Our Top 10 Best Zelda Games Ranked

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If you’re wondering which Legend of Zelda titles rank among the best Zelda games of all time, this list covers every unforgettable adventure

The hero of Hyrule, Link has had many great adventures praised by fans young and old. The best Zelda games range from classics on the NES to the newest adventures in Hyrule on the Nintendo Switch. In this list we will be going through our top 10 best Zelda games and see which adventure from Link was the most exciting one!

10. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

Barely making the top Zelda games ranked list is The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass released on the original Nintendo DS. Phantom Hourglass released in 2007 and was a direct sequel to The Wind Waker released prior on the Nintendo Gamecube. Phantom Hourglass follows the story of Link who explores a wide world filled with a lot to explore and tries to find allies to help him save his friend Tetra. In this game you can explore the world by using the S.S. Linebeck ship that is controlled by drawing a blue line for the ship to follow on the map with the DS Stylus. Making excellent use of the DS touchscreen.

One Big Dungeon

Phantom Hourglass unlike traditional Zelda games makes use of one central dungeon in the game. The Temple of the Ocean King. You will need to visit this dungeon multiple times to get new sea charts. With these sea charts you can sail to other parts of the ocean and explore more of the vast world. In the dungeon you will come across a lot of exciting challenges and enemies and you will be able to go to the deeper layers once you progress the story enough. This dungeon mechanic makes the Phantom Hourglass stand out against some of the other best legend of Zelda games.

Universal Acclaim

Phantom Hourglass received critical acclaim, because of the unique control scheme, rich world design and great graphics. IGN and Gamespot awarded the game as the ‘Nintendo DS game of the year’. Phantom Hourglass also received a lot of other industry awards and feedback praising the game and was the best selling game in Japan for a while.

9. The Legend of Zelda (NES)

The number 9 on the list is the original Zelda game on NES, the title that started it all. The game released in 1986 and it was the first time the hero Link saved princess Zelda from the evil hands of Ganondorf. It was also the first introduction to players of te vast world of Hyrule. With it’s open-world exploration, hidden secrets, and challenging dungeons, it set a new standard for adventure games making it one of the best Zelda games still to this date.

Gameplay and innovation

When the game first launched on the NES, it completely changed how players experienced adventure games. The game featured a vast open-world for players to explore besides the usual linear adventure games. The game also didn’t feature much guidance so players had to discover big secrets in the world themselves. The game also features a whole range of challenging enemies and bosses for Link to defeat making it a challenging but also exciting adventure.

Legacy and Influence on Future Games

The original Zelda defined what an adventure game could be. The open-world, sense of freedom and focus on discovery inspired a lot of later entries in the series like Breath of the Wild, and Ocarina of Time. Because of this the game still holds up so many years after it’s release. That is why the original Zelda on the NES secured te number 9 spot on the list.

Play the Legend of Zelda (NES) through Nintendo Switch Online

8. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (N64 / 3DS)

Coming in at number 8 on our best Zelda games list is: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask on the N64. The game launched in 2000 as a sequel to the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time but took a bold step away from the heroic adventure tone of Ocarina of Time and embraced something darker, stranger, and more emotional. The game is set in the mysterious world of Termina. The greatest danger in this game aren’t the enemies, the puzzles but it’s time itself, as a terrifying moon threatens to destroy the world in just three days.

Three-day Cycle

The main mechanic of Majora’s Mask is the innovative three-day cycle. Players have only 72 in-game hours to stop the moon from crashing into Termina. This period can be reset by the Song of Time. Link retains his progress after every reset but the people of Termina continue their doomed routines, unaware of what’s coming. This mechanic creates an intense sense of urgency and emotional depth by getting to know the town’s inhabitants. The time loop mechanic makes Majora’s Mask one of the most thrilling but also unique game in the series.

Reception

Upon release, Majora’s Mask received critical acclaim for it’s daring storytelling and complex gameplay. Some players found the time limit stressful, but many praised it for creating a powerful, immersive atmosphere unlike anything else at the time. The game is now regarded as one of the boldest and most emotional Zelda titles ever made and is the reason how it claimed the number 8 spot in the best Zelda games ranking.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB / Switch)

The number 7 on the best Zelda games list is the Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and particularly the Nintendo Switch remake. The game first appeared on the gameboy in 1993 and was the first Zelda game that took place outside of Hyrule. The game introduced players to an entirely new world of mystery and personality. The game stood out for being the first handheld Zelda game and its unique setting in a whole new rich world.

