Nintendo has long suggested that The Legend of Zelda games follow a complex continuity with multiple timelines. However, recent developments indicate a shift in this approach. With the release of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it seems Nintendo may have moved away from maintaining a strict chronological order for the series.
At Nintendo Live 2024 in Sydney, an updated Zelda timeline was presented, showing that both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are now considered standalone titles. This new timeline positions these games independently of any previous Zelda titles, indicating that their events are not directly tied to the established series chronology.
The updated timeline still follows a somewhat linear progression up to Ocarina of Time, after which it branches into three different timelines. However, Nintendo has a history of revising its timeline, suggesting that the placement of newer games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom might not yet be finalized.
This approach suggests that the significance of the Zelda timeline might be overstated. Many fans appreciate the idea that the Zelda games are connected in a cyclical manner, with recurring characters like Zelda, Link, and Ganon being trapped in a perpetual cycle of rebirth and conflict. This cyclical perspective might be more in line with the series’ thematic elements than a strict linear timeline.
Additionally, Nintendo has announced a new art and lore book titled The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Master Works, which will include an updated timeline. However, this book is currently only available in Japan, and a comprehensive translation has yet to be released, leaving fans eager for further details.
