Nintendo has officially updated the timeline for The Legend of Zelda series following the upcoming release of Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2, according to analysis by YouTuber Zeltik and reporting from outlet headliner.nl. The adjustment places two separate versions of Hyrule on the chronological record, officially supporting a long-running fan theory regarding the setting of the open-world titles Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Official Zelda Timeline Update Confirms Two Separate Hyrules
The revised chronological structure now features “Founding of the Kingdom of Hyrule” twice on the official Japanese Zelda timeline, according to Zeltik’s breakdown. The entry appears once at the beginning of the sequence and a second time after the timelines reconvene for the start of Breath of the Wild. Outlet headliner.nl notes that this update supports theories circulating since the launch of Tears of the Kingdom, indicating that the franchise now tracks two distinct versions of the kingdom rather than a single continuous line.
Placing Tears of the Kingdom on the Chronology
According to the updated Japanese timeline data, the events depicted in Tears of the Kingdom—where the character Zelda travels back in time and witnesses the establishment of the realm—actually represent the resurrection of the kingdom rather than its original founding. Developer statements cited by Zeltik place Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in the distant future of the series timeline. This distinction separates the Hyrule of the open-world era from the original kingdom featured in legacy titles.
Visual Connections to Ocarina of Time
Beyond the timeline restructuring, Zeltik’s analysis of promotional images from the Japanese Zelda site highlights direct visual links between Ocarina of Time and the open-world entries. Footage of the Shadow Temple reveals that the classic Lens of Truth has been redesigned as the Goggles of Truth, complete with Sheikah patterns that match designs found in Breath of the Wild. Additionally, the Kokiri in the upcoming release feature white tattoos that bear a strong resemblance to the markings worn by Sonia, the future queen of Hyrule.
Did you know?
The series timeline splits into three distinct paths during the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ocarina of Time releasing for Switch 2?
According to the reported schedule, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches on November 5, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
What does the updated timeline change about Tears of the Kingdom?
According to the revised Japanese timeline analyzed by Zeltik, the historical event witnessed by Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom is categorized as a refounding or resurrection of Hyrule that occurs just before the Imprisoning War, placing the open-world titles far in the future.
Does the western Zelda website show the same timeline update?
No, the specific duplication of the founding event is currently visible on the Japanese Zelda timeline and has not appeared on the western site.
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