History Main / AlternateTimeline

** Then there's Earth-12 and Earth-50. Earth-12 is the Franchise/{{DCAU}} universe, currently in the era of WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond. Earth-50's history diverged from the DCAU with the death of the Flash at Lex Luthor's hands, leading the Justice League to become the totalitarian Justice Lords.

* There is a ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' {{fanfic}} called ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4560300/1/ Green Storm Rising]]'' where the Planet Express Crew randomly shifts through two different alternate timelines.

** It's eventually revealed that the entirety of the show takes place in an Alternate Timeline created by [[spoiler:the Reverse-Flash]] going back in time to kill Barry as a child. When Barry saves his past self, the villain kills Barry's mother in a fit of rage. Barry's father is arrested for the murder, and Barry ends up being raised by Detective Joe West. The villain further messes with the timeline after discovering that he is stuck there and does everything possible to try to return to his own time, including [[spoiler:re-creating the Flash]]. By extension, this also means that ''Series/{{Arrow}}'' also takes place in an alternate timeline.
** Season Three begins right on the heels of [[spoiler: Barry going back in time to prevent his mother's murder.]] The result is the series' answer to Flashpoint: Barry lives a normal life with his parents, with Wally West as the Flash with the Rival serving as his speedster nemesis. However, Barry's old adopted father is now a washed-up drunk, his old tech support are now a children's eye doctor and self-centred billionaire, and the more he uses his speed, the more he forgets his old life. In the end, after getting one of the above mortally wounded, he goes back again to make a CloseEnoughTimeline. Now, the only differences are that Cisco resents him for not going back to prevent his brother's death at the hands of a drunk driver (which only gets worse when Barry admits what he did, then pushed aside, then exacerbated during the ''Invasion'' crossover until it's finally settled), Joe West and Iris haven't talked for the past year, he causes Caitlin [[spoiler: to develop the Killer Frost persona]], and he's had a co-worker for the past year who hates his guts. He almost goes back to reset this timeline too, before [[spoiler:Jay Garrick]] yanks him out for a lecturing, telling him that no matter how many times he tries to fix things, he'll always keep making more changes.
*** In the same season, it's revealed that the villain Savitar hails from one, where he slays Iris West, Barry defeats him, and then slips into a funk over the loss of Iris until his past self arrives and snaps him out of it. Then it's revealed to be a [[spoiler: StableTimeLoop that occurred because Savitar is really Barry--or rather a speed-force duplicate of Barry, who wants to ensure his existence remains. When H.R. Wells takes Iris's place, Savitar fades, altering the timeline.]]

** It's also worth noting that, according to the time-sensitive Observers, the first three seasons ''already'' took place in an Alternate Timeline that was thrown off-course from what was ''supposed'' to happen by the actions of an Observer. The Alternate Timeline of season 4 is probably a lot closer to how the original timeline was supposed to run.
* ''Series/KamenRiderRyuki'': Since the overall plot of the series is that [[spoiler:BigBad Shiro Kanzaki is looping time over and over in an attempt to [[TragicVillain save the life of his sister Yui]]]], the movie ''Episode Final'' and the TV special ''13 Riders'' are the events of different timelines rather than simply being [[AlternateContinuity Alternate Continuities]] like most ''Kamen Rider'' {{Non Serial Movie}}s.

* ''Series/TheMagicians2016'': There are forty alternate timelines because of the time loops created by [[spoiler: Jane Chatwin, in order to defeat the beast]]. The timelines seem to be largely the same until the main group gets into Brakebills, at which point they diverge. Timeline 23 features in a couple episodes, once in season 2 and again in season 3. In that timeline, [[spoiler: Julia got into Brakebills, she and Penny are in love, and Quentin is the Beast (after killing Martin Chatwin), among other changes. They bring Marina 23 and Penny 23 back with them after stopping Quentin. We also see a different timeline's version of Dean Fogg.]]

* ''VideoGame/DisgaeaRPG'' has an alternate timeline where a staggering number of canon characters have rapidly diverging history from canon, due to [[ForWantOfANail multiple changes in history]]. Hailing from this timeline is the "Xeno" organization, whom is chasing down a refugee from their timeline.

* The ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' metaseries has one, expanded on in ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork''. Both Doctors Light and Wily presented their research to the government: network and robotics, respectively. In the world where Light's network research won out, the ''Battle Network'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' games take place. [[ForWantOfANail However, when Wily's robotics were chosen instead]], it led to the ''Classic'' series and its various SequelSeries in ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX X]]'', ''[[VideoGame/MegaManZero Zero]]'', and ''[[VideoGame/MegaManZX ZX]]''.

