This page represents the complex timeline of The Legend of Zelda series, featuring multiple timelines branching out from the pivotal event of Ocarina of Time. Click on the links to explore more about each game and its place in the Zelda universe.
This visual representation shows the Zelda timeline split into its respective branches.
Set in the era before Hyrule was established, Skyward Sword tells the origin story of the Master Sword and the eternal conflict between Link, Zelda, and Demise, the precursor to Ganon.
In The Minish Cap, Link embarks on an adventure involving the Picori (Minish) and the creation of the Four Sword, setting the stage for the events in Four Swords.
Four Swords introduces the Four Sword, which allows Link to split into four, and depicts the battle against the wind mage Vaati.
Ocarina of Time is the pivotal game in the Zelda series, where Link battles Ganondorf, leading to the timeline split into three distinct branches.
A Link to the Past takes place in the Decline Timeline, following Link's defeat in Ocarina of Time, where a new Link rises to challenge Ganon once more.
The Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons games are interconnected adventures that follow the events of A Link to the Past.
Link's Awakening is a direct sequel to the Oracle games, where Link embarks on a journey to awaken the Wind Fish.
Taking place centuries after A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds introduces the parallel world of Lorule.
In Tri Force Heroes, three heroes (including Link) band together to lift a curse on the kingdom of Hytopia.
The Legend of Zelda depicts a Hyrule in decline, where Link must gather the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom to defeat Ganon.
The Adventure of Link is a direct sequel to the first Zelda game, focusing on Link's quest to prevent Ganon's resurrection.
Majora's Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time in the Child Timeline, where Link ventures into the strange world of Termina.
Twilight Princess takes place centuries after Majora's Mask, where Link battles to save Hyrule from the Twilight Realm.
Four Swords Adventures is set in the Child Timeline, where Link must once again wield the Four Sword to defeat Vaati and Ganon.
In the Adult Timeline, The Wind Waker occurs after Hyrule is flooded by the gods to prevent Ganon's return. Link sets sail on a journey across the Great Sea.
Phantom Hourglass is a direct sequel to The Wind Waker, continuing Link's seafaring adventures in search of a new land.
Spirit Tracks is set centuries after Phantom Hourglass, in a new Hyrule where Link must protect the land from an ancient evil.
Breath of the Wild takes place thousands of years after any previous games, where Link awakens in a vast, open world to defeat Calamity Ganon.
Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, where Link continues to explore Hyrule and uncover its secrets.