Legend of Zelda is the most popular action-adventure game developed by Nintendo. It initially launched as a prototype game for Famicom Disk System, which was only sold in Japan.
Afterwards, this multiplayer game became available on Nintendo platforms. The prototype allowed two players to create dungeons using the in-game tools.
Gamers got the opportunity to explore each other’s dungeon creation in earlier versions. Thus, game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka added more creation tools. You will also find different locations in each Legend of Zelda franchise.
Since its release in 1986, Legend of Zelda has received appreciation from players. Moreover, a majority of its series are considered to be the greatest games of all time.
Gamers didn’t also experience any screen freezing or FPS drop issues on Zelda games. The PC or console won’t slow down its performance while running this game.
If you decide to explore the Zelda history, it’s important to know the games in order.
Here, we have enlisted the Legend of Zelda games in their release order:
Legend of Zelda (1986)
The first series of Legend of Zelda was released in 1986. This game was then available on two platforms – Famicom and NES. Developers introduced the three main characters of the series – Link Princess Zelda, and Gannon. They also added Triforce, the ultimate source of power in Legend of Zelda.
You will find the Kingdom of Hyrule in the first series of this popular video game. Though it was a 2D overhead perspective game, it laid the foundation of the Zelda series. The game has a young hero named “Link”, who is destined to save Princess Zelda. Link is also tasked with saving the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganon.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1988)
After the immense success of the Legend of Zelda’s first series, Nintendo decided to release its second entry. The first major change that players noticed in this game was the switch from 2D overhead to a side-scrolling perspective. Besides, developers introduced different RPG elements like XP to upgrade Link’s power.
Link also can cast spells in the Zelda II franchise. Players can choose “Link” as the prime in-game character to save Princess Zelda. You might not find these features in the other Zelda games. This second entry in Legend of Zelda is only available in Nintendo Entertainment Systems.
TLZ: A Link to the Past (1991)
TLZ: A Link to the Past was launched in 1991 for the Super NES platform. Developers later released this online video game on Gameboy Advanced in 2002. Nintendo kept the storyline of Link to the Past the same as its origin.
Besides, the in-game characters’ weapons were refined in this third franchise. You will get Link’s arrows as a separate item in TLZ. Other new features include sideways sword attacks and diagonal movement. Players can also defeat the enemies with Pegasus Boots’ running attack.
The most notable thing about TLZ: Link to the Past is the introduction of an alternate dimension. Link can also travel into two parallel worlds – Dark and Light to defeat Ganon. A Link to the Past has a pretty interesting concept of multi-dimensions.
TLZ: Link’s Awakening (1993)
The fourth series of the Legend of Zelda was released on June 6, 1993. Developers released this game for Nintendo’s Gameboy. They relaunched the game on GMC as Link’s Awakening DX. It is the first game series to take place outside the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Besides, the features like Princess Zelda and TriForce aren’t there in this franchise. You can choose “Link” as the main character to escape from an island named “Koholint”.
Link’s Awakening power is first introduced in this series. Moreover, Link has to wake the island’s guardian by collecting 8 “Instruments of the Sirens”.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Nintendo didn’t release any new Legend of Zelda games from 1993-1997. Finally, it introduced Ocarina of Time on November 21, 1998, with new features. Players get a lock-on “Z-targeting” feature in this fifth series. Moreover, it helps players easily lock on enemies in combat by pressing a button.
Many developers launched 3D games in 1998. However, this Legend of Zelda game stood out from the rest by providing a unique storyline. You can explore the different regions of Hyrule in this sixth-game series.
The game was ported to the GameCube as a part of the Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition in 2002. Gamers can also access it from Nintendo 3DS as Ocarina of Time 3D.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Majora’s Mask is a sequel to the Ocarina of Time. You will also notice the same visual style in these two video games. However, developers replaced Hyrule with Termina, which is an alternate reality setting.
In this series, Link has to relive the same days to protect the land from a giant. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask has a smaller scope than the earlier series. You will get darker themes compared to other entries.
Moreover, gamers can access this Legend of Zelda game from GameCube. You can also find it as “Majora’s Mask 3D” on Nintendo 3DS.
TLZ: Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons (2001)
The seventh series of Legends of Zelda is available in Gameboy Colour. It is a puzzle-based game. Nintendo linked the story of the Oracle of Ages with the Oracle of Season entry.