*** The events of ''SMT IV'' as a whole appear to be linked to ''SMT I''. Though some backstory details differ ([[{{Revision}} or could have been unseen previously]]), exposition given by recurring NPC Stephen in DLC content refers to the Great Cataclysm by name, once again making mention of [[spoiler:demons making contact with the human world]], [[spoiler:an ICBM strike]], and [[spoiler:the resulting nuclear holocaust]]. However, perhaps the biggest divergence is that this all happened in 2013, not 199X. Further confusing matters is how Stephen is even around to tell [[PlayerCharacter Flynn]] this in the first place, as [[spoiler:the events of the ''[[VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsTheSoullessArmy Raidou]] [[VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsKingAbaddon Kuzunoha]]'' duology suggest that the timeline stemming from ''SMT I'' [[CosmicRetcon was effectively wiped out]], which would be explained by [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse the sequel]]: Stephen has [[{{Transhuman}} transcended humanity]] and can freely traverse TheMultiverse as a result]].

** It might not end there either. ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiNINE'', while explicitly set thirty years after [[spoiler:Thorman's nuclear strike]] and mostly consistent with the events of ''Shin Megami Tensei'', implies the game may take place in a timeline where certain aspects of ''SMT I'', such as the protagonist and the Cathedral/Basilica, didn't exist, which therefore means [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiII Tokyo Millennium]] might not have been built as a result. ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiImagine'' depicts another possible extension of the original, a course of history where the protagonist was present yet doesn't seem to match what's shown in ''II''. ''VideoGame/GitenMegamiTensei'' also refers to a Great Cataclysm -- the terminology used in ''SMT II'' and [[AllThereInTheManual its associated materials]] for the first game's calamity -- in the year 199X that was caused by [[spoiler:nuclear fallout]], suggesting it's yet another branch. The first two ''VideoGame/MajinTensei'' games [[AmbiguousSituation may or may not be connected]] as well. ''Majin Tensei'' mentions a period of extreme international hostility in the 90s, only [[spoiler:nuclear weapons]] weren't used... [[InSpiteOfANail and Tokyo ends up falling into disarray anyway]]. Meanwhile, ''[[VideoGame/MajinTenseiIISpiralNemesis Spiral Nemesis]]'' results from a demon infestation and the Japanese government being overthrown in a coup, both in the year 1996. Gotou wasn't involved, but the game is packed with enough {{Mythology Gag}}s to ''SMT I'' that one might wonder otherwise.

** You see two of these in ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV'': Blasted Tokyo and Infernal Tokyo. Both are horrible {{Death World}}s; it's just that they embody what would have ultimately happened if certain events in the past had swayed the balance in favor of one faction or the other.
** The spin-off ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse'' is itself set in an alternate timeline to the original game's Neutral route. Specifically, this is the result of [[PlayerCharacter Nanashi]] coming back from the dead with the help of the god Dagda, which, long story short, leads to the unsealing of the Divine Powers and some other drastic things happening to and around Tokyo. It's implied that if Nanashi refuses to be revived (which can actually be done at the start of the game for a NonStandardGameOver), ''IV''[='=]s Neutral ending continues on as usual. Additionally, the DLC quest "Messiahs in the Diamond Realm" sees [[spoiler:recurring NPC Stephen unite Nanashi with [[AlternateSelf alternate versions]] of [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiI the Hero]], [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiII Flynn]], [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIIINocturne the Demi-fiend]], and [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV Flynn]], all of whom were killed at some point during their respective quests and removed from the cycle of reincarnation due to being deemed threats by [[Characters/ShinMegamiTenseiYHVH YHVH]].]]

* ''VideoGame/SoulcaliburVI'', despite bearing the name of a sequel, is a ContinuityReboot of [[VideoGame/SoulSeries the franchise]] that was done to get away from 17-year TimeSkip of ''VideoGame/SoulcaliburV'' that many fans hated. While it appears to be a faithful retelling of the events of ''Soulcalibur'', there are [[NotHisSled a few small changes]] that are admittedly hard to notice. However, two major instances confirm that not only is this a reboot, but the fact that this is a different timeline from the original is very important.

