This video game saga, which began in 1986 with The Legend of Zelda, has managed to increase its number of fans with each installment thanks to its captivating lore, along with its worlds full of magic and classic dungeons. But perhaps one of the most attractive and most debated aspects of this saga is its complicated timeline, since depending on the game you can find yourself in different timelines. Now, with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the most recent addition to the series, we can know exactly where this chapter is in the official Zelda timeline.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and its timeline
For many years, the timeline of The Legend of Zelda games have managed to create a continuous debate among the players of this saga. And the fact is that with each new title released, Nintendo presents us with independent stories so to speak, since they are not really connected to each other although the basic premise of the game remains the same as the characters, as they always end up related to each other (Link, Zelda and Ganon).
That all changed in 2011, when Nintendo published Hyrule History, a book that finally revealed the official timeline in three main branches: the Defeated Hero timeline, the Hero of Time timeline and the Alternate Future timeline thanks to which each new game finds its place within these three branches.
However, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo is much clearer about where this new adventure fits in, from the company it has been revealed to us that this new Zelda is set within the Defeated Hero timeline, which would make this new installment at the darkest point in the series. And in this timeline, Link fails to stop Ganondorf in the Ocarina of Time game, leading to the fall of Zelda’s kingdom and ultimately a fractured Hyrule filled with chaos.
This timeline offers us a unique bleak vision that is rarely addressed or explored in these games, as it immerses players in a devastated Hyrule arising from the aftermath of Hero of Time’s failure. Although as these games are quite family friendly, don’t expect the title to automatically become too dark and serious due to the fact that the tone of these games has always been quite colorful with small hints of darkness and seriousness.
If you are a Zelda fan, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is an adventure you won’t want to miss, as thanks to its rich narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics and connection to the classic titles, this game promises to become one of the most memorable installments of the saga. Are you ready to listen to the echoes of wisdom and embark on a new epic adventure? The fate of Hyrule awaits you!
