Which Zelda Game To Play First

The best Zelda game to play first is Ocarina of Time.

So, you’re ready to explore Hyrule, but you’re wondering which Zelda game to play first? It’s a valid question because this fantastic series has many entries. Starting in the right place can make all the difference.

The Zelda series, with its compelling stories and engaging gameplay, can feel a little intimidating. Don’t worry, most people will find that starting with Ocarina of Time is the best introduction. It’s a good foundation for everything else.

Which Zelda Game to Play First: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the magical world of Hyrule, but you’re staring at a bunch of Zelda games and wondering where to even begin? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The Legend of Zelda series is huge and amazing, but that can be a bit overwhelming. Picking the right first game can make all the difference in your experience. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect starting point for your Zelda adventure.

Understanding the Zelda Series

Before we jump into specific titles, let’s talk about what makes a Zelda game a Zelda game. Most games in the series feature a few key elements:

Link: You always play as Link, the courageous hero of Hyrule. He’s often a silent protagonist, allowing you to really become him.
Princess Zelda: She’s the princess of Hyrule, and usually needs saving from some sort of evil. She plays many different roles across different games.
Ganon or Ganondorf: This is the main villain, who usually has a plan to take over Hyrule. He might be a pig-like monster or a powerful human, depending on the game.
Hyrule: This is the land where the adventures happen. It’s usually a large map with forests, mountains, lakes, and towns to explore.
Dungeons: These are special areas filled with puzzles, traps, and monsters. You’ll need to explore them to get items and move the story forward.
Items and Equipment: You’ll gather weapons, shields, and magical items to help you solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

The Zelda games aren’t always directly connected in terms of story. They often have different versions of Link, Zelda, and Ganon, which means you don’t need to play them in any particular order in terms of their own timelines. However, some games do build upon previous ones, so that is another factor to consider.

Why Starting with the Right Game Matters

Choosing the right first Zelda game is important because it can shape your entire experience with the series. Some games are easier to get into for beginners, while others may be more difficult or complex. Starting with a challenging title might turn someone off from the series altogether, while an easier game can get you excited for the whole world of Hyrule. It’s like trying to learn a new sport, some easier games will teach you the basics without overwhelming you. If you start with the right game, you might love Zelda and want to play them all, otherwise, you might be missing a lot.

Top Zelda Games for Beginners

Now, let’s explore some of the best Zelda games for newcomers. These are selected because they are generally more user-friendly, have clear stories, and give you a good sense of what the series is all about. We will also consider some of the more retro titles and discuss why or why not they might be a good fit. We’ll also provide some useful details about each game.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Often hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made, Ocarina of Time is a fantastic starting point. It’s a 3D adventure that was groundbreaking at the time it came out. Here’s why it’s good for newcomers:

Easy to Grasp Controls: The controls are intuitive and easy to learn. You’ll quickly get the hang of moving Link, using items, and fighting enemies.
Clear Storyline: The story is easy to follow. Link needs to stop Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule. The goals are pretty straightforward.
World Design: Hyrule Field is a big, open space that encourages exploration. The different locations like Kokiri Forest, Zora’s Domain, and Death Mountain are memorable and easy to find.
Dungeon Puzzles: The puzzles in the dungeons are creative and challenging, but not too difficult for beginners. They teach you the basics of Zelda puzzle design.
Iconic Moments: This game has tons of famous moments that you will talk about to other Zelda fans. This is one of the most important games in the whole series.

However, Ocarina of Time is a bit older now. The graphics and controls may feel a little clunky to people used to modern games. Despite this, its gameplay is still really good. It’s available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Released on the Super Nintendo, A Link to the Past is one of the best 2D Zelda games. Here’s why it’s a good pick for beginners:

Top-Down View: The game has a top-down perspective, which is easy to understand and navigate.
Simple Controls: The controls are easy to get used to with a simple button scheme, making it a good starting point for someone who is not familiar with Zelda titles.
Engaging Story: The story is well-written and easy to understand. Link goes on a quest to save Hyrule from Ganon, and it’s easy to follow along.
Classic Zelda Experience: It has a perfect blend of combat, puzzles, and exploration, showing you what a Zelda game is really about.
Challenging but Fair: The game is a little more challenging than Ocarina of Time, but not frustrating for newcomers.

