The Legend Of Zelda As We Know It Officially Ends In 2027

Published Oct 23, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT

Bruno Yonezawa is a Gaming Senior Writer for Screen Rant. He's been practicing professional journalism for over 10 years, and is also a communications specialist. He's played games all his life and turned that passionate hobby into a passionate career, in an industry where he's worked as a writer, editor, analyst, and more.

The Legend of Zelda franchise is likely coming to an end in 2027, at least in the way that we currently know it. The classic Nintendo franchise is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and among several commemorative releases, there is perhaps none larger than the release of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake in November. The remake will allow players to experience what is arguably the most popular Zelda game from a new perspective, on a new platform, and with changes. Despite the fact that the franchise is still going strong, 2027 may represent a massive shift in the series.

As highlighted in a new report by Game Rant, The Legend of Zelda franchise may mark the end of an era in 2027. The outlet reports that Nintendo is planning the release of a new book called Zelda: Secrets of the Zonai. The product, published by Dark Horse, will be directly linked to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. According to the report, the Secrets of the Zonai book was expected to be released this October, but the release was delayed to April 2027.

So, what’s the deal with the Secrets of the Zonai book for Zelda? This may actually be the final official release for products related to the Wilds era. The Nintendo franchise is already starting to shift away from the Wilds. With the upcoming release of the Ocarina of Time remake, the next big Amiibo releases will be of Young Link and Young Zelda, both from that specific game, as highlighted by the outlet’s report. Given that, for now, no new games in that timeline have been confirmed, Nintendo may explore different options.

There are still new Wilds-era Zelda releases as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, but they aren’t anything major. Instead, the company’s intent this year is to celebrate the series’ full history, and that does include the Wilds era, but other games are getting the spotlight too. Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, for example, are getting new thematic products as part of the celebration.

It’s very likely that the Secrets of the Zonai book will truly represent the end of the Wilds era for Zelda, which started nearly 10 years ago with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 2017 for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Switch. Following the release of the Ocarina of Time remake, it’s unclear what direction Nintendo will head into. A sequel to Tears of the Kingdom feels a bit unlikely, considering how the game ends, so it may very well kick off a new era for the franchise or even revisit existing ones with more remakes.

Secrets of the Zonai is an official 472-page companion and art book that will feature tons of early sketches, concept art, storyboards, developer notes, and much more – all of it from Tears of the Kingdom. It also dives into the Zonai tribe’s history within that timeline, making it an unmissable product for anyone who enjoys the Wilds era in The Legend of Zelda.