Top 10 Best The Legend of Zelda Games

You've probably played many of The Legend of Zelda games and enjoyed them all. But which ones are your favorite? Pick the greatest Legend of Zelda games!
The Top Ten
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time was the first 3D installment of the series and introduced the revolutionary Z-targeting system for combat and interaction. The game follows Link as he travels through time to stop Ganondorf and save Hyrule.

Every Zelda game is different, but this one is what made the franchise great. The gameplay and story of Ocarina are what made this game a hit. This was the first game that brought Link into a 3D environment (no, not the 3D that everyone these days is obsessed with), and Nintendo did a great job in making it.

Because of the gameplay, it is able to offer something that the handheld and all previous Zelda games weren't able to. For the time, this game's graphics were great, but I would really like to see this game remade for something besides the 3DS with HD graphics. I'm sure that the younger generations of Zelda fans would get to enjoy the classic that they weren't able to.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Twilight Princess, launched in 2006 for the GameCube and Wii, features a darker tone and art style compared to previous entries. The story revolves around Link's quest to save Hyrule from the encroaching Twilight Realm with the aid of the mysterious character Midna.

Initially heralded as one of the best, if not the best, Zelda games of its time, Twilight Princess has paradoxically become an underdog pick over the years - pun intended (because you turn into a dog, get it?). The game offers challenging enemies and puzzles, a touching story, and a large, heavily atmospheric world filled with fantastical characters. Twilight Princess stands tall in the franchise, giving subtle nods to its predecessors while remaining an independent chapter that serves as a precursor to later entries.

Though some find the game's expansive world too large and its missions overly drawn out, this design choice serves a purpose. It allows the dramatic sequences to have a significant impact and gives the impression that Hyrule and its provinces are a truly grand kingdom. Critics argue that the game "tried too hard to be dark," usually referring to its color palette and the use of a "twilight realm." However, it didn't just try. It succeeded in being dark. Fans had called for a darker game after experiencing Wind Waker, so Nintendo's decision-makers made it a reality.

Since there was a clear demand for a darker theme, this request evolved into a full-on artistic direction. As other-dimensional worlds have always existed in Zelda lore, the creation of another, "The Realm of Twilight," felt fitting. Another point of criticism has been the game's lack of innovation. While it's true that there were many new and interesting aspects, this criticism is mostly valid. Twilight Princess wasn't a reinvented Zelda, nor should it have tried to be. What the game lacked in 'newness,' it more than made up for in refinement.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, Majora's Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time and introduces a unique three-day cycle mechanic. Link must prevent the moon from crashing into the world of Termina by using transformative masks and manipulating time.

This was a great game that went against quite a few classic tropes. While Link was on a quest to save the world, it always felt like you could not save everyone. You were on a time limit, the doomsday clock, which meant that you could not create a happy ending for everyone, just take what you need, reverse time, and stop Majora.

It really gave a foreboding and ominous feeling to the series that had been mostly unexplored. And on the subject of time, this was finally the game where the villain actually enacted his plan. Gone are the times where you could save the world later because you got to fish now. And while you can reverse time, it does it quite well, letting you only keep important items. And after you reversed time, all the good you did is undone, leaving you to shrug your shoulders and carry on without saving them.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker First released in 2002 for the GameCube, The Wind Waker is known for its cel-shaded art style and sea-based exploration. Link embarks on a journey across the Great Sea to rescue his sister and uncover the secrets of the lost kingdom of Hyrule.

Although every Zelda game is epic in its own way, the one that is too special to me is The Wind Waker. It was my very first Zelda game. Not only is it my favorite game from the series, but it's also my favorite game overall. The world in this game is simply enormous. The characters are very memorable, and the story is deep and emotional. It also had some very funny moments.

The music is just too fantastic, the best one in the series if you ask me. And the graphics, although still criticized, are one of the many things that make the game so epic. The characters, especially Link, were so expressive in this one. It really made you feel part of that world.

There was always something to do in every corner. The dungeons were challenging and fun, and the sailing, although tedious at times, made you feel like you were truly exploring a vast oceanic world. I won't deny that games like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess were amazing, and that Skyward Sword was a big leap for the series, but this game is still the best.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, A Link to the Past returned to the top-down perspective and introduced the concept of two parallel worlds: the Light World and the Dark World. The game follows Link's quest to defeat Ganon and rescue the Seven Sages.

