Game Theory: How Zelda Breath of the Wild SOLVES The Zelda Timeline!

TL;DR

Game Theory analyzes Breath of the Wild's timeline placement, leaning towards the Failed Hero timeline.

Transcript

"Careless Whisper" plays MatPat: Oh, you're all just jealous! Game Theory Theme plays Hello, Internet! Welcome to Game Theory-- The only show that's consistent across all the Zelda timelines. So today's theory has been a long time coming-- and by "long time" I mean since March, which is--let's face it--a literal eternity when you're on the inte... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤠 Link's yellow stripe hat in Breath of the Wild ties to the Failed Hero timeline.
• 🍝 Geological similarities with Link to the Past suggest a connection to the Failed Hero timeline.
• 💁 Ganon's demon form in Breath of the Wild aligns with the Failed Hero timeline's characteristics.
• 💢 Zelda's dialogue and architectural similarities hint at connections to the Child Era timeline.
• 👾 Breath of the Wild's geography and in-game clues provide a strong foundation for timeline placement.
• 🎨 Consistent design details and character evolution support the theory's conclusions.
• 🚨 The Failed Hero timeline emerges as the most compelling placement for Breath of the Wild.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the evidence from Link's iconic hat contribute to determining Breath of the Wild's timeline placement?

The presence of the yellow stripe in Link's hat in games from the Failed Hero timeline, including Breath of the Wild, indicates a consistent design detail that supports the game's placement in that timeline. This attention to detail showcases Nintendo's continuity efforts throughout the series.

Q: What role does the geography of Hyrule play in identifying Breath of the Wild's timeline placement?

By comparing Hyrule's geographic features in Breath of the Wild to previous games, especially Link to the Past, significant similarities emerge. These similarities, like Spectacle Rock's presence, suggest a strong connection to the Failed Hero timeline.

Q: How does Ganon's portrayal in Breath of the Wild differ from previous games and contribute to the timeline theory?

The absence of Ganondorf and the presence of Calamity Ganon as a pure demon in Breath of the Wild align with the characteristics of Ganon in the Failed Hero timeline. This unique portrayal adds to the evidence supporting the game's placement.

Q: Considering Link's memories and Zelda's dialogue in Breath of the Wild, why does the theory lean towards the Child Era timeline?

References to Twilight Princess events in Zelda's dialogue and the architectural similarities between Hyrule Castle in Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild hint at connections to the Child Era timeline. These details contribute to the theory's alignment with that timeline.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Game Theory explores Breath of the Wild's timeline placement, uncovering clues from in-game items and geography to suggest it falls in the Failed Hero timeline.

• Evidence points towards the game being at the end of the Failed Hero timeline, aligning with Ganon's evolution and historical references.

• Link's iconic yellow stripe hat in specific games from the Failed Hero timeline provides a compelling argument for Breath of the Wild's placement.