Go on an epic quest through the realm of Hyrule as we uncover the best Zelda games of all time.
Prepare to wield the Master Sword, solve puzzles, and battle formidable foes in this timeless adventure series.
Get ready to level up your gaming experience with the ultimate quest for greatness.
Top 15 Legend of Zelda Games Ranked
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Released: Nintendo Switch and Wii U
Storyline: After a century of slumber, Link awakens to embark on a quest to rescue a devastated Hyrule from the clutches of a formidable evil.
Highlights: This Zelda game is an open-world exploration of a vast, immersive landscape. In "Breath of the Wild," Link awakens to thwart Calamity Ganon's destruction of Hyrule using Guardians.
- "Breath of the Wild's" minimalist yet compelling story and gameplay reshape the Zelda experience.
- Full of RPG elements, dynamic weather, and a physics-based gameplay system
- The "Breath of the Wild" game is filled with thrilling moments like gliding over Hyrule, battling Lynels, solving Shrines, finding Koroks, etc.
Trivia: This game is the first in the Zelda series to explain why Link doesn't talk much. Zelda's diary reveals that Link carries a heavy responsibility and everyone relies on him to be strong.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Released: Nintendo Switch
Storyline: As Link and Princess Zelda explore the Zonai ruins, they witness the revival of a mummified Ganondorf. Then, Ganondorf's powers corrupt Link's arm, lifting Hyrule Castle into the sky.
Highlights: "Tears of the Kingdom" builds upon the bold reinvention of the Zelda formula seen in "Breath of the Wild," making it a true triumph in the gaming industry.
- The colorful world is massive and features three distinct biomes: Sky Islands, the Depths, and the Overworld.
- Dungeons and challenging final boss fights make combat exciting.
- The story is emotional and impactful, paying homage to the Zelda series' legacy.
Trivia: The game started as DLC plans for "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's" release. The team had so many new ideas that they decided to turn it into a standalone game instead of just an add-on.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Released: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo 3DS
Storyline: Agahnim has kidnapped seven maidens with the aim of using their power to unlock a portal to the Dark World. With his trusty sword and shield, Link embarks on a perilous and epic quest.
Highlights: "Link to the Past," the third Zelda game, is considered the best 2D Zelda ever made.
- "Link to the Past" contains a rich world with secrets and a cool light world/dark world mechanic.
- Classic top-down perspective adventure with engaging dungeons and memorable items like the Master Sword
- "Link to the Past" introduces the concept of parallel worlds and offers a rich and intricate gameplay experience.
Trivia: This is the first Zela title to feature an Ocarina, although it is referred to as the Flute. The term "Ocarina" was introduced to the Zelda series in Link Awakening.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Released: Game Boy (1993) and Nintendo Switch (2019)
Storyline: A remake of the Game Boy game, it incorporates elements from 1998 remaster, The Link Awakening DX (1998).
Highlights: "Link's Awakening is the very first Zelda game for Game Boy Color, featuring a classic adventure on a strange island.
- Features unique characters and a story separate from the main Zelda games.
- The HD remake was released with updated graphics and features.
- Shows Link's journey to awaken the Wind Fish in a dream-like island setting
Trivia: The game was revealed in a trailer during the February 13th, 2019 Nintendo Direct, with plans for an exclusive release on Switch later that year. It was a surprise because it hadn't been listed as an upcoming Switch game before that.
Check out the best games for Nintendo lovers here.
5. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Released: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, Switch, Wii
Storyline: Zelda is turned to stone, and the only ones who can help her are the Minish. Link needs to find these tiny people to lift the curse.
Highlights: "The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap" isn't groundbreaking but is a fun, polished Zelda experience.
- Explore the magical world of the Minish as Link shrinks to microscopic size.
- Features a unique shrinking mechanic, a puzzle-solving quest, and a charming art style
- The hat even talks and is funnier than some past helper characters.