Koholint Island

The adventure begins when the Hero link washes ashore on Koholint Island. The island is home to strange creatures, hidden caves, and multiple challenging dungeons. Link soon learns that he must awaken the legendary Wind Fish in order to leave the strange island. It’s being said that the Wind Fish sleeps inside a big egg on top of the highest peak of the Island. To awaken the Wind Fish, Link must collect eight magical musical instruments scattered across the island’s challenging dungeons. Each dungeons comes with new puzzles, abilities and challenging enemies in order to collect an instrument. Each instrument brings Link closer to the Windfish and the powerful yet surprising conclusion of one of the best Zelda games.

Switch Remake

In 2019, Link’s Awakening was beautifully remade for the Nintendo Switch. The remake gave the classic game a complete new toy-like look, making it one of the most colorful and beautiful Zelda game. The remake keeps the same map, puzzles, and charm of the original but presents them with colorful, hand-crafted visuals and an enchanting new orchestral soundtrack. The remake also gave the game small quality-of-life improvements, making it the definitive way to play and a well-deserved number 7 spot on the best Zelda games tierlist.

6. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)

At number 6 on our list of the top Zelda games ranked is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in 1991, it’s often considered one of the best Zelda games ever made and a true milestone in the history of adventure gaming where the original The Legend of Zelda on the NES started with. This entry took everything that worked from the original NES titles and expanded it into a larger, more detailed, and more emotional experience. The game also featured an incredible story and gameplay making it a true classic and a title among the best Zelda games.

A Return to Hyrule

In A Link to the Past, players step into the mighty boots of the hero Link once again to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from the dark sorcerer Agahnim. Early in his journey, link discovers a mysterious portal that leads to the Dark World. A dangerous reflection world of Hyrule filled with dangerous enemies for Link to defeat, puzzles to solve, and new areas for Link to unlock. This mechanic by switching from the light to the Dark World made A Link to the Past so unique and memorable.

Improved Gameplay

A Link to the Past refined the classic Zelda gameplay to near perfection making it one of the best Legend of Zelda games. The controls were tight, the combat felt rewarding, and the dungeons designs were on the highest level of the series at that point. Players collected new tools for new ways of combat and exploration, adding a great layer of depth to the game.The game also introduced some of the most iconic elements of the Zelda franchise like the introduction of the beloved Master Sword. All in all making a Link to the Past a great entry in the top Zelda games ranked list.

5. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)

The number 5 on our top 10 best Zelda games list is the Legend of Zelda the Windwaker originally released on Gamecube 2002 in Japan. The game is set on multiple island in a vast sea, that Link needs to traverse in order to save the Triforce, a wish-granting relic. Together with his allies Tetra and the talking ship the King of Red Lions, Link must traverse the sea to defeat the evil Ganondorf once again.

Cartoon-like Art Style

The game features a cartoon-like art style unlike the realistic graphics of the game’s predecessor. Director Eiji Aonuma chose together with director Shigeru Miyamoto for a new distinctive art style through the use of cel shading. This resulted in a unique looking Zelda game which a lot of fans praised but also received a lot of criticism. Players were excited for a new realistic title on the all new powerful Gamecube, which later turned to be Twillight Princess, a game that was already teased before the Windwaker released.

The Great Sea

The game features a huge 49 gridded sea for Link to explore with his allies. Together with his talking ship the King of Red Lions, Link sets sail on his quest. On these islands are enemies, dungeons, secrets to uncover, and thrilling boss fights. There are also a lot of side quests for Link to complete, making the Great Sea not only a beautiful area but also an area with a wide variety of content. The Windwaker received word-wide critical acclaim, because of the unique art style, large-scale sea area, and for the substantial amount of content in the game making it one of the best Zelda games till this date.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GC / Wii)

At place number 4 on our best Zelda games tierlist is the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess released in 2006 on the Nintendo Gamecube and Wii. This game set the dark tone again in the series after the Windwaker on the Gamecube. The game is set in an alternate timeline from the Windwaker where Link must save Hyrule from an evil parallel dimension, the Twilight realm.

Wolf Link

In Twilight Princess you play as both the Hylian Link and the new form Wolf Link. Link gets transformed to a wolf through an evil curse of the Twilight realm. In this form Link gets improved senses, speed and other abilities but loses a lot of his regular abilities. Resident of the Twilight realm Midna, Link’s partner throughout the game, can ride on Wolf Link helping him with directions and warping across Hyrule. With this new unique form players can from new play styles and it brings an unique twist to the game making it one of the Best Zelda Games.