I could have voted for Ocarina of Time or Minish Cap, but if I'm to be totally honest, then I would have to say that this was my favorite Zelda game (not having played Link Between Worlds yet). I love the top-down view gameplay, and for the Zelda series, it just fits perfectly for the level designs and puzzles, the combat, and the cool gadgets.

Gadgets which no other game has been able to match! Don't get me wrong, I won't argue the awesomeness of the newer, prettier Zelda games, but being an original player of the first NES game, I value gameplay above graphics, and adventure equally to both. Therefore, I vote for A Link to the Past as the greatest Zelda game of all time! Which means I'll probably vote for A Link Between Worlds as the greatest as well!

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Released in 2011 for the Wii, Skyward Sword serves as a prequel to the entire series and introduces motion-controlled swordplay using the Wii Remote. The game explores the origins of the Master Sword and Link's relationship with Zelda.

Skyward Sword was a great step forward for the series and was very innovative. They added a great upgrade system based on things you collect, better shield mechanics (such as new types of shields, durability, fixing shields with potions, or even upgrading them), and the stamina bar which (finally) gives Link the ability to run, jump, and parkour. They added Hero Mode (a mode where you take double damage and heart flowers don't appear as an extra challenge), and a great combat system that wasn't just spamming the "B" button (you have to assess the enemy, find a good way to attack based on how the enemy acts, and execute it). They added immersive 1:1 motion controls. I could go on, but I'll stop there.

Actually, no. They added a lot more than that. With Skyward Sword, they gave the Legend of Zelda series an amazing origin story that served as the prequel to Ocarina of Time. They condensed the overworld, making sure that it was full to the brim with content. They gave the player a good incentive to actually progress through the game. The overworld can also have challenging puzzles, making it feel like an actual world, not just a bunch of levels scattered around. The characters in the game are well thought out and really make the game come to life. This game is awesome. 10/10, hands down.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Breath of the Wild, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U, revolutionized the series with its expansive open world and non-linear gameplay. Link awakens after a century-long slumber to defeat Calamity Ganon and restore peace to Hyrule.

Back when I played Super Smash Bros. Melee as a kid, I would see the huge, open-ended backgrounds for every stage and wish I could explore those spaces. While playing Twilight Princess, I was constantly looking for ways to break through the boundaries. This game doesn't have boundaries.

The towering Dueling Peaks in this game would have been nothing but atmosphere in Ocarina of Time, but in Breath of the Wild, there is no restriction. The little kid who wanted to see what the hills in the distance looked like up close has finally had his wish come true.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Originally released in 1993 for the Game Boy, Link's Awakening is the first handheld entry in the series and takes place on the mysterious island of Koholint. Link must awaken the Wind Fish by collecting eight instruments to escape the island.

Link's Awakening is the perfect example of early '90s nostalgia in a Zelda game. The remake itself still captures the nostalgia in its graphics and soundtrack, but it's still a very underrated Zelda game. The only gripe I have with this game is finding all the Secret Seashells, as you need about 40 to get the best sword in the game, which is the Koholint Sword.

It's kind of like a parallel world to the Zelda franchise, as you can see Mario and Kirby enemies in this game, which is kind of weird. My favorite dungeon in this game has to be the Face Shrine. It's so complex. The music really helps set the somber atmosphere, as well as a creative use of the block switches. It's an easy game that gets harder as the game progresses, in my opinion.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, A Link Between Worlds is a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past, featuring a similar overworld but with new mechanics like wall-merging. Link must travel between Hyrule and the alternate world of Lorule to stop a dark sorcerer.

While not my favorite Zelda game, this one is great! The dungeons were all fun and satisfying to go through, and I liked the concept of playing them in any order. While it's nice to have items appear in dungeons, it still worked with the whole renting concept, and it was an innovative idea. The soundtrack is pretty good, and while it's not the best one I've heard, this game has some great songs (mainly Lorule Castle to me).

