entry in the Zelda franchise promises to bring some new, intriguing puzzle mechanics in the form of creating Echoes, rather than the usual sword-swinging combat found in games prior. What makes this game especially noteworthy is that it is the first time in over 35 years that players can adventure as Zelda, rather than the iconic protagonist Link.

With the latest iteration of the Zelda timeline revealing where Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom fit in (on a new, separate branch), many have wondered if Echoes of Wisdom is a standalone title or a sequel to a prior game in the franchise. With a collection of titles that spans nearly 40 years, the Zelda franchise has numerous exciting adventures to choose from. Fortunately, newcomers to the series do not have to worry about needing to play dozens of previous games before picking up Echoes of Wisdom.

The Zelda Franchise Doesn't Have Many Sequels

Only A Few Games Directly Follow Another

Despite the vast array of titles to choose from, only a few games in the Zelda franchise can be considered direct sequels. Majora's Mask is a sequel to Ocarina Of Time, while the more recent Tears Of The Kingdom is a sequel to Breath Of The Wild. Even with these games being considered sequels, however, they can still be enjoyed by all without needing to play the entries that came before them.

The other direct Zelda sequels are Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, a successor to the 1986 original; Link's Awakening and the Oracle duology, which all feature A Link to the Past's Link; Phantom Hourglass, which follows The Wind Waker; and Tri Force Heroes, which has A Link Between Worlds' Link venturing to Hytopia.

Many Zelda games feature different versions of Link and Zelda thanks to different timelines and reincarnation, meaning that one version of these characters has endured completely different trials and tribulations than the other. With all this in mind, this makes the events of each game largely standalone. Although playing prior games in the franchise might help players understand the lore better, it is not a necessity to enjoy the overall experience.

Echoes Of Wisdom Is Not A Sequel To Another Zelda Title

It Can Be Enjoyed Alone

Zelda and Tri in Echoes of Wisdom

Despite sharing a similar art style with the Switch remake of Link's Awakening, Echoes of Wisdom is not actually a sequel to any previous game. This new entry is a completely standalone title, meaning that any newcomers to the franchise can jump right into this game without needing to overwhelm themselves with years of previous lore. Although references to prior games do exist, Echoes of Widsom's unique mechanics and story do not require any prior knowledge to enjoy fully.

The Legend of Zelda franchise is full of numerous games, and this latest entry into the franchise is sure to be something special. Both long-time fans and newcomers are very excited about its release, and although there was some worry about needing to catch up by playing previous games, those concerns can be put to rest. Thankfully, newer players will be able to experience all that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has to offer as a fun, unique standalone title.

mixcollage-08-dec-2024-12-01-am-4167.jpg

Your Rating

Rate Now
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Adventure
9/10
9.5/10
Top Critic Avg: 85/100 Critics Rec: 93%
Released
September 26, 2024
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+
Developer(s)
Nintendo, Grezzo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
Havok

Strange rifts are tearing Hyrule apart, and with Link missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save the kingdom. Armed with the Tri Rod and aided by a mysterious fairy, she must solve puzzles, create environmental “echoes,” and battle enemies while navigating new regions and uncovering hidden secrets.

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch