Is Zelda Echoes of Wisdom a sequel or a prequel?

The Legend of Zelda timeline

To pinpoint where Echoes of Wisdom fits on the Legend of Zelda timeline, we’ll first need to understand the timeline itself. This is what the timeline looks like now.

Where does Echoes of Wisdom fit in the Zelda timeline?

As you see, the timeline is pretty self-explanatory, up until the game Ocarina of Time. The ending of this Zelda game causes the timeline to split into 3 different branches. Two of these follow Link and Zelda after they defeat Ganondorf, but one follows the events after Link loses the battle. This timeline is called ‘The Hero is Defeated Timeline’ (or a variation of that), and that’s where we think Echoes of Wisdom fits best. Check out our explanations in the rest of this page.

In Echoes of Wisdom Link is defeated

The trailer of Echoes of Wisdom makes it pretty clear what this game will be about: Link is defeated by the hands of Ganondorf and vanishes into another dimension. But just before he’s gone, he manages to save Zelda. It’s up to this princess to save Hyrule and bring Link back. Seeing that Link is defeated in this game and ‘The Hero is Defeated Timeline’ is all about this plot point, it seems pretty obvious that Echoes of Wisdom should be somewhere on this branch of the timeline. But where exactly?

Is Echoes of Wisdom a sequel to Link’s Awakening?

Many have already pointed out the similarities of Echoes of Wisdom to the 2019 remake of Link’s Awakening, but the trailer shows more similarities to this game than just characters that look alike. From what we can see of the layout of Hyrule in Echoes of Wisdom, it seems to be similar to that of Link’s Awakening. That mixed with the similar art style and the fact that the storylines match up pretty well (Link comes back to Hyrule and finds Zelda in the clutches of Ganondorf, has to defeat him and is taken away to another dimension, leaving Zelda to get him back), makes it pretty believable that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a sequel to Link’s Awakening.

Does Echoes of Wisdom belong on a new timeline branch?

There’s also the possibility of the new LoZ game not fitting into any of the existing timelines. What if Nintendo is working on a new defeated hero timeline where Link is gone and Zelda has to rise up to save everyone? This would explain some minor plot holes like The Demon King returning or the fact that Link has a sword that doesn’t completely look like Master Sword. But aside from that, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of support for this theory. Still, you can never be sure what Nintendo will think of!

Pre-order The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom now!

We’ll have to wait until September 26th when Echoes of Wisdom officially releases to fully figure out where on the Zelda timeline the game belongs. Are you ready to step into the shoes of Zelda and bring Link back? Get your Nintendo eShop Card at Startselect and pre-order Echoes of Wisdom directly on your Switch!

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