The timeline of The Legend of Zelda is broken into different splits that follow different paths, and those who wish to play the series in chronological order will have to use several consoles to experience them all. The Legend of Zelda franchise's timeline splits were once the subject of fan theories until a book called Hyrule Historia outlined the timeline. The timeline has since changed in different publications, with new games and differing options shifting things around.

The timeline shenanigans are all linked to the end of Ocarina of Time, as the outcome of the game will determine the future of Hyrule. In one timeline, Link is defeated, leading to the ruined and empty version of Hyrule that is seen in the earliest Legend of Zelda games. The second timeline follows young Link's adventures in the land of Termina before the realm of shadows starts to overlap with Hyrule. The...