When it comes to incredibly important Nintendo franchises. One should not look any further than some of the penultimate franchises like Super Mario Bros. and Legend Of Zelda. The latter in particular is incredibly beloved for its fantastical setting and unique characters. However, one of the most interesting and confusing elements of the franchise is the timeline. Something that wasn't firmly established until 2011 through the Hyrule Historia. Through this plenty of elements that don't appear in one game might appear in another.
However, for new players, they might not know enough the timeline to fully understand it. As such, here are some facts about the timeline that everyone should know about. Fans and readers are warned of any spoilers.
10 Currently, There Are Three Timelines With More To Come
Officially ever since the release of Hyrule Historia, it has been described by Nintendo that there are currently three official timelines. All centered around the Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time. Each branch leads to a game that many fans will either love or personally dislike based on personal preference.
However, it seems this is only a loose rule as there are many instances that there are more timelines outside of the three fans are familiar with. Take for example Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity. It is within that game where it appears that there will once again be a branching timeline specifically within Breath Of The Wild.
9 The Downfall Timeline Is Where All Of The Original Zelda Games Originate From
What might've surprised fans or newcomers is the existence of the downfall timeline. Within this scenario, Link had fallen against the might of Ganon. As a result, many drastic things have changed to the kingdom, resulting in Ganon's presence is stronger than ever. That aside, this is also where many of the classic games take place such as the original Legend Of Zelda and Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past. Groundbreaking games in their own right.
8 The Remnants Of The Old Hyrule Is Gone In The Adult Timeline
When players first played the Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker, fans might've been surprised by the fact that the majority of Hyrule has flooded. This is the result of the return of Ganondorf from the adult timeline. Due to the lack of a hero of time, it resulted in the land being flooded in order to seal Ganondorf. As a result, many of the adventures within Wind Waker and the subsequent sequels revolve around this type of setting. By the time of Spirit Tracks, it is a new Hyrule completely.
7 The Child Timeline Is The Only Timeline Where The Four Swords Makes A Return
The events of the original Four Swords and Minish Cap all occurred during the unified timeline. Events in the series that takes place before the Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time. One of the most interesting things about the timeline is that the only branch that continues the Four Swords storyline is the child timeline. Whatever happened with the four swords or the villain Vaati in the other timelines will remain a mystery at least for now.
6 The Downfall Timeline Is Where Ganon Reigns Supreme
As described earlier on the list, the downfall timeline is primarily the branch where Ganon reigns supreme especially compared to the other branches. Ganon itself is the full power of Ganondorf and as such, having Ganon in the downfall timeline easily shows his true might. Although that being said, the villain has been consistently thwarted by the Links and Zeldas of that timeline. But the effects that he leaves in his wake have always been felt in that timeline.
5 Zelda Races Have Evolved In The Adult Timeline
As a result of the events that have happened within the Adult timeline such as the flood, many races within that timeline have evolved in order to deal with the new changes. The Kokiri for example has evolved into the Koroks. Although that being said, while this is the case within this timeline, every other branch doesn't seem to have this which creates unique elements. At least until Breath Of The Wild in which it brings in different races together despite the discrepancy.
4 Twilight Princess Link Is A Blood Relative Of The Hero Of Time
Although every Link in the Zelda franchise is related to each other in one way or another, the Twilight Princess Link is unique because he is directly connected to the Ocarina Of Time version of the character. Normally the Link's are connected thanks to having the spirit of the hero. However, this is a case that is unique only to the Child timeline. This makes the events of Twilight Princess in the context that it is a part of, even more, impactful overall.
3 Link, Ganondorf, And Zelda Are Always Connected
As described earlier, every Link is connected by the spirit of the hero. Similarly, every Zelda is related to each other through their blood. Finally, Ganondorf and any incarnation of him is a result of the hatred of Demise. Through Demise, he is able to inflict a curse on Link and Zelda. Where no matter how many times evil strikes, there will always be a Link or Zelda coming to save the day. This results in the games almost being darkly cyclical.
2 The Master Sword Almost Always Appears
The legendary sword that appears in a majority of Zelda games, it seems that the sword will always appear to Link across any timeline. Whether the world is ravaged by calamity or flooded by natural waters, the master sword will always be there to aid the hero and all of Hyrule.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule as sometimes the sword will not appear. There are times where the sword won't appear because another sword will take center stage. Or during the downfall timeline, it mysteriously disappears late in the timeline and is replaced by the magical sword.
1 Breath Of The Wild Is Inevitable
According to Nintendo Life, it appears that it doesn't matter where the ending lies with each branch of the timeline. After a certain amount of time, it all leads back into the events of Breath Of The Wild. How this is able to work and how it will be shown is currently still a mystery.
But considering all of the gameplay follow-ups and references to previous titles, it is clear that the game was meant to be an anniversary that celebrates all of the best aspects of the franchise. In a way, it is meant to be a breath of fresh air and follows in the holy footsteps of its predecessors before it. From all timelines.