At Nintendo Live 2024, held in Sydney, Australia, a fascinating update to The Legend of Zelda timeline has emerged, sparking discussions and excitement among fans worldwide. This new timeline offers a fresh perspective on the series’ in-game history, especially in relation to the positions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. As pointed out by Vooks and highlighted by Wario64 on Twitter, these two critically acclaimed titles have been moved to a new, separate section of the timeline, distinct from the established eras of the franchise.
The updated timeline reveals that Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are now situated in their own segregated area, distinct from the main continuity of the Zelda series. Specifically, they appear in a section behind the “The Hero is Triumphant” timeline, located in the lower half of the new Nintendo infographic. This placement is notably separate from the “Child Era” and “Adult Era” timelines, which have traditionally branched out from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
This change is significant because it represents a shift in how Nintendo is presenting the continuity and connections within the Zelda series. Until now, Breath of the Wild was seen as a potential endpoint or an ambiguous continuation of the established timelines. The new positioning suggests that these two games may exist in a separate continuity or a different realm altogether, further fueling speculation about their narrative connections and the broader Zelda universe.
Timeline changes in The Legend of Zelda series are not new, but they always generate intense interest and debate among fans. The series is known for its complex narrative structure, with multiple timelines diverging from key events, such as the split after Ocarina of Time into “The Hero is Defeated” and “The Hero is Triumphant” branches. The latter further divides into the “Child Era” and “Adult Era,” leading to different sequels and storylines.
The updated timeline still retains its classic structure, with games like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword remaining the first entry, followed by The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, and Ocarina of Time. However, the decision to place Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in a new, isolated timeline suggests that Nintendo may be signaling a new era for the franchise, one that could potentially explore different interpretations or narrative possibilities.
The positioning of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom outside the main Zelda timeline raises several intriguing possibilities for the future of the series. One theory is that Nintendo is using these games to explore a different storytelling approach, one less tied to the constraints of the established timelines. This could allow for more creative freedom in future games, enabling developers to experiment with new gameplay mechanics, storylines, and even reimaginings of iconic Zelda lore.
Additionally, the decision to isolate these games may reflect a desire to cater to a new generation of players who are more familiar with the open-world format introduced in Breath of the Wild. By creating a separate timeline, Nintendo could be acknowledging the game’s status as a modern classic while giving it room to grow independently of the traditional Zelda narrative structure.
Looking ahead, the next game in the series, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, set for release on September 26, 2024, is notably absent from the updated timeline. This omission suggests that Nintendo may be planning another update to the timeline after the game’s launch, potentially placing it within this new context. Fans are eager to see where this game will fit and how it will contribute to the evolving Zelda lore.
Given its title, Echoes of Wisdom could explore themes of knowledge and discovery, potentially linking back to the lore-rich environments and intricate puzzles that have become a hallmark of the series. Whether it will tie into the new segregated timeline or connect back to the original eras remains to be seen, but its release is sure to provide more clues about Nintendo’s long-term vision for the franchise.
The updated Legend of Zelda timeline presented at Nintendo Live 2024 has opened up a new chapter in the franchise’s history. By placing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in a separate continuity, Nintendo is both respecting the series’ rich past and paving the way for new adventures. This move reflects a commitment to innovation while maintaining the core elements that have made Zelda games beloved by millions.
As we await the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and further updates to the timeline, fans can look forward to seeing how Nintendo continues to evolve this iconic series. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, the future of Zelda promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever.
