Should You Play Breath of the Wild Before Tears of the Kingdom?

The Breath of the Wild Map Sets the Stage for Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, taking place in the same Hyrule. Playing Breath of the Wild first provides crucial context for the changes and events in the sequel. The vast map of Breath of the Wild is largely the same in Tears of the Kingdom, meaning familiar locations reappear, often with significant alterations. Exploring these familiar areas in Breath of the Wild first allows you to fully appreciate the transformations and additions present in Tears of the Kingdom. Seeing the evolution of Hyrule firsthand adds depth and richness to your Tears of the Kingdom experience. You’ll notice subtle changes and appreciate the story’s impact much more.

The Characters Have Evolved Over Time

Many characters from Breath of the Wild return in Tears of the Kingdom, but their journeys and relationships have progressed. Experiencing their development in Breath of the Wild adds layers of emotional resonance to their appearances in the sequel. Characters like Sidon and Riju, for example, have evolved both individually and in their relationships with Link. Understanding their backstories from the previous game makes their interactions in Tears of the Kingdom more meaningful and impactful. The side characters, many with their own engaging quests in Breath of the Wild, also reappear with new challenges and developments, enriching the narrative significantly if you’ve already invested time in their earlier appearances.

Breath of the Wild Is One of the Best Games of All Time

Beyond its connection to Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild stands alone as a masterpiece. It’s widely considered one of the greatest video games ever created, revolutionizing the open-world genre with its innovative gameplay and stunning world. The sheer scale and freedom Breath of the Wild offers is unparalleled. Its exploration-driven gameplay is a rewarding experience in itself. The game’s impact extends beyond Zelda fans; its influence is seen in countless subsequent open-world titles. Missing out on this groundbreaking title simply because a sequel exists would be a disservice to yourself and a missed opportunity to experience a truly exceptional game.

In short: While technically playable without prior knowledge of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom’s story and gameplay are significantly enhanced by playing its predecessor. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world, characters, and narrative, and more importantly, you’ll experience one of the best games of all time.