** It might not end there either. ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiNINE'', while explicitly set thirty years after [[spoiler:Thorman's nuclear strike]] and mostly consistent with the events of ''Shin Megami Tensei'', implies the game may take place in a timeline where certain aspects of ''SMT I'', such as the protagonist and the Cathedral/Basilica, didn't exist, which therefore means [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiII Tokyo Millennium]] might not have been built as a result. ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiImagine'' depicts another possible extension of the original, a course of history where the protagonist was present yet doesn't seem to match what's shown in ''II''. ''VideoGame/GitenMegamiTensei'' also refers to a Great Cataclysm -- the terminology used in ''SMT II'' and [[AllThereInTheManual its associated materials]] for the first game's calamity -- in the year 199X that was caused by [[spoiler:nuclear fallout]], suggesting it's yet another branch. The first two ''VideoGame/MajinTensei'' games [[AmbiguousSituation may or may not be connected]] as well. ''Majin Tensei'' mentions a period of extreme international hostility in the 90s, only [[spoiler:nuclear weapons]] weren't used... [[InSpiteOfANail and Tokyo ends up falling into disarray anyway]]. Meanwhile, ''[[VideoGame/MajinTenseiIISpiralNemesis Spiral Nemesis]]'' results from a military coup and subsequent demon infestation in 1996, and while Gotou wasn't the cause, the game is packed with enough {{Mythology Gag}}s to ''SMT I'' that one might wonder if that tidbit has a deeper meaning.

** The spin-off ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse'' is itself set in an alternate timeline to the original game's Neutral route. Specifically, this is the result of [[PlayerCharacter Nanashi]] coming back from the dead with the help of the god Dagda, which, long story short, leads to the unsealing of the Divine Powers and some other drastic things happening to and around Tokyo. It's implied that if Nanashi refuses to be revived (which can actually be done at the start of the game for a NonStandardGameOver), ''IV''[='=]s Neutral ending continues on as usual. Additionally, the DLC quest "Messiahs in the Diamond Realm" sees [[spoiler:recurring NPC Stephen unite Nanashi with alternate versions of [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiI the Hero]], [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiII Flynn]], [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIIINocturne the Demi-fiend]], and [[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV Flynn]], all of whom were killed at some point during their respective quests and removed from the cycle of reincarnation due to being deemed threats by [[Characters/ShinMegamiTenseiYHVH YHVH]].]]

** Subtly implied by the OneGameForThePriceOfTwo nature of the franchise, with each version having differences in the Pokémon you can catch. Since [[VideoGame/PokemonRubyAndSapphire Gen III]], these divergences expanded to include which evil team you fight or the legendary Pokémon that is the focal point of the story. [[VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite Gen V]] took it a step further and had the Unova region be more old-fashioned in ''White'' and more modern in ''Black''.[[note]]Opelucid City in particular has an NPC who explicitly references "another Opelucid".[[/note]]
** Alternate timelines would become an explicit part of the series' narrative in Gen VI and Gen VII. The former's ''[[VideoGameRemake Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]]'' has new character Zinnia establish that [[spoiler:AZ's Ultimate Weapon from ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'']] was never created in the universe of prior generations, splitting the overarching timeline into one with Mega Evolution and one without. Gen VII's ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'' would expand on this further, with the player meeting [[spoiler:(former) Frontier Brain Anabel and Looker, [[TrappedInAnotherWorld who both hail from the original non-Mega timeline]]]], as part of the post-game, in addition to giving the player the ability to use wormholes to travel to the parallel timeline of the other version after capturing their game's version legendary. ''VideoGame/PokemonUltraSunAndUltraMoon'' would then establish the ''infinite multiverse'' by having its post-game revolve around Team Rainbow Rocket, a LegionOfDoom of every previous antagonist in the series, with said villains hailing from alternate worlds where [[TheBadGuyWins the Big Bads won]] due to their respective player characters not even existing. [[note]][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIvbvl1nxhc These]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORnRV9gGxo0 videos]] covers the current timeline for the main games up to ''Sun and Moon''.[[/note]]

** The spin-off ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse'' is itself set in an alternate timeline to the original game's Neutral route. Specifically, this is the result of [[PlayerCharacter Nanashi]] coming back from the dead with the help of the god Dagda, which, long story short, leads to the unsealing of the Divine Powers and some other drastic things happening to and around Tokyo. It's implied that if Nanashi refuses to be revived (which can actually be done at the start of the game for a NonStandardGameOver), ''IV''[='=]s Neutral ending continues on as usual.

** ''Manga/PuellaMagiOrikoMagica'' confirms that there is a [[spoiler: sixth]] canon timeline.
** ''Manga/PuellaMagiMadokaMagicaTheDifferentStory'' adds a [[spoiler: seventh]] one.
** All the above only count those that are actually shown in series -- WordOfGod states [[spoiler:Homura has reset the timeline at least 100 times.]]