A Link to the Past is a great choice for anyone who wants to experience a classic 2D Zelda adventure. You can easily play this one on the Nintendo Switch Online service as well.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Wind Waker is a Zelda game known for its unique art style and sailing. Here’s why it could be a good first Zelda game:

Charming Art Style: The game has a bright and colorful cartoon-like look. It’s very appealing and makes the game very fun to look at.
Unique Exploration: You’ll explore a world that’s mostly water, with islands to discover. Sailing around feels really fun.
Easy to Follow Story: The story is straightforward, and easy to get invested in. The characters are very memorable.
Fun Combat: The battles are not too difficult and you can learn new combat techniques, with a very unique combat style.
Relaxing Gameplay: It is a very chill game and fun to play.

Wind Waker is great for players who want an adventure that’s a little different from the typical Zelda experience. It is available on the Wii U and Nintendo Gamecube, and can also be found on the Nintendo Switch as a HD port.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild is a modern Zelda game that completely changed the series. Here’s why it might be a good start for some people:

Huge Open World: This game is known for its big map, that you can explore from the very start. You can go wherever you want and do whatever you want.
Freedom of Play: There is no specific order to follow, you can beat the final boss right away if you want to. The game is flexible and lets you go about the game your own way.
Lots of things to do: There are so many things to explore and collect, you could play for a very long time and not see all of the game.
Modern Controls: The controls are smooth and intuitive, and it feels very good to play.
Beautiful World: The world is really pretty to explore, and it has different environments to travel through.

Breath of the Wild is a great way to get into the Zelda series, but the freedom to do whatever you want could be overwhelming for some beginners. The story is also less linear than some other Zelda games, which can make it more challenging to follow. This game is only available on the Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Remake)

The remake of Link’s Awakening for the Nintendo Switch is a great starting point due to its accessibility and charm.

Charming Visuals: With its cutesy, toy-like visuals, this game is very visually appealing and has great art design.
Easy to Understand Story: Link gets stranded on a mysterious island and needs to find a way back home, which is easy to get on board with.
Simple Controls: The controls are smooth and easy to get used to, perfect for new players.
Classic Zelda Gameplay: You will experience dungeons, puzzles and combat in this title, in classic Zelda fashion.
Good for Beginners: With its moderate difficulty, this game is a good learning experience for anyone who wants to get into the Zelda series.

This is a more straightforward experience than Breath of the Wild and a very charming starting point for anyone. This game is a remake of an older game, but is easily accessible for all new players.

Zelda Games That Might Be Tougher for Newcomers

While all Zelda games are great, some are not as good for the first game experience. Here are some games that are generally recommended for later:

The Legend of Zelda (NES): The original Zelda is very difficult and doesn’t explain much to you. It can be very hard to explore.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: This game has a time limit that can be stressful for newcomers. You also need to be familiar with some of the mechanics from Ocarina of Time.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: While good, this game is dark and mature, it may not be as fun as a first Zelda title. It is also not as easy to get into as other titles.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: This game is also a good title, but the motion controls are not for everyone. It may not be good for a first Zelda title.

These games are still great, but might be more enjoyed once you are familiar with Zelda games in general. There is also no need to play these games at all if you don’t want to, since they are not required to understand other titles.

Making Your Choice: Which Game is Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

If you want a classic 3D adventure: Start with Ocarina of Time.
If you like classic 2D games: Start with A Link to the Past.
If you want something unique and fun: Start with The Wind Waker.
If you want a big open world experience: Start with Breath of the Wild.
If you want a charming and accessible game: Start with Link’s Awakening (Remake).

Ultimately, the best Zelda game to start with depends on your preferences. Don’t be afraid to check out some gameplay videos or ask other fans for advice. The most important thing is to choose a game that excites you and gets you eager to explore the world of Hyrule!

Regardless of what you choose, remember that the world of Hyrule awaits you and you are in for a very special experience. It can be intimidating to jump into a new series, but there are many things to enjoy about these games, and you are in for an amazing adventure! Have fun and enjoy discovering this magical world!

What Zelda Game Should You Play First?

Final Thoughts

For new players, Ocarina of Time is the most logical starting point. It established many key mechanics and tropes of the series. Its gameplay remains very accessible and it is a must play game for any serious fan of the series.

The story also provides a good introduction to Hyrule’s lore. A Link to the Past offers similar classic gameplay but feels slightly less intuitive. For these reasons Ocarina of Time wins as the answer to which zelda game to play first.