Also, the story was better than I expected, and the ending was surprising and awesome. I was expecting this game to focus a lot more on gameplay, but it delivered a pretty good story as well. Overall, a great game that every Zelda fan should pick up. I never played A Link to the Past (although I plan to and I think it will be good), but I know that this game pays homage to that game in many ways (it even has mostly the same overworld) and if you were a fan of A Link to the Past, you will certainly feel lots of nostalgia.

The Legend of Zelda (1986) The original Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the NES, is the first game in the series and laid the foundation for many of its iconic elements. Players control Link as he explores the land of Hyrule to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat Ganon.

This was the very first Zelda game, as well as the very first video game, I played as a child. I remember my dad installing it on our computer, and although I kept dying because I was so young, being 4 years old at the time, I had a blast! Playing it is one of my favorite childhood memories, and I enjoy revisiting it to this day.

Most of you are probably too young to really appreciate what this game represents. There's a reason it's among the first ten games enshrined into the Video Game Hall of Fame, and they certainly didn't make a mistake with this one. I would rank it #1 on this list, and probably in the same spot on any list of video games.

The Newcomers

? The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is an action-adventure game where Princess Zelda takes the lead as the protagonist for the first time in a main series title. In the game, Zelda uses the magical Tri Rod, which allows her to create echoes of objects and enemies, as she journeys through Hyrule and a parallel realm called the Still World to rescue Link and defeat a primordial evil known as Null.
? The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Released in 2023 for the Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom is a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild and expands upon its open-world exploration with new mechanics, including sky islands. Link continues his fight against a resurrected Ganondorf to save Hyrule.

This is the best video game. Not just the best Zelda game (though it is that too), but the BEST video game. The story has made me cry multiple times, the characters actually have character, and Zelda isn't just captured by Ganon the whole time. I don't care if it "messes up the timeline" or "is too modern".

This is the best game ever, a game that I can't believe works, considering the Switch's hardware limitations and it's open world while also trying to tell a cohesive story. Just because it wasn't around when all you old people had your N64s and Ocarinas doesn't mean it's not an absolutely gorgeous, groundbreaking game. It deserves every single ten-out-of-ten rating and hardcore fan it has.

The Contenders
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, The Minish Cap introduces the shrinking mechanic, allowing Link to explore both the normal-sized world and the tiny world of the Minish people. The game focuses on the origin of the Four Sword and features the villain Vaati.

The most underrated Zelda game ever! It's a slight variation on the classic Zelda storyline and is an interesting game overall. The mechanics foster creative thinking and provide awesome gameplay.

If you haven't already played it, join the 50 people who have! We don't fight about Ocarina and Twilight like the rest of the Zelda fans do.

Definitely the best 2D Zelda game. Also, one of the most overlooked games in the franchise. To be honest, I like Vaati much more than Ganon(dorf). Ezlo is also one of the best companions in the franchise. This is certainly my third favorite Zelda game.

Link's Awakening is also really amazing, though.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, Spirit Tracks features a train-based transportation system as Link navigates the overworld. The game centers on Link and Zelda's efforts to stop the resurrection of an ancient evil in the kingdom of New Hyrule.

I chose this over Phantom Hourglass because why? This game is too damn fun! I think this and Twilight Princess are my two favorite Zelda games. Both soundtracks are phenomenal, ESPECIALLY the overworld theme when you're on a train. At first, I wasn't sure about trains in Zelda, but when I heard this track, I decided to groove along as I went on a train. It hits differently when you're actually on an old Union Pacific steam train.

The dungeon music is kind of the same, except for later dungeons like the Fire/Sand temples. I actually found this game's Zelda to be the funniest incarnation because of the time she freaked out over losing her body and becoming a ghost.

The one thing I don't like about this game is the Spirit Flute. The melodies you play are nice, but the controls suck. Overall, the best DS Zelda game. Just let that sink in.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages Oracle of Ages, released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color alongside Oracle of Seasons, focuses on time travel as its primary mechanic. Link must travel between the past and present to rescue Nayru, the Oracle of Ages, and defeat the sorceress Veran.

These two games were designed to function as one, and when considered from that perspective, they combine to make one of the most substantive games in terms of gameplay and level design. They also tread new ground with the locations and villains, and in the case of Oracle of Seasons, a totally unique mechanic in the Seasons theme.

Add the bonus of linking the two and an extended ending, and it's an immensely satisfying journey.