* ''Franchise/StarTrek'' has been indulging in a "Myriad Universes" series of books and comics which explores countless other realities throughout every ''Star Trek'' series, based on various differences in their timelines. Some vary hugely from the original, while others vary in [[InSpiteOfANail slightly simpler ways]]. There's also the original MirrorUniverse.
** One is the ''Last Generation'' comic. Set in a universe ruled by the Klingon empire after a plot change during ''The Undiscovered Country'' (i.e. Kirk wasn't [[ForWantOfANail fast enough to save the president]], [[spoiler:and it's all Captain Braxton's fault]]). In this Dystopian version of the Trekverse, Sulu captains the last remaining Star Fleet vessel as a MysteriousProtector, Tasha lives, Jean-Luc Picard [[LaResistance leads a Resistance movement]], [[CreatorsPet Wesley]] took [[TookALevelInBadass a few levels in badass]] (well, physical prowess, anyway) and Data is the [[MacGuffin key to changing history.]] Either that or he's the [[SaveThisPersonSaveTheWorld key to the most destructive computer weapons system ever created.]]

* In ''FanFic/Flashpoint2AdventSolaris'', the [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic Universe]] is brought in not as it's own universe but rather an alternate timeline of the ''WesternAnimation/DCAnimatedMovieUniverse''. Barry Allen is just as confused about it.

* A defining plot point in ''FanFic/SplitSecondMyLittlePony'', which diverges at the moment of the first sonic rainboom, in which Twilight became a WhiteMage and Sparkle became a BlackMage.

** ''Film/AvengersEndgame'' deals with something like this. [[spoiler:In order to find and retrieve the Infinity Stones and restore those erased by Thanos, the Avengers do a bit of time travelling, intending on "borrowing" the items before putting them right back. However, things don't go so well. In 2012, during the [[Film/{{Avengers 2012}} Battle of New York]], Hulk accidentally knocks out present day Tony, allowing the Loki of that era to temporarily escape with the Tesseract (and lead into [[Series/Loki2021 his own show]] in the process). Later, the Thanos of [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy 2014]] catches present day Nebula and learns of what happens in the future, leading him to travel to 2023 in order to take care of everything there, taking all of his forces (including his own Nebula and Gamora) with him. This implies there's at least two of these -- one where Loki escaped capture and one where Thanos never arrived on Earth at all, but the Guardians never got Gamora on their side. Additionally, the directors have confirmed that Steve going back in time to live a life with Peggy also created another alternate timeline... a [[FlipFlopofGod statement which is contradicted by the writers]], who have instead suggested that [[AmbiguousSituation Steve was actually a part of the original timeline all along]] [[CanonCharacterAllAlong as Peggy's mystery husband.]] According to the Ancient One, the Infinity Stones create what is perceived as time, and that removing one creates a branched alternate reality. This can be interpreted to mean that ''any'' changes caused by Time Travel result in alternate realities, or that this only applies if an Infinity Stone is directly involved.]]

** On the weakest end is Lostbelt #3, the Sublime Immortal Nation. Here, Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang achieved immortality and then conquered the whole world, ushering in a Golden Age where everyone can live in peace. This might sound good if one ignores how Shi Huang [[IgnoranceIsBliss enforces mandatory restriction on knowledge, arts, and progress without his approval]] outside of his inner circle on pain of [[MeteorSummoningAttack dropping a meteor on your village]], except that one of the PowersThatBe judges timelines based upon whether humans have any chance for progression. With there being no need to progress in S.I.N., the timeline was wiped away to ensure mankind could keep striving forward. It's Crypter is Akuta Hinako.

** The main setting of ''Fanfic/{{Odaliaverse}}'' is an alternate version of the Boiling Isles that, while initially looking very similar to the original timeline, is soon revealed to have a couple of changes, chief among them being [[spoiler:Phillip Wittebane having been petrified a long time ago, with someone else, implied to be his brother, taking his place as Emperor Belos.]]

* ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/28569960/chapters/70070871 JoJo's Bizzare Adventure: Spirit Lines]]'' takes place in an altered timeline of Part 1 to 6 of ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure'' after [[spoiler:Pucci used Made in Heaven to reset the universe in ''Stone Ocean'']]. While the events of ''Phantom Blood'' and ''Battle Tendacies'' remained the same, many events afterwards are changed, namely that in Part 3 Katarou (This timeline's Jotaro) and who is implied to Kakyoin get sick from Dio's influence, leading to Holly (who requests to go by [[MythologyGag Seiko]]) joining Joseph and Avdol on their quest to Egypt. Katarou and his daughter Irene, this timeline's Jolyne, are normal humans without Stands.

