The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, represent a monumental shift in the storied franchise, offering vast open worlds, inventive physics-based gameplay, and countless hours of adventure. With both titles available on Nintendo Switch and enhanced versions coming to Switch 2, players are faced with numerous choices: which to play first, whether to replay, and how to manage cross-game features like horse transfers. This guide answers all these questions and more, helping you navigate your journey through modern Hyrule.
Playing Order: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom First?
Deciding which game to start with depends on your priorities. If you care about narrative continuity and experiencing the origin of this Hyrule, begin with Breath of the Wild. Its story sets the stage for Tears of the Kingdom, and many characters and locations reappear with evolved roles. Conversely, Tears of the Kingdom is a more polished and expansive experience, building on its predecessor’s mechanics with new abilities like Ultrahand and Fuse. Playing it first might make returning to Breath of the Wild feel like a step backward.
Why Play Breath of the Wild First?
Playing Breath of the Wild allows you to appreciate Hyrule’s post-Calamity state and Link’s awakening. The game introduces the open-world formula gradually, teaching you to survive with limited tools. Its simpler rune abilities lay a foundation for the more complex powers in the sequel. Additionally, the story’s ending directly leads into Tears of the Kingdom, and many emotional beats hit harder when you know the characters’ histories. For newcomers to the series, Breath of the Wild is a masterclass in freedom and discovery, free from the heavier narrative burdens of its follow-up.
Why Start with Tears of the Kingdom?
Tears of the Kingdom is the superior game in terms of sheer content and mechanical depth. If you worry about franchise fatigue, starting here ensures you experience the pinnacle first. The sky islands, Depths, and expanded map offer an almost overwhelming amount to explore. However, playing it before Breath of the Wild could spoil the simpler joys of the original and make its world feel comparatively empty. For those with limited time who only want one epic, Tears of the Kingdom is the definitive modern Zelda experience.
Our Recommendation
For most players, starting with Breath of the Wild is ideal. It serves as a perfect introduction to the new era of Zelda, and finishing it will make the enhancements in Tears of the Kingdom all the more rewarding. The emotional carryover is significant, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of Hyrule and its inhabitants. If, however, you are a veteran gamer seeking the biggest and best adventure immediately, jumping straight into Tears of the Kingdom is a valid choice.
Replaying on Switch 2: BotW or TotK?
With enhanced versions likely coming to Switch 2, you might wonder which title deserves a replay. Both games will benefit from improved performance and possibly higher resolutions, but your choice should hinge on what you seek. Breath of the Wild offers a purer survival experience and a more focused sense of exploration. Replaying it on new hardware could breathe fresh life into its serene landscapes. Tears of the Kingdom, meanwhile, is a massive sandbox that encourages creative engineering. A replay here means rediscovering a world full of secrets you might have missed, like hidden shrines or Depths areas. If you already 100%-ed both, consider revisiting the one that tugs at your nostalgia more; otherwise, Tears of the Kingdom’s added content typically makes it the better candidate for a second journey.
How Horse Transfers Work Between BotW and TotK
One of the coolest cross-game features is the ability to import your registered horses from Breath of the Wild into Tears of the Kingdom. Here’s how it works: if you have a save file from Breath of the Wild (normal mode, not Master Mode) on the same Nintendo Account, your tamed and boarded horses will automatically appear in the stables of Tears of the Kingdom when you start a new game. This transfer is a one-time occurrence triggered at the beginning of your adventure, so you can’t import new horses mid-game later.
Regarding multiple save slots on Switch 2, the system is likely to behave like the current Switch: each user profile has its own save data for these games. Therefore, if you have multiple profiles, the horse transfer will apply per profile based on the corresponding Breath of the Wild save. Be aware that Master Mode horses do not transfer, and only horses that were actively registered at a stable in BotW will appear—horses left in the wild do not carry over. No official word has been given on any changes for Switch 2, but the fundamental mechanic should remain the same.
Nintendo Switch Games Similar to Zelda: BotW and TotK
If you crave more open-world adventures with the same sense of discovery, several titles on the Switch capture similar magic. Immortals Fenyx Rising is a vibrant, mythological action game with gliding, climbing, and puzzle-filled vaults reminiscent of Shrines. Its lighthearted tone and fast-paced combat make it a great alternative. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD isn’t as open, but its dungeons and story will feel familiar, and it lays groundwork for the series’ three-dimensional evolution. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm wears its Zelda inspiration proudly, offering a linear but charming adventure with puzzle solving and exploration. For a darker, more survival-focused experience, Dark Souls Remastered shares the lonely, atmospheric wandering of Hyrule, albeit with punishing combat. Lastly, Sable is a peaceful, exploration-driven indie with a striking art style and no combat, emphasizing the joy of traversal and discovery—perfect for fans of BotW’s quieter moments.
Good Modern Zelda Games to Play After BotW and TotK
Once you’ve conquered both modern epics, the Zelda franchise offers plenty more to explore. The 2019 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a charming, top-down adventure with classic dungeon design and a poignant story. Skyward Sword HD brings motion or button controls to a more cinematic prequel tale that directly influences the series’ lore. For a different flavor, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a musou-style action game set 100 years before Breath of the Wild, featuring an alternate timeline that lets you play as familiar characters in large-scale battles. Cadence of Hyrule combines Crypt of the NecroDancer’s rhythm-based movement with Zelda aesthetics for a unique crossover. Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online offers retro classics like Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, which are essential for understanding the series’ roots. Looking ahead, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom promises a fresh 2D adventure starring Zelda herself, expanding the franchise in exciting ways.
Switch 2 Upgrade Pack: Physical Cartridge or Digital Download?
Nintendo has not officially detailed how the Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will handle upgrades, but we can speculate based on industry standards. Past console upgrades, like those for PlayStation and Xbox, often offer a digital patch to existing owners, or a physical repackage with the enhancements on the cartridge. For Switch 2, Nintendo could release dedicated physical versions with all upgrades included on the cart, or they might sell an “upgrade pack” code in a box alongside the original Switch cartridge. Alternatively, a purely digital upgrade via an online purchase or free patch for existing owners is possible. Since the Midori leaks and other rumors suggest Nintendo’s focus on backward compatibility, a small fee for a performance enhancement download seems plausible. Keep an eye on official announcements for the definitive answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some Nintendo Switch games similar to Zelda: BotW and TotK?
Great alternatives include Immortals Fenyx Rising, Oceanhorn 2, Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and indie titles like Sable and Genshin Impact (cloud version). Each captures elements of exploration, puzzle solving, or open-world freedom.
Which Zelda game should I replay on Switch 2: BOTW or TOTK?
Replay Tears of the Kingdom if you want the most content and creative mechanics; replay Breath of the Wild for a classic, focused survival experience. Both will benefit from enhancements, making either a worthy revisit.
Will the Switch 2 versions of BotW and TotK have the Upgrade Pack on cartridge or as a download?
Nintendo has not confirmed, but possibilities include fully updated cartridges, upgrade download codes in physical boxes, or digital patches available for purchase. More details will emerge closer to launch.
What are some good modern Zelda games to play after BOTW and TOTK?
Try Link’s Awakening (2019 remake), Skyward Sword HD, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Cadence of Hyrule, or revisit classics like Ocarina of Time via Nintendo Switch Online.
Which Zelda game should I play first: BOTW or TOTK?
Play Breath of the Wild first to understand the story and world, then move on to Tears of the Kingdom for an evolved experience. Starting with TotK is fine if you prioritize gameplay depth over narrative order.
How will horse transfers work between BOTW and TOTK with multiple save slots?
Horses registered in a normal mode Breath of the Wild save file automatically appear in Tears of the Kingdom at the start of the game on the same Nintendo Account. This works per profile, so multiple save slots remain independent. Master Mode horses do not transfer.
Whether you’re a returning hero or a newcomer to Hyrule, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer unparalleled adventures. By considering the tips in this guide, you can make informed decisions that maximize your enjoyment of these legendary games. The journey through Hyrule is yours to shape, so choose your path wisely and embrace the wild.
