Unlike a traditional timeline for video games where games come out in chronological order,The Legend of Zeldafranchise is notorious for having a different approach. Instead of following Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf in order, each game takes place in a different era, with different incarnations of the characters. This has created one of the greatest mysteries in gaming — the official Zeldatimeline.
Since the games only drop hints at where in the timeline they take place, historically, it’s been up to fans to figure out where they go. However, Nintendo has released an official timeline for theTears of the KingdomMaster Works. But where does the latest addition,Echoes of Wisdomfit? That’s what we’re here to speculate.
Where is Echoes of Wisdom in the Zelda Timeline?
While nothing is official from Nintendo, it’s most likely thatEchoes of Wisdomtakes place inthe downfall timeline, afterA Link to the PastandLink’s Awakening, but before the originalLegend of Zeldafrom 1986. This is mostly evident from the map, becauseEchoes of Wisdomfeatures nearly the same one asLink to the PastandA Link Between Worlds, from the rivers to thecaves. Hyrule’s land hasn’t changed much, aside from expansion, meaning they are relatively close together.
In the official lore, during the events ofOcarina of Time, Hyrule is split into three separate timelines — the child timeline, where Link is sent back in time; the adult timeline, where the adult Princess Zelda remains; and the downfall timeline, where Link died before defeating Ganon.
The downfall timeline contains most of the 2D style Zelda games, which includes all the Zelda games released beforeOcarina of Time, as well asA Link Between WorldsandTriforce Heroes.
Another identifier is the fact that Ganon is in his blue monstrous appearance. In the child and adult timelines, he appears as a man instead before transforming into a beast. The downfall timeline is the only one where he has no human form at all.
Spoilers Ahead!
If you haven’t beaten the game yet, be aware that the rest of this speculation contains spoilers!
Echoes of Wisdomalso features the Triforce as a whole, with all three pieces together. In the child and adult timelines, the Triforce remains split between its three bearers: Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf. The royal family also has no knowledge of the Triforce orGanon. It seems enough time has passed for both to be forgotten. This means the game could take place hundreds of years after its last appearance.
However, it’s still up for debate.Echoes of Wisdomfeatures many callbacks to Zelda games from other timelines, such as Lord Jabu Jabu fromOcarina of Timebeing around (although it could be different fish with the same name) and Yetis existing, which had only been seen inTwilight Princess.
Nothing is definitive from Nintendo, though, which means it’s still up to our imaginations where the game lies. I think it’s important to note that it doesn’t seem like Nintendo themselves are too invested in the official timeline anyway. After all,Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomwere seemingly put onto an entirely separate timeline, detached from the rest of the games. There are also questions that have no clear answer about the official timeline, such as the layout of Hyrule changing drastically between games.
Overall, it’s highly likely that Nintendo doesn’t keep the timeline in mind when it comes to making the Zelda franchise other than a vague guideline. Instead, they just make the game they want, with callbacks to previous ones scattered in as they wish. While speculating on the timeline and each game’s placement can be fun, players are not required to know it to enjoy the game.