Huge quest when linked with Seasons, intriguing story, solid gameplay, tons of originality, and potential for sequels... I've played the Oracles more than any other game, and they pack such a punch for the smaller package. So many Zelda titles get stuck in the ruts of tradition, but the Oracles do their own thing, as I wish more Zelda games would do.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons Released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, Oracle of Seasons is one of two interconnected games that can be played in any order. In this game, Link uses the Rod of Seasons to manipulate the seasons and solve puzzles while attempting to stop General Onox.

My personal favorite of the duo (and therefore one of my favorites in the franchise), it has a less developed world, characters, and story than Oracle of Ages, but it features much more fun items and dungeons. The seasons mechanic is a really cool, original one that I really want to be revisited in a future game!

The season-changing mechanic is original and creative. The sprite work is really pretty. The colors of each season are vibrant. The music is great - duh, it's Zelda. The dungeons are fun. It's just a solid game.

Plus, you get to go on dates with someone who isn't Zelda for once. And you get to name a kid and decide who that kid becomes. (I chose Hero.)

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Phantom Hourglass, released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, is a direct sequel to The Wind Waker and continues the story of Link's adventures across the Great Sea. The game utilizes touch controls for movement and features the Temple of the Ocean King as a central dungeon.

This was my first Legend of Zelda game I played and completed the story. It has some cool concepts. For example, one puzzle has you close the system without turning it off and then open it to make a mark on the map.

I didn't like that it was controlled pretty much by stylus the whole time. It led to Link sometimes doing things that were not intended, which can be frustrating. No matter how much people say the Temple of the Ocean King is terrible, there are areas that allow you to fast travel to them, in exchange for time taken, of course, but it isn't that bad. It isn't as terrible as it is made out to be but can be frustrating.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures Released in 2004 for the GameCube, Four Swords Adventures is a multiplayer-focused game where up to four players control different versions of Link. The game follows the story of the Four Sword and the villain Vaati as the Links work together to stop him.

You guys might hate this game, but it still belongs on the list. I mean, come on, you put Crossbow Training before an actual Zelda game? That's just completely ridiculous.

It may not be as popular as Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess, but it is the best Legend of Zelda game I have ever played. It has a great story, really cool characters, and it's super addicting.

It's good multiplayer fun, but way too much of a hassle to assemble everything for a four-player experience.

Hyrule Warriors Hyrule Warriors, released in 2014 for the Wii U, combines the hack-and-slash gameplay of the Dynasty Warriors series with characters and settings from The Legend of Zelda. Players battle large waves of enemies while controlling various characters from the Zelda universe.

Though Hyrule Warriors wasn't a canon Zelda game, it was still pretty solid. I was hyped when Nintendo stated that characters from the series were now in the same era, especially the Twilight Princess, Midna. The gameplay itself is so repetitive yet so fun, you won't even realize you have been pressing the same buttons.

Also, the story was novel and unique. I mean, (SPOILER) who would have guessed Lana was more than a playable character, right? She is the Guardian of Time - the alternate light form. All in all, this game is amazing, and I totally recommend it. I can't wait for Hyrule Warriors: Legends, starring Linkle!

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Released in 1987 for the NES, Zelda II is a direct sequel to the original Legend of Zelda and features side-scrolling action combined with RPG elements. Link embarks on a journey to awaken Princess Zelda from a deep sleep by collecting crystals and defeating guardians.

Okay, why is this below Phantom Hourglass? Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is a good game. It's probably one of the most underrated games I have ever played. If you're a fan of hard games, this game is for you! Whenever you defeat an enemy in this one, it feels like a reward. You feel like you've achieved something.

The only real problem I have with this game is that you have to go back to the place you started if you die three times.

I can't believe you people. You need to stop hating on this game. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's a side-scroller. Yes, it's frustrating. But it's still a good game. Not as good as the first, but it still had plenty to offer. The final boss was difficult but still cool. And if the AVGN can say that the game is good, then it is. Seriously? Link's Crossbow Training over Zelda II?

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords Released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, this compilation includes a port of A Link to the Past alongside Four Swords, a multiplayer game where players cooperate as different versions of Link. It introduced new features and puzzles for cooperative play.

