The Legend of Zelda is a popular video game series that has been around since 1986. It features a young hero named Link who is on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and save the land of Hyrule. With so many games in the series, it can be difficult to know which order to play them in. In this article, we will explore whether or not Zelda games go in order of release date.
What is the Order of Release?
The order of release refers to the order in which the games were originally released. The first game in the series was The Legend of Zelda, which was released in 1986. Since then, there have been numerous sequels and spin-offs, including The Adventure of Link, A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and many more.
Do You Need to Play Them in Order?
While it is not necessary to play the games in order of release, it can be helpful to do so. Each game in the series builds upon the previous ones, and there are often references and callbacks to earlier games. Playing the games in order can help you better understand the story and the world of Hyrule.
The Timeline of Zelda Games
The Legend of Zelda series has a complicated timeline that involves multiple timelines and alternate realities. However, the main timeline of the series can be roughly divided into three eras:
- The era of the goddess Hylia
- The era of the hero
- The era of the great sea
Each game in the series takes place at a different point in this timeline, and playing them in order can help you better understand the overall story and how the games are connected.
The Best Order to Play the Games
So, what is the best order to play the Zelda games in? While there is no one "correct" order, many fans recommend playing the games in either the order of release or the chronological order of the timeline.
If you choose to play the games in order of release, you will experience the series as it was originally intended. You will see how the series evolved over time, and you will get to experience the games in the order that fans originally played them.
If you choose to play the games in chronological order, you will get a better understanding of the overall story and how the games are connected. However, this order can be a bit confusing, as some of the games take place in alternate timelines or universes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is not necessary to play the Zelda games in order of release, doing so can be helpful in understanding the series as a whole. However, if you prefer to play the games in chronological order, that is also a valid option. Ultimately, the best order to play the games is the one that you enjoy the most.
