Zelda Timeline Update: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Stand Alone
At Nintendo Live 2024 in Sydney, Nintendo revealed an updated timeline for The Legend of Zelda series, placing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom outside the established continuity. Unlike previous games that fit into one of the three branches stemming from Ocarina of Time—Hero is Defeated, Hero is Triumphant, and the Adult Link timeline—these two titles are now depicted as standalone entries.
This new placement has sparked discussions among fans, who had previously speculated about the games' connections to the broader Zelda universe. The timeline graphic presented at the event shows no direct links between Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and other games in the series, suggesting a new direction or separate continuity for these entries. Despite the lack of a clear timeline integration, Nintendo has hinted that future updates or releases, such as the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, may provide further context or connections.
The company has previously adjusted the Zelda timeline and emphasized creative freedom, leaving room for fan interpretation and potential future developments. Additionally, the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Master Works, an art and lore book, promises to offer new insights into the timeline and enrich fans' understanding of the series' expansive world.
