At Nintendo Live 2024 in Sydney, an updated Legend of Zelda timeline was unveiled, offering new insights into the placement of Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). According to this latest reveal, both games are set in a completely separate future, detached from the rest of the Zelda series. This revelation, first reported by Vooks, was highlighted in a special display at the event that explored the history of the series and the pivotal moments that have shaped Hyrule’s lore.

The official timeline begins with the creation story in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which lays the foundation for the entire series. From there, the timeline branches out following the events of Ocarina of Time, a key turning point in Zelda’s history.

The timeline splits into two main paths after Ocarina. In the “Hero is Defeated” branch, the Imprisoning War unfolds, leading to A Link to the Past, followed by Link’s Awakening and, eventually, the original Legend of Zelda games set during the Era of Decline. Meanwhile, the “Hero is Triumphant” branch divides further into the Child Era and the Adult Era. In the Child Era, we see the events of Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, and Four Sword Adventures. The Adult Era, where Hyrule is sealed and flooded, features the adventures in The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks.

However, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are notably positioned outside this established timeline, indicating that they occur in a different, standalone future. This placement has sparked much speculation among fans, who have long debated how these titles fit into the broader Zelda lore. The distinct technologies, cultures, and historical references in these games suggest they belong to a world separate from the timelines originating from Skyward Sword.

The Zelda timeline has always been somewhat fluid, with Nintendo revising it over the years to incorporate new games and narrative elements. While BOTW and TOTK currently stand apart from the main timeline, there’s potential for these games to eventually form their own timeline. Future installments could explore these stories further, possibly through time travel or alternate realities—concepts that are well within the realm of Zelda’s universe.

For now, though, these two games are enjoyed as unique, standalone adventures, offering players unforgettable experiences, even without a clear connection to the broader timeline. Zelda fans can rest assured that while the timeline may be intricate and sometimes contradictory, each game provides a distinct journey worth exploring. The true magic of BOTW and TOTK lies not in how they fit into the grand narrative but in the rich, immersive worlds they present.