Are you trying to remember all Legend of Zelda games in order? We've all been there; it is not an easy job!

The Legend of Zelda series is one of the most famous and beloved video game franchises in the world. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, it debuted in 1986 and quickly became a key part of Nintendo’s gaming lineup. Known for its exciting adventures, memorable characters, and puzzles, the games follow a hero named Link as he tries to save Princess Zelda and protect the land of Hyrule.

With so many games released over the years, the Zelda timeline can be a bit confusing. Some games are set in different time periods, and the storylines often don’t follow a strict order. That’s why it’s wise to see Zelda games in chronological order. Understanding the timeline helps make sense of the games' connections, characters' evolution, and the overarching story.

All Legend of Zelda games in order (Chronologically)

Here’s a list of all the Legend of Zelda games in order of release, along with details about their place in the timeline:

1. The Legend of Zelda (February 21, 1986)

The adventure begins with the very first Legend of Zelda game, released on the NES. Players control Link, who must rescue Princess Zelda from the evil villain Ganon. This game introduced many key elements of the series, including dungeon exploration and puzzle-solving. It was groundbreaking at the time, offering an open world for players to explore.

2. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (January 14, 1987)

Unlike the first game, Zelda II took a side-scrolling approach and added RPG features like leveling up. Link sets out to awaken Princess Zelda, who has fallen into a magical sleep. This game was known for its tough difficulty and for changing the usual Zelda formula.

3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (November 21, 1991)

This game for the Super Nintendo is considered one of the best Zelda games ever. Link travels between two worlds, the Light World and the Dark World, to stop an evil wizard named Agahnim. The game introduced many of the series' core elements, such as the Master Sword and the concept of parallel worlds.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (June 6, 1993)

It’s the first Zelda game released on a handheld console. In this Game Boy game, Link finds himself stranded on Koholint Island, where he must awaken the Wind Fish to escape. The story is unique, and the island setting is different from the usual Hyrule. This game is loved for its charm, quirky characters, and touching storyline.

5. Link: The Faces of Evil & Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon (October 10, 1993)

Link: The Faces of Evil and Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon are action-adventure games released for the CD-i in 1993. Developed by Animation Magic and published by Philips Interactive Media, they were based on The Legend of Zelda franchise but are not considered official entries. Both games, which share the same graphic engine, were released simultaneously.

In The Faces of Evil, players control Link on a mission to defeat Ganon and save Princess Zelda, while in The Wand of Gamelon, players control Zelda as she tries to rescue Link and King Harkinian.

Initially, the games received mixed to positive reviews but have since been widely criticized for their poor plots, animation, voice acting, and controls. These titles are often regarded as some of the worst in the Zelda series and were excluded from the official Zelda timeline in Hyrule Historia.

6. Zelda's Adventure (June 5, 1994)

Zelda's Adventure is a video game released for the Philips CD-i in 1994. Unlike the earlier Zelda games for the CD-i, which used side-scrolling, this game uses a top-down view similar to The Legend of Zelda games. In the story, Princess Zelda must collect seven celestial signs to rescue Link from the evil Ganon in the land of Tolemac.

Zelda's Adventure features exploration, puzzles, and combat with live-action cutscenes, but struggled with technical issues like slow graphics and poor controls. It received negative reviews for its graphics, acting, and difficulty, being called nearly unplayable. Despite this, it has become a rare collector's item.

7. BS Zelda no Densetsu (August 6, 1995)

BS Zelda no Densetsu is an action-adventure game released in 1995 for the Satellaview system. Unlike previous Zelda games, it doesn't feature Link but instead a character selected by the player, known as BS-X.

The game is similar to the original Zelda in style but uses 16-bit graphics. It was the first Zelda game to feature voice acting and was broadcast through the Satellaview’s SoundLink system, combining game code with a vocal track.

The story follows a young hero who must collect pieces of the Triforce to defeat Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda, with gameplay limited to one hour per week, known as "Zelda Time." The game was broadcast multiple times and became popular enough to inspire a sequel.

8. BS Zelda no Densetsu: Inishie no Sekiban

BS Zelda no Densetsu: Inishie no Sekiban is a 1997 action-adventure game for the Satellaview. Set six years after A Link to the Past, the player-controlled hero collects eight Ancient Stone Tablets to help Princess Zelda stop Ganon's return. Using the top-down style of A Link to the Past, the game features voice acting through Satellaview's SoundLink system. After defeating Ganon with the Silver Arrow, the hero returns the Master Sword and leaves Hyrule.

9. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (November 21, 1998)

One of the most praised games of all time, Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64 takes Link on an epic adventure to stop the evil Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule. With its groundbreaking 3D graphics, time travel mechanics, and the use of music (the ocarina), this game set a new standard for action-adventure games.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (December 12, 1998)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX is a 1998 action-adventure game for the Game Boy Color, a colorized version of the 1993 Link's Awakening. Players guide Link, stranded on Koholint Island, to collect the eight Instruments of the Sirens to awaken the Wind Fish and escape.

The game features colorized graphics, new puzzles, a hidden Color Dungeon with tunic upgrades, and a photo album feature with the Game Boy Printer. While praised for its color graphics and new features, it is largely similar to the original. It is considered one of the best Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and was later re-released on 3DS and Switch.

11. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (April 27, 2000)

A darker and more experimental follow-up to Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask takes place in the strange world of Termina, where Link has just three days to prevent the moon from crashing into the planet. The game is known for its time-based gameplay and its deep, eerie atmosphere.

12. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons & Oracle of Ages (February 27, 2001)

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are 2001 action-adventure games for the Game Boy Color. Developed by Flagship and published by Nintendo, the games follow Link as he travels through two lands—Holodrum and Labrynna—to stop the villains Onox and Veran. Link must collect the Essences of Nature and Time to save each land. The games are linked, with a special ending if both are played.

13. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords (December 2, 2002)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords is a 2002 Game Boy Advance game with two parts: a port of A Link to the Past and a new multiplayer game, Four Swords.

In Four Swords, up to four players work together through randomly generated dungeons.

In A Link to the Past, Link saves Hyrule from the wizard Agahnim and Ganon. In Four Swords, Link pulls the Four Sword, creating three clones to rescue Princess Zelda from the villain Vaati. Completing both games unlocks a special dungeon in A Link to the Past.

14. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (December 13, 2002)

In The Wind Waker, Link sails across the Great Sea in a colorful world filled with islands. The game uses a unique cel-shaded art style, making it stand out from other Zelda games. Link’s mission is to rescue his sister and defeat the evil Ganon. The game’s open-world sailing and exploration made it a fan favorite.

15. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (March 18, 2004)

This game for the GameCube is focused on multiplayer. Players can control up to four Links at once to solve puzzles and defeat enemies together. The game has a fun, cooperative element that was new to the series.

16. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)

In this Game Boy Advance game, Link teams up with a tiny magical being called Ezlo to stop the evil sorcerer Vaati. The Minish Cap is known for its creative puzzles and its charming story. It also introduces the Four Sword, a key item in the series.

17. Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland (September 2, 2006)

Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland is a Nintendo DS adventure game where Tingle builds a tower by collecting Rupees, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. He can recruit bodyguards to help. The story follows Tingle's journey to Rupeeland, where he discovers Uncle Rupee's greed. Depending on the player's actions, Tingle either becomes greedy or helps restore peace.

18. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (November 19, 2006)

A darker entry in the series, Twilight Princess for the GameCube and Wii takes place in a world shrouded in darkness. Link must fight against both the evil Zant and the shadowy forces of the Twilight Realm. This game’s more realistic art style and darker themes made it a standout in the series.

19. Tingle's Balloon Fight (April 12, 2007)

Tingle's Balloon Fight DS is a Nintendo DS game released only in Japan in 2007 through Club Nintendo. It’s a remake of the classic Balloon Fight, featuring Tingle from The Legend of Zelda series instead of the original Balloon Fighter.

The game includes a mode called Balloon Trip where players collect Rupees. Tingle was chosen as the main character because in Majora’s Mask, Link encounters Tingle hanging from balloons, which players can pop to make him fall.

20. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (June 23, 2007)

A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass for the Nintendo DS follows Link as he tries to rescue his friend Tetra. The game uses the DS’s touchscreen controls for puzzle-solving and dungeon exploration, offering a fun and unique experience for players.

21. Link's Crossbow Training (November 19, 2007)

Link's Crossbow Training is a shooting game for the Wii, released in 2007 and bundled with the Wii Zapper peripheral. Set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, players control Link and use a crossbow to complete various shooting challenges. The game also features a multiplayer mode where players compete for the best score.
 

22. Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love (August 6, 2009)

Irozuki Tingle no Koi no Balloon Trip is a 2009 DS adventure game and sequel to Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland. The story follows Tingle, who is sucked into a picture book world and meets three companions: Kakashi, Buriki, and Lion. 

The gameplay involves solving puzzles with their abilities and building relationships with five female characters by choosing the right dialogue and gifts. 

23. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (December 7, 2009)

In Spirit Tracks, Link travels by train across a new land. The game focuses on puzzle-solving and teamwork with Princess Zelda, who helps Link from the spirit world. 

24. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (June 16, 2011)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a 2011 action-adventure game for the Nintendo 3DS, developed by Grezzo. It is a remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 game with updated graphics, 3D effects, and mirrored versions of the dungeons from Ocarina of Time Master Quest. 

Released in June 2011 and digitally in 2012, the game received widespread acclaim and became a commercial success, selling over 6.44 million copies worldwide.
 

25. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (November 18, 2011)

Released for the Wii, Skyward Sword explores the origins of the Master Sword. The game uses motion controls, where players swing the Wii remote to control Link’s sword. The game’s story revolves around Link’s journey to defeat the evil demon Lord Ghirahim and save Zelda. 

26. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (September 20, 2013)

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD has upgraded 1080p graphics, making the game look better. The Wii U GamePad helps you manage your items and maps easily. A new Swift Sail makes traveling across the sea faster. You can also use the Tingle Bottle to post messages to Miiverse. The game can be played on the GamePad if the TV is in use.

27. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (November 22, 2013)

A return to the top-down perspective of older Zelda games, A Link Between Worlds for the 3DS has Link travel between two parallel worlds. It introduces a new mechanic where Link can merge into walls to move through tight spaces. The game combines classic Zelda elements with fresh gameplay, making it a hit among fans.

28. Hyrule Warriors (August 14, 2014)

Hyrule Warriors is a 2014 hack-and-slash game combining characters and settings from The Legend of Zelda with the gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. Players control Link and other Zelda characters to fight large groups of enemies using a variety of weapons, including swords and bombs. The game features multiple modes, such as Legend Mode, where players progress through the story, and Adventure Mode, where they complete objectives on a map inspired by the original The Legend of Zelda. 

29. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (February 13, 2015)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is a 2015 action-adventure game for the Nintendo 3DS, developed by Grezzo and published by Nintendo. It is a remaster of the 2000 Nintendo 64 game Majora's Mask, featuring updated graphics, faster-paced gameplay, and improved quality of life features. 

30. The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (October 22, 2015)

Tri Force Heroes is a multiplayer-focused Zelda game for the 3DS. It allows players to team up as three Links to solve puzzles and complete dungeons. While it’s a fun game for friends, it differs from traditional Zelda games by focusing more on cooperation than exploration.

31. Hyrule Warriors Legends (January 21, 2016)

Hyrule Warriors Legends is a 3DS game that mixes The Legend of Zelda with Dynasty Warriors gameplay. It’s a port of Hyrule Warriors with new characters and stories. In addition to the original story, it includes Linkle's Tale, where Linkle tries to prove she's a hero, and Saga of the Great Sea, featuring characters from The Wind Waker. 

32. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (March 4, 2016)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is an enhanced remaster of the original Twilight Princess for GameCube and Wii. The game features improved graphics, higher resolution, and some gameplay changes.

33. My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (March 30, 2016)

My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a puzzle game for the Nintendo 3DS. It is a spin-off of Twilight Princess and part of the Picross e series. The game includes several puzzle modes: regular Picross, Mega Picross, and Micross, where players create a large image from smaller puzzles. Midna, a character from Twilight Princess, guides players through the tutorial.

34. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (March 3, 2017)

Breath of the Wild is a huge step forward for the series, offering an open-world experience for the first time. Link wakes up in a ruined world and must defeat Calamity Ganon to save Princess Zelda. The game focuses on exploration, allowing players to go anywhere and do anything.

35. Cadence of Hyrule (June 13, 2019)

Cadence of Hyrule is a rhythm game combining Crypt of the NecroDancer and Zelda. Players control Link or Zelda, moving and attacking to music. It features items, roguelike elements, extra modes, and co-op for two players.

36. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (September 20, 2019)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019) is a remake of the 1993 Game Boy game, featuring toy-like visuals and dungeon creation. Set on Koholint Island, Link must collect instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. It includes updated puzzles, platforming, and minigames, with rewards for custom dungeons. 

37. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (November 20, 2020)

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020) is a hack-and-slash prequel to Breath of the Wild, where players control Link, Zelda, and others in battles against Calamity Ganon’s forces. The game combines Dynasty Warriors gameplay with Zelda elements like puzzles and character upgrades.

38. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (May 12, 2023)

A sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom continues Link’s adventures in Hyrule. It builds on the open-world gameplay of its predecessor, introducing new mechanics and further expanding the story. 

39. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (September 26, 2024)

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024) is an action-adventure game where you play as Princess Zelda. She uses a magical Tri Rod to summon "echoes" of objects and enemies to help her. Zelda can also fight with a sword in a special form. The game has exploration on foot, horseback, or through fast travel, and you can upgrade equipment and collect items.