Four Swords on the DSi is the perfect example of linear Zelda done right! I liked skipping past the exposition and going straight from dungeon to dungeon, and would love to see that style of gameplay again in future Zelda titles. Not even a Four Swords sequel is necessary, just a linear Mystery Dungeon crawler that plays like this underrated masterpiece!

A remake of A Link to the Past for the Super Nintendo. It also includes a multiplayer game called Four Swords!

Link to the Past gets no love? Shame.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, Tri Force Heroes focuses on cooperative multiplayer gameplay where three players work together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The game is set in the kingdom of Hytopia, where Link must lift a curse placed on Princess Styla.

I haven't played this, but it looks pretty fun! The one thing that isn't good is that I don't think you can play the main game with only two people total. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure you can only play by yourself or with two friends (three people total). That's kind of stupid, but I think the game will be fun to play other than that (although it's not going to be the "masterpiece" type game, just a fun, satisfying game).

Definitely meant to be played with friends. Single player works fine, but misses the essence of Zelda. Not that it's a bad game, by any means, but it was obviously designed around multiplayer, making single player seem like an afterthought.

Multiplayer is great, with playing online being fun and having good connectivity, but it can have long wait times. It tries to alleviate this by putting plenty of things in the waiting room, but these will only hold your attention for a few minutes. Communicating with others is okay. You are given 6-8 buttons on the touch screen to communicate with other players. These work fine, but communication could be much better with a few more options. The lack of text chat is disappointing and could have easily been implemented, but gameplay works fine without it. Voice chat would likely be impossible on the hardware, so it's understandable that it's left out.

Levels are unique, and completing them offers challenges, such as having a time limit, not popping any balloons, not falling, etc. Completing these challenges offers a chance at more rare rewards. Costumes are very clever, with some seeming like a no-brainer, such as not slipping on ice, or increasing the power of your sword. Others are more creative, such as increasing the damage you do when dashing, or making hearts appear more often. All in all, few costumes are completely useless, and all have their situations in which they are helpful.

Planning costumes ahead is great, and can make or break a mission. Levels give you three items, and these items are shown before the mission starts, allowing you to choose wisely instead of blindly. Choosing a level is easy: choose an area, then get paired with teammates, and choose a level. Disputes are settled with a roulette on levels that players chose.

Zelda (Game & Watch) Released in 1989, Zelda for the Game & Watch series is a standalone handheld game featuring Link battling through various dungeons. It is one of the early adaptations of The Legend of Zelda franchise in portable form.

Often an overlooked game considering its status as a Game & Watch title, but surprisingly, the game is fun, addicting, and challenging. It even has its own story that takes place after Zelda II. It's currently available on the Game and Watch Collection 4 for GBA, so give it a shot if you can!

Tingle's Balloon Fight DS Released in 2007 exclusively in Japan for the Nintendo DS, Tingle's Balloon Fight is a spin-off featuring Tingle, a recurring character from the Zelda series. The game is a reskinned version of the classic Balloon Fight with a Zelda theme.

It is so good I was playing for hours on end. It's the best one in the whole series.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, Age of Calamity serves as a prequel to Breath of the Wild and retains the hack-and-slash gameplay of Hyrule Warriors. The game focuses on the events leading up to the Great Calamity in Hyrule's history.
Link: The Faces of Evil Released in 1993 for the Philips CD-i, Link: The Faces of Evil is an action-adventure game that follows Link's journey to defeat Ganon. It is infamous for its unconventional animation style and gameplay compared to other titles in the Zelda series.

This game is also funny and is the reason YTP exists. Why is it so low? The cutscenes are good (though the gameplay sucks), but seriously, it deserves more respect. Nintendo needs to stop denying its existence. Also, Morshu forever!

My ship sails in the morning. I wonder what's for DINNER?

Link's Crossbow Training Released in 2007 for the Wii, Link's Crossbow Training is a spin-off that utilizes the Wii Zapper peripheral for shooting-based gameplay. The game features various stages where players control Link as he practices his crossbow skills in a target-shooting format.

This game should definitely be first. Best game ever! I love it more than Roblox videos on YouTube.

Why is this below the Mario games that are not supposed to be Zelda in any way?

Honestly, it is better than most first-person shooters today.

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