The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most famous series, beloved by fans all over the world. Since the first game’s launch in 1986, the Zelda series has produced phenomenal games where you play as the hero of Hyrule, Link, on a quest to aid Princess Zelda in overcoming the dark threats plaguing the land, usually in the form of Ganon or Ganondorf.

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While all Zelda games are worth playing through, a few games are more accessible entry points for newcomers to the series, both from a storyline perspective and because of the gameplay. If you’re looking to become a Zelda fan, you should start with one or more of the following games.

Updated on April 16, 2023, by Branden Lizardi: With the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, we've been digging deeper into the world of Hyrule. And as audatious as it may seem to call any Zelda game a 'hidden gem,' we think we found one that could be classified as such, at least as far as Zelda is considered. We're talking about the Oracle games for the GameBoy Color. We've updated this list with these lesser known adventures in mind, giving the overall article some extra polish while we're at it.

7 The Legend Of Zelda

the overworld from the original legend of zelda with link fighting octoroks

If you’re new to the Zelda series, why not start with the game that started it all? The original The Legend of Zelda launched in 1986 and sparked a legacy of incredible fantasy adventures in the decades to come. As the first in the series, it is one of the most popular Zelda games. It introduced many aspects that live on in today’s entries, such as the Triforce, Ganon as the primary antagonist, and the in-game currency Rupees.

The first Legend of Zelda is an excellent blast from the past that still holds up today, providing excellent challenges as you progress through the world. It is ideal to play as your first Zelda game, as it was the game that introduced so many to the iconic series.

Link's Awakening Link Holds His Sword and Shield On Koholint Island

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was originally launched in the early 1990s, but its remake for the Nintendo Switch in 2019 provides the perfect mix of modern and retro. As such, it makes a great launching point into the series, as it contains the best of both worlds: an old-school adventure game mixed with updated graphics for the current era of gaming.

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In addition to the mix of old and new that the remake of Link’s Awakening has to offer, the game itself is extremely fun. It has all the traditional elements of a Zelda game: puzzles, tricky dungeons, and an intriguing main quest guiding Link’s journey. Plus, it is a much simpler game than many of the other recent installments of the Zelda series, making it easy for newcomers to pick up without feeling overwhelmed.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Link and Zelda ride Loftwings together in the sky

While the timeline’s order is up for debate, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the definitive start for all of Link and Zelda’s adventures. Even if the Zelda timeline doesn’t necessarily have a cohesive overarching storyline, Skyward Sword introduces interesting lore that puts the whole series in perspective. Its gripping backstory for why Link and Zelda reappear over and over in Hyrule’s history makes it an ideal place for beginners to jump into the series.

Skyward Sword also has a lengthy main story campaign to keep you challenged and engaged. The game also features one of the best representations of Zelda and Link’s relationship.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

link playing the ocarina of time in hyrule field

While everyone has their own favorite Zelda game, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is considered one of the best of all time. The first 3D Zelda game is one that all Zelda fans should experience and an accessible game for Zelda newbies.

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Its time travel element gives the game one of the most unique and compelling stories of the Zelda series. It’s also the game that splits the timeline, so it’s a great point of reference if you’re interested in going on to play Twilight Princess, Wind Waker, and A Link to the Past. Beyond that, Ocarina of Time also has one of the best Zelda soundtracks of the series, full of songs you’d likely recognize.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons/Ages

the legend of zelda oracle of seasons horon city screenshot

The Oracle games are a commonly overlooked Zelda title. Released not long after Ocarina of Time, these two GameBoy Color games offer some of the best examples of what a classic Zelda game has to offer without as much demand on pro-gamer experience or knowledge. It features a handful of classic Zelda tropes, styles, and enemies while providing an overall low-difficulty gameplay loop.

The main gimmick of the games also offers a more tailored experience. Oracle of Seasons is more combat and adventure oriented, while Oracle of Ages is more puzzle and story oriented. Choose whichever one appeals to you more. With the 3DS eShop no longer online, however, you might find yourself struggling to find a proper way to play them.

A Link Between Worlds Link as a painting

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is another prime example of old-school Zelda meeting the modern age. It is a sort-of sequel to A Link to the Past, the third game in the series, and serves as somewhat of a throwback to the earliest Zelda games with its style.

Like the earliest Zelda games, A Link Between Worlds brings back the top-down gameplay. However, the game also innovates by introducing a new mechanic: wall merging. It is fresh yet has the feel of classic Zelda, making it a unique installment in the series. This mix of nostalgia and innovation gives newcomers the best of both sides of Zelda: the classic feel with newer gameplay elements.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Link Looks Out At Hyrule from a cliff, with Death Mountain looming in the distance

For new players, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a perfect place to enter the series, as it is one of the most popular games in it. This entry redefined what Zelda could be, taking place in a vast, open world that lets you pick your own path on your quest to save Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Since Breath of the Wild is such an immersive experience, you might find it hard to put the game down once you start.

Breath of the Wild also includes Zelda lore and Easter eggs from across the series’ history. While some of these nods are more subtle than others, its inclusion of so many references to past games makes it not only a fun experience for longtime fans but also may pique Zelda beginners’ curiosity to find out more about the series.

NEXT: Breath Of The Wild: The Best Shields, Ranked