If you are wondering BotW or TotK, you are not alone. Thousands of Nintendo Switch players search this question before buying a Zelda game.
Some want to know which game is better, while others want to know if they should play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) before The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TotK).
The confusion comes from the fact that both games share the same world, characters, and gameplay style. However, they also have important differences.
BotW introduced an open-world Zelda experience, while TotK expanded it with new powers, larger maps, and creative building mechanics. Choosing the right game depends on whether you prefer discovering the world for the first time or enjoying more advanced gameplay.
This guide explains everything in simple language. You’ll learn the key differences between BotW and TotK, which game fits your play style, common misconceptions, popularity trends, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Zelda adventure is right for you.
BotW or TotK – Quick Answer
The short answer is:
- Choose BotW if you are new to Zelda or want to experience the original open-world adventure.
- Choose TotK if you already played BotW or want more freedom, building mechanics, and a much larger world.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BotW | TotK |
| Release Year | 2017 | 2023 |
| Best For | Beginners | Returning players |
| World | Hyrule | Expanded Hyrule + Sky + Depths |
| Building Mechanics | No | Yes |
| New Abilities | Basic | Advanced |
| Story | Original adventure | Direct sequel |
Example:
- Never played Zelda? → Start with BotW.
- Finished BotW already? → Play TotK.
The Origin of BotW or TotK
Unlike spelling differences, BotW and TotK are abbreviations.
- BotW stands for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- TotK stands for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Nintendo released:
- Breath of the Wild in 2017.
- Tears of the Kingdom in 2023.
Because the full titles are long, players quickly adopted these abbreviations in gaming forums, YouTube videos, Reddit, Discord, and social media.
Today, these shortened names are recognized by Zelda fans around the world.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike words such as color/colour or center/centre, BotW and TotK are official game abbreviations. They do not have British or American spelling differences.
Comparison Table
| English Version | Usage |
| American English | BotW, TotK |
| British English | BotW, TotK |
| Canadian English | BotW, TotK |
| Australian English | BotW, TotK |
Nintendo uses the same official names worldwide.
Which Version Should You Use?
Since these are official abbreviations, the choice depends on your audience.
Use “BotW”
Choose BotW when discussing:
- First-time Zelda experiences
- The original open-world game
- Game recommendations for beginners
Use “TotK”
Choose TotK when discussing:
- The newest Zelda mechanics
- Building and creativity
- Expanded exploration
Best Choice by Audience
| Audience | Recommended Term |
| New Players | BotW |
| Zelda Fans | TotK |
| Gaming Websites | Both |
| Global Audience | Official abbreviations |
Common Mistakes with BotW or TotK
Many players misunderstand the relationship between the games.
Mistake 1
❌ TotK is a remake of BotW.
✅ TotK is a sequel.
Mistake 2
❌ You must finish BotW before TotK.
✅ You can start with TotK, although BotW provides more story context.
Mistake 3
❌ Both games are identical.
✅ TotK introduces many new mechanics, abilities, enemies, and locations.
Mistake 4
❌ TotK replaces BotW completely.
✅ Both games offer different experiences and are worth playing.
BotW or TotK in Everyday Examples
I finally bought BotW because everyone says it’s the best starting point.
News
Tears of the Kingdom became one of Nintendo’s fastest-selling games.
Social Media
Should I play BotW or TotK first?
Formal Writing
Breath of the Wild established the foundation that Tears of the Kingdom later expanded.
BotW or TotK – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search interest for BotW and TotK varies depending on new game releases and player discussions.
General Trends
- BotW searches remain steady because new Switch owners continue discovering the game.
- TotK searches increased sharply after its 2023 launch.
- Many users compare both games before purchasing.
Popular Countries
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
Common Search Queries
- BotW or TotK
- Should I play BotW before TotK
- BotW vs TotK
- Is TotK better than BotW
- Best Zelda game
BotW vs TotK Comparison Table
| Feature | BotW | TotK |
| Full Name | Breath of the Wild | Tears of the Kingdom |
| Release | 2017 | 2023 |
| Story | Original | Sequel |
| Open World | Yes | Expanded |
| Sky Islands | No | Yes |
| Underground Areas | No | Yes |
| Building System | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Slightly Higher |
| Best For | Beginners | Experienced Players |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BotW better than TotK?
Neither game is objectively better. BotW offers a fresh open-world adventure, while TotK expands that experience with more mechanics and exploration.
Should I play BotW before TotK?
Yes, if possible. BotW introduces the world, characters, and story that TotK builds upon.
Can I skip BotW?
Yes. TotK can be enjoyed without playing BotW, but some story references and returning characters may have more meaning if you play BotW first.
Is TotK harder than BotW?
Generally, yes. TotK includes more complex mechanics, stronger enemies, and larger environments.
Which game has more content?
TotK offers more content with sky islands, the Depths, new quests, and creative building abilities.
Which game is better for beginners?
BotW is usually recommended because it teaches the core mechanics more gradually.
Are BotW and TotK connected?
Yes. Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild.
Conclusion
Choosing between BotW or TotK depends on the type of experience you want. If you are completely new to Zelda, Breath of the Wild is the ideal starting point.
It introduces Hyrule, its characters, and the open-world gameplay that made the series more popular than ever. The learning curve is approachable, making it a great first adventure.
On the other hand, Tears of the Kingdom builds on everything BotW created. It offers new abilities, larger areas to explore, and creative mechanics that allow players to solve problems in many different ways.
Returning players often appreciate these improvements because they already understand the game’s foundation.
Neither game replaces the other. Instead, they complement each other as part of the same journey.
If you have the time, playing BotW first and then TotK provides the most complete Zelda experience. If you only plan to play one game, consider your preferences: choose BotW for a classic introduction or TotK for expanded freedom and creativity.
I am Brandon Sanderson, an author at Grammra.com. I love exploring language, storytelling, and the power of effective communication. Through my content, I help readers strengthen their grammar knowledge and become more confident writers.