Different versions

Twilight Princess was originally developed for the Nintendo Gamecube but after delays and low sales of the Windwaker the game eventually switched to being developed for the new Nintendo Revolution (Later titled Nintendo Wii) in 2006. The game would release on both the Gamecube and the Wii, with the Wii version featuring motion controls. Because of this the game was strangely entirely flipped on the Wii so the sword would be in Link’s right hand because of the majority of people being right-handed when using motion controls. The game also received a re-release on the WiiU with HD graphics, making it the definitive version of one of the most acclaimed and best Zelda games.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom comes in at number 3 on our best Zelda games list. Tears of the Kingdom released in 2023 as a sequel to Breath of the Wild with a lager map, new features and a new exciting story in the world of Breath of the Wild. Link must save Zelda who is trapped in the past of Hyrule and defeat the evil Ganondorf. The game featured new Islands in the sky and new construction elements unique to a Zelda game.

A Bigger Hyrule to Explore

Tears of the Kingdom takes place in the same world as Breath of the Wild but now includes two new areas; the sky, including several big floating island, and the Depths a vast area underground the same size as Hyrule. The sky area features several floating islands containing puzzles, dungeons, treasures, and new bosses. The depths is a new dark region accessed trough big tears in the ground Link can jump in. In the depths players can find special items and new dangerous enemies that can hurt Link with the dangerous substance gloom. These map additions make Tears of the Kingdom one of the best Zelda games to date.

Ultrahand and Fusion

Tears of the Kingdom also introduces two new key abilities; Ultrahand and Fusion. With Ultrahand you can build your own constructions like cars, airplanes, boats or constructions to solve puzzles. This is possible because of new Zonai Devices that are used in the constructions of vehicles. With Fusion you can fuse every object you find to a weapon, shield or an arrow creating infinite possibilities to fight. You could put bombs on an arrow, electrically charged items on a sword, and spikes on a shield. These unique abilities made Tears of the Kingdom one of the best Zelda games ever released and a clear number 2 spot on the list.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)

The number 2 spot on our best Zelda games list is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild released after numerous delays in 2017 on the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo WiiU. In this game you need to save Zelda by defeating the evil Calamity Ganong haunting Hyrule for the past 100 years. The players explores a new open-world of Hyrule filled with a lot of new dungeons, and puzzles but also complete freedom because of the non-linear story.

Complete Freedom

You wake up as Link at the start of the game who has been in a big slumber and forgot anything he knew. You as the players is tasked with regaining back your memory and saving Hyrule. The games offers you complete freedom in which way and order you complete the quests. Every puzzle has multiple solutions, each enemy and boss can be defeated in numerous different ways, and the story is completely non-linear. You, the player, chooses what, when and where to explore in order to ultimately defeat the great evil in Hyrule and save the kingdom. This freedom makes it one of the best Zelda games ever released.

A World that Feels Alive

The best Zelda games all include a big beautiful world, including Breath of the Wild. Breath of the Wild features a large open-world with four distinct areas that all feel very alive. NCPs in the game follow their own daily routines, the weather effects the environment and your puzzle/combat strategy, and the landscape is filled with a lot of secrets to boost curiosity. The game received a lot of positive reviews and became game of the year in 2017, because of the great freedom the game offers and the alive world. Players regard the game as one of the best Zelda games ever released, despite it being one of the most recent releases on the list.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

The number one on our best Zelda games list is the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time. The game released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64 and it was the first Legend of Zelda game with 3D-graphics. Link is tasked to defeat the evil king Ganondorf by using time travel, completing challenging yet iconic dungeons, and exploring the overworld of Hyrule.

A Timeless Adventure

Ocarina of Time remains one of the most iconic games of all time, because of it’s timeless adventure. Hyrule was built with a sense of scale that was groundbreaking in 1998. The pacing of the game and the build-up between the quiet Kokiri Forest and the more tense aread later in the game, creates an unforgettable that is still talked about till this day. The game also introduced some of the most iconic characters in the series, one of the best soundtracks in a Zelda game, and amazing dungeons for it’s time. Ocarina of Time is regarded to be the best Zelda games ever to be released because of this.

From Child to Hero

Ocarina of time includes a time-jump mechanic where you can go in the future to an adult version of Link. The time traveling gave Ocarina of Time an emotional weight to the story and set it apart from other classic games. Growing from a young child to an adult while carrying the fate of Hyrule lends the story a sense of loss, responsibility, and maturity. Revisiting locations years in the future, seeing who survived, and what was lost, added an extra layer to the story that was never seen before in other games. The structure of the game reminds player till this date why it is seen as one of the best Zelda games ever released.

Read our full analysis on Ocarina of Time