After completing one of these games, you can unlock the next one using the password. Developers initially planned “Oracle of Ages” as a trilogy. However, many players faced difficulty accessing the password that linked the two games.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
Nintendo released this Legend of Zelda game for GameCube users. It features a unique cel-shading art style which you won’t see in other series. Besides, the shift in visuals made it popular among the gaming community. Players have to spend the majority of their time on Link’s boat to sail between islands.
You will also get a new character named “The King of Red Lions” in the Wind Walker. There is a tool called “Wind Waker” to control the wind’s direction. Moreover, the Wind Walker is considered one of the best entries in the series. You can easily find this video game on Wii U and Nintendo platforms.
TLZ: The Minish Cap & The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (2004)
Nintendo released these two legends of Zelda games in 2004. The former has an opposite approach from the origin. Players can shrink Link’s size using “Ezlo”, a sentient hat.
Moreover, you can explore the unseen world in Hyrule in “The Minish Cap”. However, Link can’t do all these in Four Swords Adventure.
Four Swords Adventures has the same mechanic as the debut version. Developers also improved the in-game graphics in this series. Here, Link has to defeat an evil version of him called “Shadow Link”. Online gamers can access this game from GameCube.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a visually darker version of The Wind Waker. Nintendo released this game on November 19, 2006, for Wii consoles. However, developers later introduced this Zelda game on GameCube.
Link can convert himself into a wolf via mysterious creatures named “Midna” in this series. Twilight Princess revisits the concept of multi-dimension within the Zelda universe.
You will also get the opposite to explore a parallel world called “The Twilight Realm”. Players criticised the Wii version for motion control issues. However, many professional gamers praised this GameCube version.
TLZ: Phantom Hourglass (2007) & Spirit Tracks (2009)
The cel-shaded game design made a comeback to the series with Phantom Hourglass’s release. This TLZ game is available on the Nintendo DS. Moreover, it is a sequel to the previous Wind Walker series.
Phantom Hourglass has the same aquatic theme as the earlier series. Players also get a better gaming experience with the support of a stylus and multiplayer mode.
After two years, in 2009, Nintendo released Spirit Tracks. It features the same cel-shaded art style as its predecessor. However, you will get a boat instead of a train for Link’s ride. There is also a new outfit available for Link in Spirit Tracks. Link has to defeat the Demon King in this franchise.
TLZ: Skyward Sword (2011) & A Link Between Worlds (2013)
Skyward Sword is the sixteenth entry of the TLZ franchise. Nintendo released this game to utilise Wii U’s motion control. However, many encountered compatibility issues on Wii U when installing this game. Thus, Nintendo redesigned the game for Wii U users and eliminated the problem.
Developers later released Skyward Sword on Wii eShop in 2021. Besides, Nintendo Switch users can also play this 16th TLZ game. Whereas, players can access TLZ: A Link Between Worlds from Nintendo 3DS.
It introduces a new mechanism where Link can convert himself into a picture. You can also slide the picture through walls to overcome obstacles.
TLZ: Tri Force Heroes (2015) & Breath of the Wild (2017)
Tri Force Heroes is the 18th entry to the Legend of Zelda game. Millions of players praised the cooperative gameplay of this series. You can solve the puzzle with three players and get to the next level easily.
Moreover, players can customise their outfits in Tri Force Heroes. You can play this popular video game from Nintendo 3DS.
The Breath of the Wild is the most detailed game in the entire TLZ series. It introduces new features like “Weapon Durability” and “Cooking”.
These features make the Zelda game more challenging. Players can access this 19th game series from Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
TLZ: Link’s Awakening (2019) & Skyward Sword HD (2021)
A revamped version of the original Link’s Awakening was released on Nintendo Switch in 2019. You can explore different dungeons here, and it also has an interesting storyline. Players have to find hidden items in this Link Awakening series.
Nintendo also released an improved version of Skyward Sword HD in 2021. Players can use the Wii remote as a sword in this game. Besides, Link can travel by plane, and there are new locations on the map to explore.
What are other Zelda Games that You Can Play from Consoles or PCs?
Nintendo is about to release the second Breath of the Wild game in 2022. However, developers haven’t revealed the release date yet. The trailers show “Link” is skydiving in a new location in Hyrule. Players are assuming that there will be more enemies to fight in this new Legend of Zelda game.
Besides, you will get a new Tears of the Kingdom game in 2023. It has the same mechanics as the “Breath of the Wild” title. Moreover, you will get a wide selection of equipment and open-world design. Players can also explore floating islands and dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom. So, you must wait until next year to play these new legends of Zelda games.