There is no single required order. These are the major progression threads and the points where they connect, so you can see the bigger picture without following a checklist.
Sword progression
The main weapon line begins with the Goddess Sword and upgrades through the Goddess Longsword, White Goddess Sword, Master Sword, Tempered Master Sword, and Golden Master Sword. From the Golden Master Sword you can pursue the Fierce Deity Sword or the Sword Shrine ritual for the True Master Sword.
Goddess flames and the Triforce
Farore’s, Nayru’s, and Din’s Flames come from three different structure challenges. The flames are used in sword upgrades and in the three Triforce-piece recipes. Combining the pieces gives you the Triforce used for the Golden Master Sword.
Divine Flame challenges → · Triforce recipes →
Exploration and loot
Custom structures, vanilla loot additions, mob drops, fishing, Goron trades, and a few special rituals all provide useful equipment. Not every tool belongs to the sword path, so it is normal to discover Hookshots, rods, Boomerangs, fairies, and Ocarina unlocks in a different order.
Systems you can explore independently
Late-game goals
The two biggest high-end goals are the Fierce Deity Sword and True Master Sword. Both branch from the Golden Master Sword, but the True Master Sword also requires the Blessed Nether Star ritual in the End.