Nintendo Hints at New Zelda Timeline with BotW and TotK

Nintendo has announced that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom represent the beginning of a new timeline within the Zelda franchise. This revelation, made during a presentation at Nintendo Live 2024 in Sydney, highlights that these two games will not align with the previously established three timelines. The existing timelines stem from the events of Skyward Sword and Ocarina of Time, which branch into distinct realities based on Link's successes or failures. Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, introduced a vast, reimagined Hyrule, complicating its placement in the timeline. Despite the direct sequel nature of Tears of the Kingdom, both titles now appear to be part of a separate narrative continuum that may redefine Zelda lore. Fans are left speculating how future titles, such as the upcoming Echoes of Wisdom launching on September 26, 2024, will further expand on this new timeline.

No, Nintendo has indicated that these games are part of a completely new timeline that does not connect to the previous established timelines within the Zelda series.

The Legend of Zelda franchise is known for its intricate timelines and lore that spans decades, making it one of the most enduring video game series in history. Initially released in 1986, the series has evolved significantly, with titles like Ocarina of Time and Skyward Sword establishing important narrative foundations. The complexity of the timeline, characterized by its alternate realities, has driven fan engagement and speculation for years. The recent developments regarding Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom could signal a major shift in the storytelling approach of this beloved franchise.