* By the end of ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', there's at least three different timelines. The first one is the BadFuture Chao Lingshen comes from, the second one in which [[spoiler:Asuna goes into a sleep for 130 years]] and the third timeline where [[spoiler:Asuna is brought back in time to be with her friends this time around]] and at which the epilogue takes place.

* [[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11897087/1/The-Powerpuff-Girls-meet-Freddy-Krueger This crossover of Powerpuff Girls and Nightmare On Elm Street]] ends with the Powerpuff Girls changing the timeline so that Freddy Krueger has a better childhood.

* ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/28569960/chapters/70070871 JoJo's Bizzare Adventure: Spirit Lines]]'' takes place in an altered timeline of Part 1 to 6 of ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure after [[spoiler:Pucci used Made in Heaven to reset the universe in ''Stone Ocean'']]. While the events of ''Phantom Blood'' and ''Battle Tendacies'' remained the same, many events afterwards are changed, namely that in Part 3 Katarou (This timeline's Jotaro) and who is implied to Kakyoin get sick from Dio's influence, leading to Holly (who requests to go by [[MythologyGag Seiko]]) joining Joseph and Avdol on their quest to Egypt. Katarou and Irene, this timeline's Jolyne, are normal humans without Stands.

* ''ComicBook/{{Flashpoint}}'' details an altered DC Universe in which only Barry Allen (Franchise/TheFlash) seems to be aware of significant differences between the regular timeline and the altered one, including Cyborg's place as the world's quintessential hero, Superman's detention by the government, and a Thomas Wayne version of Batman who spends his days "running Wayne Casinos."

* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'' did this. The [[Anime/FullMetalAlchemist first anime]] took its own storyline when it OvertookTheManga.
** OTOH, the underlying metaphysics and plot background of the [[Anime/FullMetalAlchemist first anime]] is very different from the [[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist manga]] and the Brotherhood anime based on it. So once the secrets behind the scenes come out, they are less Alternate Timeline and more AlternateUniverse.

* In ''Fanfic/TheSagesDisciple'', [[spoiler: this appears to be the case for events of the mundane world, as it appears the presence of the supernatural has affected the timeline. Russia remained an absolute monarchy due to Tsar Alexander III surviving to influence the events leading up to World War I, the Yggdmillennia family prevented the outbreak of the Second Balkan War, the Titanic managed to reach New York City before sinking due to the intervention of an unnamed magus, Operation Valkyrie succeeded in 1944, etc. During the sequel "The Puppeteer's Bodyguard," Crow spends much of his free time researching other such changes and trying to figure out why its so different from the world he knew.]]

%%* ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/28569960/chapters/70070871 JoJo's Bizzare Adventure: Spirit Lines]]'' takes place in an altered timeline of Part 1 to 6 of ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure]] after [[spoiler:Pucci used Made in Heaven to reset the universe in ''Stone Ocean'']]. While the events of ''Phantom Blood'' and ''Battle Tendacies'' remained the same, many events afterwards are changed, namely that in Part 3 Keitaro (This timeline's Jotaro) and who is implied to Kakyoin get sick from Dio's influence, leading to Holly (who requests to go by [[MythologyGag Seiko]]) joining Joseph and Avdol on their quest to Egypt.

* ''Series/PaperGirls'': The 2019 that the girls visit is implied to be one: The girls have adult selves, which would be impossible if there was no version of them in the past to grow up. Also, Adult!Dylan mentions that Mac died of lymphoma when she was 16, as opposed to remembering her mysteriously disappearing when she was 12.

* ''ComicBook/MightyMorphinPowerRangersBoomStudios'' features two timelines: a SettingUpdate of the original show, and another (revealed much later) where [[spoiler: Tommy kept working for Rita even after her spell was lifted.]] The second one is a few years ahead of the first, and has gone full BadFuture. The comic's story arc is a result of [[spoiler: evil! Tommy]] invading the regular timeline for his own reasons.

* ''Franchise/DragonBall'' has over a dozen of these, with three being discussed in the storyline itself (with fans and official guidebooks speculating on the existence of a fourth variant).[[note]]It's worth noting that unlike most stories, Dragon Ball's version of time travel doesn't have cause-and-effect. Instead, changes to events create a separate timeline.[[/note]] The three "main" Timelines all spring from the Android Saga of ''Anime/DragonBallZ'', listed below in their rough order: