With the release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake still months away, players looking to prepare for the title have several options within the franchise to explore. Because Ocarina of Time served as the series' first foray into 3D gameplay, other 3D entries in the franchise offer a similar feel for those anticipating the upcoming launch.

Quick Facts

  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is currently scheduled for release in the coming months.
  • Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Skyward Sword is set at the beginning of the series timeline, preceding the establishment of Hyrule.

Accessible Entries and Modern Classics

For those new to the series, Breath of the Wild is considered the most beginner-friendly entry. Its open-world structure prioritizes exploration and offers a more forgiving format than traditional, dungeon-heavy Zelda titles. Its direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, expands on this foundation by adding the Sky and Depths regions and introducing a complex physics system used for puzzle-solving and vehicle construction.

If you prefer a more contained experience, the Switch remake of Link's Awakening provides a modern take on the 1993 classic. It remains a unique entry as it takes place on Koholint Island rather than Hyrule. For fans of the series' lore, Skyward Sword offers a look at the earliest point in the timeline, detailing the first incarnation of Link and Zelda before the kingdom was established.

Sequels and Thematic Alternatives

Players interested in the evolution of the franchise can look toward Phantom Hourglass, a direct sequel to Wind Waker, and Spirit Tracks, which takes place a century later. While Phantom Hourglass utilizes Nintendo DS controls that some players find challenging, Spirit Tracks introduces a unique mechanic involving Ghost Zelda, who can possess enemies to assist the player.

For a darker tone, Twilight Princess offers a setting similar in mood to Majora's Mask. It features a transformation mechanic that allows Link to shift between human and wolf forms, changing how players navigate the environment. Meanwhile, Wind Waker remains a fan-favorite, noted for its distinct visual style and sea-faring traversal mechanics.

Preparing for the Ocarina of Time Remake

The original Ocarina of Time remains the most direct way to prepare for the upcoming remake. Playing the original—or the Master Quest version—allows players to familiarize themselves with dungeon layouts and puzzle solutions, making it easier to identify changes when the new version arrives. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran of the series, these titles provide a range of gameplay styles to bridge the gap until the remake's official release.