Summary

  • Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are two different Zelda games that can be played in any order without missing out on crucial story elements.
  • Oracle of Seasons is more action-oriented, making it an easier starting point for players, while Oracle of Ages focuses more on puzzle-solving.
  • Neither takes place chronologically first in-universe, but starting Oracle of Seasons may provide a more natural difficulty curve for the pair's puzzles.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and its sister game, Oracle of Ages, represent an unusual pairing in the Zelda series, and it can be unclear which game is better to play first. Originally released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages launched simultaneously in a similar way to the model set by the Pokémon franchise. Unlike Pokémon, each game has a completely different world and storyline, making it more of an imperative for serious fans to play both titles for the full experience.

Last made available on the 3DS eShop, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages have now returned as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service, finally ing the extensive catalog of Zelda games on the Switch. As Game Boy Color titles, the games are accessible through the basic hip, making the cost of entry lower than games available with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. Fans who have already played Link's Awakening could consider these a natural next step to play in the Zelda series, and they make a perfect jumping-in point for players enamored by the premise. One of the Oracle games, however, might be better to start with.

Playing Oracle Of Seasons First Is Easier

Art showing the Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons' Link manipulating the seasons with the Rod of Seasons.

The main difference between Oracle of Seasons and Ages lies in the approach that the games take to challenging the player. In Oracle of Seasons, much of the gameplay is oriented around action, which can be an easier starting point than the puzzle focus in Oracle of Ages. Playing Oracle of Seasons first means players will have to tackle this combat with three heart containers instead of the four that can be earned by beating Oracle of Ages, but mastering its world provides the perfect framework to go into Oracle of Ages without being completely stymied by the challenging puzzles.

There's No Wrong Way To Play The Oracle Games

Split screen of the introduction animation for The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages showing a castle, with the games' logos and art of Link.

Although playing Oracle of Seasons before Oracle of Ages provides the best difficulty curve for most players, fans who find that Oracle of Ages is calling their name won't miss out on anything crucial by starting there. The story and chronology don't specifically place one narrative before the other, and the true ending made possible through linking the games can be achieved in either order. The play order of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom might be best determined by the latter's status as a direct sequel, but that's simply not the case with the Oracle games.

For any newcomers unsure about which title to play first, picking Oracle of Seasons is ultimately the easiest choice to stick with. On the other hand, fans itching for a puzzling challenge can get started on Oracle of Ages without any concerns about the story or gameplay progression being out of order. Luckily, the availability of both titles on Nintendo Switch Online makes the choice consequence-free. No matter which way players choose to enter the worlds of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, these classic The Legend of Zelda titles can provide expansive and engaging adventures that hold up today.