Which Zelda Game Should I Start With: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom?

-

I’ve never played a Zelda game before, and with the upcoming Switch 2 and remastered versions of the games, it’s the perfect opportunity to jump in. I’m trying to decide between Breath of the Wild (BotW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TotK). I know TotK features building mechanics and a time travel plot, while BotW doesn’t have those elements. I’ve heard mixed feedback, but it seems like most people think TotK is better. I’m curious about the specific differences between the two and whether starting with TotK is the best choice. Don’t worry about spoilers – I’m open to them if it helps explain why one might be better than the other!

Which Zelda Game Should I Start With: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Game guides, questions & answers and other The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild posts. If the answer below was not helpful, and still need Help? Submit a comment below or ask a new question.

2 Answers

HyruleHero21 -

I’d recommend getting both eventually, but starting with BotW could be a better option. It gives you a solid foundation in the Zelda universe without overwhelming you with new mechanics. Plus, it’s a breathtaking world to explore, and you’ll get to enjoy its story first. Then, once you’re comfortable with it, TotK will feel like a great sequel that builds on everything you loved about BotW!

ZeldaFanatic123 -

Honestly, both games are fantastic in their own right, but if you love creative gameplay, then TotK might be your jam! It introduces some awesome building mechanics that let you craft wild machines, which can be a ton of fun! However, if you prefer a more straightforward introduction to the series, starting with BotW might be the way to go since it sets up the lore and exploration really well. In short, if you’re into building and unique challenges, go with TotK; if you want a classic adventure feel, stick to BotW.

Leave A Reply

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD QUESTIONS

How do I reach the snowy shrines on the Great Plateau in BotW?
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - Struggling to reach 2 shrines in 'The Great Plateau' of BotW? Discover tips for overcoming the cold and completing your quest. View Answer
When do Silver Enemies Start Showing Up in BOTW?
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - When do silver enemies appear in Breath of the Wild? My experience is confusing compared to others. View Answer
Help me find a comic series featuring different Links!
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - Searching for a comic series featuring various Links with unique nicknames celebrating Breath of the Wild Link. View Answer
Why Do the New Zelda Games Feel Different to Me?
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - Why are old Zelda fans disappointed with Breath of the Wild and its direction for the series? View Answer
Can I Enjoy Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom by Focusing Mainly on the Story?
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - Can you play BOTW and TOTK for story only without crafting or side missions like Ocarina of Time? View Answer

RELATED QUESTIONS

What's Up with Hyrule's Monarchy and Rhoam's Role?
[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] - How does Hyrule's monarchy function in BotW, especially regarding Zelda and King Rhoam's roles? View Answer
Is Call of Duty: Cold War Worth Buying Right Now?
[Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War] - Is Call of Duty Cold War worth buying now that it's on sale and has new game modes? View Answer
Is Gaming on Linux with Nvidia GPUs Really That Bad?
Concerns about gaming performance on Linux with Nvidia GPUs and the potential impact of switching from Windows. View Answer
Can I Use My Windows Games on an External HDD with Linux?
Can I use my external HDD with Linux after using it with Windows for gaming on my new Linux Mint computer? View Answer
Is Death Stranding Actually Enjoyable for Some Players?
[Death Stranding] - Are people divided on their love for Death Stranding, with some raving and others feeling like they wasted their time? View Answer
Looking for Relaxing Ranger Games with Crafting
Is there a game for crafting and playing as a ranger without the stress of survival or relationship-building elements? View Answer
Best Ways to Get ESO DLCs on a Budget?
[The Elder Scrolls Online] - Wondering how to choose and obtain DLCs for ESO on a budget? Here are some tips from the community. View Answer
What was the first Final Fantasy game you ever played?
[Final Fantasy] - What was the first Final Fantasy game you played? Let's share our nostalgia for this beloved series. View Answer
What Makes Barry Such a Classic 'Cringe Dad' Character?
[Resident Evil] - What makes Barry the quintessential cringe dad character in Resident Evil? A look at his charming, doofus personality. View Answer
Should I Upgrade My GPU or Buy a New PC?
Should I upgrade my GPU and monitor or buy a new PC with better specs? Seeking your advice! View Answer
What's the verdict on PS5 designs: Original, Slim, or Pro?
Do people really like PS5 designs? Preferences vary among users, with some loving the original and others favoring the Slim/Pro. View Answer
Help Me Choose My Next Game After Horizon Zero Dawn!
[Horizon Zero Dawn] - What should I play next after finishing HZD? Considering options like Uncharted, Ghost of Tsushima, or Death Stranding. View Answer