Trivia: The music played during mini-boss battles is actually from the Japanese version of "Zelda II: The Adventure of Link", released on Nintendo's Famicom Disk System.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Released: Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, Nintendo 64
Storyline: Link embarks on a quest to collect the three Spiritual Stones and awaken the Seven Sages. His goal is to defeat Ganondorf, a powerful warlock who threatens the peaceful kingdom of Hyrule.
Highlights: "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" was the first game in 3D, featuring a major innovation for video games in general.
- "Ocarina of Time 3D" features groundbreaking 3D game design [1], an immersive world, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
- Set the standard for 3D games (like locking onto enemies in the final battle) and added important Zelda lore like Ganon's origin and the Tri-force heroes.
- "Ocarina of Time 3D" is filled with memorable moments, like galloping across Hyrule Field on Epona and battling Dark Link.
Trivia: Completing the game unlocks a challenging mode called Master Quest.
7. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Released: Nintendo GameCube, Wii U
Storyline: Link embarks on a journey across the vast sea to rescue his sister from a monstrous bird. He fulfills his destiny by defeating a dark lord who threatens to plunge the world into chaos.
Highlights: Over time, "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker" has earned appreciation for its unique cel-shaded art styles.
- Set sail on the Great Sea in a cel-shaded adventure featuring Toon Link [2].
- Each island offers surprises and the infamous water dungeon.
- The game has fun combat, memorable characters, and great music.
- Wind Waker is a memorable Zelda adventure that does both classic Zelda things and tries new stuff.
Trivia: This is a HD remake of the original "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)," with some added features.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Released: Nintendo 64, Nintendo Switch, GameCube, Wii
Storyline: After saving Hyrule, Link finds himself in the magical land of Termina. He faces a crisis where a falling moon threatens to destroy the world in three days.
Highlights: "Majora's Mask" is a direct sequel to "Ocarina of Time" set in the doomed world of Termina, which captivates Zelda fans.
- "Majora's Mask" features unique time-based gameplay, mask transformations, and a haunting atmosphere.
- The rich storyline delves into themes of death and acceptance, complemented by challenging bosses and rewarding sidequests.
Trivia: "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask's" theme is inspired by the Marajoara, a society that lived on Marajo Island from 800 AD to 1400 AD.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Released: Nintendo DS, Wii U
Storyline: A young engineer journeys across the land by train to rescue Zelda from an evil chancellor and the Demon King.
Highlights: "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks" follows Toon Link's journey after "Phantom Hourglass," this time exploring by railway instead of sailing.
- Embark on a journey with Link and Princess Zelda aboard a magical train.
- Features inventive touchscreen controls, train-based exploration, and engaging puzzles
Trivia: The game is a sequel to "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007)," set a hundred years later.
10. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Released: Nintendo 3DS
Storyline: Link is once again given the duty of bringing peace back to the kingdom of Hyrule. This time, he faces a wicked sorcerer named Yuga, who kidnaps Zelda and flees to the desolate world of Lorule.
Highlights: "A Link Between Worlds," among other Zelda games, builds on "A Link to the Past."
- Link turns into a painting to explore and solve intricate puzzles in new ways.
- You can explore two worlds, Hyrule and Lorule, which have familiar places with a twist.
- Unlike any other Zelda game, this lets you rent or buy items instead of finding them in dungeons.
Trivia: You can find Majora's Mask in Link's house, but it doesn't do anything in the game.
11. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons
Released: Game Boy Color
Storyline: Link is magically sent to the land of Labrynna. There, he meets Nayru, a lovely singer with blue hair who is actually the Oracle of Ages.
Highlights: In "The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons," you can combine other Zelda titles for a bigger story and ending.
- Two interconnected adventures that offer unique puzzles and gameplay mechanics.
- Like Pokémon games, they encourage cross-game functionality.
- Think of it like two halves of one Zelda adventure, even though they are separate games.
- The gameplay harks back to the classic Link's Awakening on Game Boy [3].
Trivia: The game, along with its companion piece "The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons," is set between "The Link Awakening" and "A Link Between Worlds" in the series' timeline.
12. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Released: GameCube, Wii
Storyline: Link discovers that Hyrule is being covered by a strange twilight. With the help of a pixie named Midna, he sets out to bring light back to the land and confront King Zant, who has taken over.
Highlights: The "Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" is a more grown-up Zelda game compared to previous Zelda games.
- Explore the Twilight Realm as Link transforms into a wolf and battles the forces of darkness.
- "Twilight Princess" is one of the best games with a darker tone, epic scale, and impressive dungeon design.
- The standout feature of "Twilight Princess" is Midna, a sassy imp who accompanies Wolf Link throughout the game.
Trivia: Ganondorf doesn't show up until late in the game. We only see him after completing the 8th dungeon.
13. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Released: Nintendo DS, Wii
Storyline: Link embarks on a new quest to rescue Tetra, who has been kidnapped.
Highlights: "Phantom Hourglass" came before "Spirit Tracks" and improved upon many aspects. Its use of the Wind Waker art style was effective, and sailing was thrilling.
- Set sail again, this time on the Phantom Hourglass, as Link searches for the lost Ocean King.
- Features innovative touchscreen controls, dungeon exploration, and charming art styles.
Trivia: Touchscreen Zelda was experimental. While executed well, subsequent Zelda games didn't pursue this style further.
14. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Released: Wii, Nintendo Switch
Storyline: Link, born on a sky island, embraces his destiny to travel to the world below. His mission is to save his friend Zelda and the land from evil, wielding a mysterious sword.
Highlights: "Skyward Sword" may not be the best Zelda game, but the classic game design and play sets it apart.
- Allows motion controls with great dungeon design and deep connection to the series' lore
- Easy to explore dungeons with new items to collect
- This Zelda title has a Switch remaster, which improves the story, paying homage to Zelda's lore.
Trivia: This is one of the earliest games designed to resemble a painting. The art draws inspiration from impressionist painters, especially Cezanne.
15. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Released: GameCube, Nintendo
Storyline: Link embarks on a quest to bring peace back to Hyrule after discovering the creation of his evil counterpart, Shadow Link.
Highlights: Among the many games of Zelda, "Four Swords Adventures" is the most extensive co-op game, emphasizing story and providing a polished single-player option.
- The best game to team up with friends, featuring four Links.
- Players must unite to unvover intricate puzzles, defeat enemies, and save Princess Zelda [4].
- With online multiplayer advancements, many fans are eager for a remake on Switch or the next console.
Trivia: The third installment of the unofficial Four Swords trilogy in the main series. This mini-series focuses on the Four Sword and introduces the sorcerer Vaati as the main villain.
FAQs
Which Zelda should I start with?
Start with "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for its iconic status and balanced gameplay, which is ideal for newcomers to the series.
Which Zelda is the hardest?
The hardest Zelda game depends on the player's skills. But "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" offers the most challenging experience, with its vast open world and unforgiving combat.
Which Zelda is easiest?
The easiest Zelda is "Twilight Princess," offering simplistic combat and puzzles. Its button-mashing combat and straightforward puzzles, accompanied by constant hints from Midna, provide a relaxed gaming experience.
Should I play all Zelda games in order?
Playing Zelda titles in order isn't necessary, as each game title stands alone. However, experiencing the evolution of the game series can enhance appreciation.
What is the longest Zelda game?
The longest is "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," with its expansive open-world design. It offers countless hours of exploration and side quests.
Is Zelda hard to play?
Zelda games vary in difficulty, but they generally give options for gamers of all skill levels through adjustable difficulty settings and accessible gameplay mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Explore Hyrule's best with this guide to the top games! Discover open-world adventures or classic dungeons and treasure maps, offering unique stories, puzzles, and gameplay styles.
Whatever game style you prefer, there's a game featuring Zelda for you to enjoy. Find your perfect Zelda adventure and start your journey today!
For some extra cuteness on your quest, check out our Legend of Zelda collection to fully bring the Nintendo world to life.
References:
- https://unity.com/how-to/difference-between-2D-and-3D-games
- https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Toon_Link
- https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1253117
- https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Princess_Zelda
