Nintendo Confirms The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Timeline Placement—And It’s a Game-Changer

Zelda fans, the wait for answers is finally over! Since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom in September, players have been scouring the game for clues about its place in the franchise’s notoriously convoluted timeline. Now, Nintendo has officially confirmed that Echoes of Wisdom slots into the same timeline as the iconic SNES classic A Link to the Past—and fans couldn’t be more excited.

For those unfamiliar with the Zelda timeline (or too intimidated to dive in), here’s a quick primer. The series splits into three distinct branches following the events of Ocarina of Time. The divergence stems from the time-traveling shenanigans in Ocarina, which lead to three alternate outcomes. Most 2D Zelda games exist in the branch where Link is defeated by Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time, and A Link to the Past serves as the foundation for this timeline. Now, Echoes of Wisdom officially takes its place between Tri Force Heroes and the original The Legend of Zelda on NES.

This placement makes perfect sense for die-hard fans. Observant players noticed that the map in Echoes of Wisdom bears a striking resemblance to the one in A Link to the Past. As Nintendo clarified, this isn’t a coincidence—it’s a direct connection, albeit separated by a significant amount of time. The Link and Zelda featured in Echoes of Wisdom are entirely new characters, descendants of the legendary figures from earlier games. That explains why Zelda has no memory of Link when the game begins, even though their destinies are intertwined yet again.

If this has you scratching your head, don’t worry—Nintendo reminds fans that you don’t need a master’s degree in Zelda lore to enjoy Echoes of Wisdom. Like most games in the series, it stands alone beautifully. But for those who love piecing together the intricate tapestry of Hyrule’s history, this confirmation is like finding the missing piece of a puzzle.

Still confused? Nintendo’s website offers a full breakdown of the Zelda timeline, but the company insists this is all meant to be a fun side dish, not the main course. Whether you’re here for the timeline deep dive or just to enjoy a thrilling adventure, Echoes of Wisdom is a masterpiece that caters to every kind of fan.