What Timeline Is Breath Of The Wild In

Okay, let's talk about something delightfully confusing: Where does Breath of the Wild (BotW) fit in the sprawling, epic, and sometimes hilariously convoluted Legend of Zelda timeline?

Seriously, it's like trying to untangle a Christmas tree light knot after a particularly enthusiastic cat got involved.

The Timeline Triforce (of Confusion)

See, for years, Zelda fans were blissfully ignorant of any official timeline. Then Nintendo dropped a bomb: a book revealing the timeline was, in fact, split into three separate branches after the events of Ocarina of Time!

One timeline is for Link who failed, one for adult Link who went back to being a child, and one for child Link. It's a lot to take in.

Each branch spawned a bunch of different games. This is where it gets wonderfully messy.

So, Where Does BotW Fit?

That’s the million-rupee question, isn't it? Nintendo has played coy, hinting that Breath of the Wild is so far in the future that all three timelines have somehow converged.

Imagine the timelines as rivers that eventually merge into a vast ocean. It's a bit like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with more chickens and fewer superheroes (well, except for Link, of course!).

One compelling idea suggests that BotW is the very last game in the timeline, no matter which branch you’re following. Think of it as the ultimate culmination of everything that came before.

Clues in the Calamity

The game itself is filled with references to past titles. You can find armor referencing Twilight Princess, and locations named after characters from various games.

These Easter eggs could just be fan service, but they also hint at a deep, almost mythical connection to the entire Zelda history. The world of Hyrule remembers!

Even the Sheikah technology, so prominent in BotW, feels like a blend of ancient wisdom and futuristic innovation, echoing elements from different Zelda eras.

The "Legend" in Legend of Zelda

Maybe the timeline doesn't even matter all that much. Maybe the point is the "Legend" part of The Legend of Zelda.

Consider the stories as campfire tales, passed down and embellished over generations. Details get muddled, but the core themes – courage, wisdom, and power – endure.

"Every recovered memory of Zelda and Link can be interpreted differently"

Each game, in a way, retells the same archetypal story with a new twist. This is where the timeline ambiguity becomes charming.

Embrace the Mystery

Ultimately, the exact placement of Breath of the Wild remains a glorious, debatable mystery. Don't get hung up on fitting it perfectly into a specific slot.

Instead, enjoy the game for what it is: a stunning, open-world adventure with a rich history and a whole lot of heart. Let the debate rage on!

So next time someone asks where BotW fits, you can simply smile knowingly and say, "It's complicated. And wonderfully so."