The highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time won’t be released for a few months yet, offering the ideal time for franchise enthusiasts and newcomers to dive into other titles in the series. This is a valuable opportunity, especially for those who were enchanted by the trailer and want to experience Zelda’s rich history and gameplay, or for fans looking for a revisit to the classics. For those who already know the series, any period is a good time to revisit such a captivating universe.
Considering that Ocarina of Time marked the series’ debut in 3D format, other three-dimensional games in the franchise prove to be perfect choices for preparation. From options that make it easier to enter the Zelda universe, with a strong emphasis on exploration, to adventures that challenge players with complex dungeons, the series offers an experience for every style.
Link’s Awakening: A Journey Outside of Hyrule
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Action and Adventure
- Released: August 6, 1993
- ESRB:T
- Developer(s): Nintendo EAD
- Publisher(s): Nintendo
- Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
- Platform(s): Nintendo Game Boy, Nintendo Game Boy Color, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s): Action and Adventure
- Average time to finish: 15 hours
Recently revitalized and available on Switch, Link’s Awakening stands out for not taking place in Hyrule, or any location directly connected to it. Although the remake brings a modern and polished aesthetic, the original 1993 edition impressively maintains its relevance and charm, proving its timelessness.
In this title, Link is shipwrecked on Koholint Island, where he interacts with its peculiar inhabitants while gathering essential musical instruments. Your goal is to play the Ballad of the Windfish to wake him up. The game delivers all the elements of a classic narrative, set in an enchanting setting that provides an invigorating experience before embarking on the adventures of Hyrule as the legendary Hero of Time.
The immensity of Breath of the Wild: limitless exploration
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Action, Adventure
- Released: March 3, 2017
- ESRB: Free Rating: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mildly Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s): Nintendo
- Engine: Havok
- Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
- Steam Deck compatibility: yes
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Console Release Date)
- Platform(s): Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s): Action, Adventure
- Average time to finish: 50 hours
- Metascore: 97
- OpenCritic Review: Powerful
Considered one of the most accessible titles for new players in the series, Breath of the Wild captivates with its open-world approach that values exploration. The player has the freedom to choose how much they will dedicate themselves to secondary content or whether they prefer to focus solely on exploring the dungeons and advancing the main plot.
Some players prefer the BotW style over the traditional Zelda format, especially because it doesn’t feature such extensive dungeons and full of puzzles. Its accessibility makes it an excellent choice for those looking for an introduction to the series before committing to the grandeur of the Ocarina of Time remake.
Tears of the Kingdom: a sequel that expands horizons
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Adventure, Action, Open World
- Released: May 12, 2023
- ESRB: Free Rating for ages 10 and up due to fantasy violence and slightly suggestive themes.
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Publisher(s): Nintendo
- Engine: Havok
- Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
- Nintendo Switch release date: May 12, 2023
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Console Release Date)
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s): Adventure, Action, Open World
- Average time to finish: 59 hours
- Metascore: 96
- OpenCritic Review: Powerful
As the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom can be enjoyed independently, but gains more depth if played after its predecessor. TotK enhances BotW’s exploration by expanding the map with the addition of the skies and depths, and introduces an advanced physics system that invites constant experimentation.
The physics system is essential to progress in this game, as many of the puzzles require Link to use his new abilities to fuse items and create structures or vehicles. This feature provides vast scope for creativity in solving challenges and, above all, it is incredibly fun to explore.
