and defeating an evil wizard. It’s easy to follow and doesn’t require a ton of background knowledge.
- Balanced Difficulty: The game is challenging but not excessively hard. It introduces new items and abilities gradually, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Graphics and Sound: It’s an older game, so the graphics and sound aren’t as impressive as modern titles. This might be a factor for players who prioritize visuals.
- Less Guidance: Compared to modern games, A Link to the Past offers less explicit guidance. You might need to figure out some things on your own, which some players may find frustrating.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Nintendo Switch Remake)
This remake of the Game Boy classic keeps the same core adventure while updating the visuals and gameplay. It’s a good first pick because:
- Charming and Unique World: Link’s Awakening features a dreamlike island setting with a quirky cast of characters. It offers a different vibe than other Zelda games, which might be appealing to newcomers.
- Straightforward Story and Progression: The game’s story is relatively simple, and the objectives are very clear. You always have a good idea of where you need to go and what you need to do.
- Modernized Controls and Gameplay: The controls are smooth and intuitive, and the remake adds some quality-of-life improvements. It’s a more beginner-friendly experience than the original Game Boy version.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Slightly Different Feel: Because it’s set apart from Hyrule, it doesn’t capture the “classic Zelda” feeling as much as some other games.
- Can Be a Bit Simple: Experienced gamers might find the puzzles to be less challenging than some other Zelda games.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, Ocarina of Time is a landmark title that introduced the Zelda series to 3D. Here’s what makes it a good start:
- Groundbreaking 3D Action: Experience the leap the Zelda franchise took into 3D gaming and its revolutionary systems.
- Iconic Story: You get to experience a core Zelda story of Link saving Hyrule, with memorable characters and locations.
- Good Blend of Action and Puzzles: It finds a great balance between combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. It introduces a wide range of Zelda’s gameplay elements.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Older 3D Controls: The controls are not as refined as in later 3D games and can take some getting used to.
- Can Be Confusing at Times: It may require you to stop and read more game dialogue for clues, as it’s not as streamlined as modern entries.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Wind Waker presents a charming, cel-shaded world with a focus on sailing. Here’s why it could be a good option:
- Unique Visual Style: It has a cartoon-like aesthetic that is really appealing and still looks great today.
- Open-World Exploration: It introduces players to the feeling of exploring a large world, sailing on the Great Sea.
- Friendly Difficulty: It is generally considered to be one of the more accessible 3D Zelda titles, with a relatively gentle difficulty curve.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Sailing Can Be Slow: Some players can find the amount of time spent sailing the Great Sea to be slow and tedious.
- Not a “Classic” Zelda Feel: While having the classic elements, some may find the game differs from the traditional feel of a Zelda game due to its open world with sailing mechanics.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
For a grittier and darker adventure, there’s Twilight Princess. Here’s why it might be right for you:
- Engaging Story: The story, with its darker tone, offers a different kind of Zelda experience.
- Solid 3D Gameplay: It has a good combat system and puzzle design and is a classic 3D Zelda adventure.
- Familiar, Yet Updated: Twilight Princess plays on many classic ideas, but refines them for the 3D space.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Potentially Dark and Intense: The darker tone might not appeal to all players, especially those looking for a lighter experience.
- Opening Can Be Slow: The game’s opening can be a little slow and lengthy for some, before it fully opens up.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This game completely changed the formula of the Zelda series, offering a massive open world with unprecedented freedom. Here’s what to consider:
- Incredible Open World: The world of Hyrule is massive and full of things to do and see. It is an incredible exploration experience.
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The game’s systems offer a lot of freedom for puzzle-solving and combat.
- Beginner-Friendly Early Areas: The game is very accessible for new players in its first areas, introducing all the mechanics gradually.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Very Different From Other Zelda Games: The game’s open world design and focus on exploration might not be what people expect from a traditional Zelda game.
- Less Story Focus: Breath of the Wild focuses more on the gameplay and exploration over the story itself, something to keep in mind.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Following up from Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom takes the open world concept and builds upon it. Here’s why it might be a good pick:
- Expanded Exploration: With new sky islands and underground areas, exploration becomes even more exciting than in Breath of the Wild.
- Building and Crafting Mechanics: The new building and crafting mechanics allow for creative puzzle-solving.
- Improved Storytelling: The storytelling in Tears of the Kingdom is a bit more pronounced than in its predecessor, which may be a plus to those looking for story.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Builds on Breath of the Wild: It may be best to play Breath of the Wild before jumping into this, as it builds directly off of that game’s systems.
- More Complex Mechanics: The new mechanics might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not already familiar with the core Zelda formula.
Making Your Choice: What’s Your Preference?
So, which Zelda game should you start with? It really comes down to what you’re looking for in your first experience.
If You Want a Classic Top-Down Zelda Experience
Go for A Link to the Past or the Link’s Awakening remake. These games provide the core Zelda experience with a balance of puzzles, exploration, and combat in a classic format.
If You Want to Dive into a 3D Zelda Game
Start with Ocarina of Time for a foundational experience, or Wind Waker for something a bit more accessible and visually unique. Twilight Princess is an option for a darker tone, but its opening can be slow.
If You’re Ready for Open-World Adventure
While they are fantastic games, jumping into Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom as your first Zelda may not give you the best feel for what the core series is about. You may be best starting with a more classic 3D or top-down experience, and saving these for when you are ready for something different.
Ultimately, there isn’t a wrong choice here. All of these games are wonderful entries in the Zelda series, and each offers its unique charm and merits. Consider what elements are most important to you and pick the game that best suits your preferences. Whichever game you choose, you are guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime!
What Zelda Game Should You Play First?
Final Thoughts
For newcomers, Ocarina of Time provides the quintessential Zelda experience. Its classic gameplay and engaging story are perfect entry points. It perfectly balances exploration with puzzle-solving. This game truly represents what the series is all about.
If you prefer more modern gameplay, Breath of the Wild is a great option. Its open world and freedom are very appealing. Just be aware that the experience is significantly different from older entries.
Ultimately, which zelda game should i play first depends on your preference. I personally recommend beginning with Ocarina of Time. This game is must play for everyone.
