Discover all The Legend of Zelda games 2s53r

With over 30 years of history, The Legend of Zelda has reinvented itself several times without losing its essence. We revisited the games in the franchise to create a ranking that shows how the series has evolved, enchanted and won over players generation after generation. Check out all the The Legend of Zelda games from worst to best below. 435l14

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link 5756k

Released: January 14, 1987 | Console: NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is the second game released in the series, and perhaps the most different of all the Zelda games. Unlike the original, which had a top-down view, this game focuses on platforming gameplay with a side-view view in battles and moments of exploration. The story continues directly after the first game, with Link trying to awaken Princess Zelda from a magical sleep. Despite being controversial for its unique style and high difficulty, Zelda II has historical importance for expanding the series' mythology and testing new ideas that would later be refined in other titles.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Yes (Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online).
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes 235r46

Release: November 22, 2013 | Console: Nintendo 3DS

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a game focused on the cooperative experience. Instead of a traditional solo adventure, three players take control of different versions of Link and solve puzzles together in dungeons (dungeons). Cooperation is essential, as characters must stack up, items, and act together to progress. Visually and mechanically, it closely resembles A Link Between Worlds – a game that will be discussed later in our text – but stands out for its online and local multiplayer gameplay. The story is lighter and more humorous, revolving around a fashion curse in an eccentric kingdom.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures 1rgu

Release: March 18, 2004 | Console: Nintendo GameCube

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures is a cooperative multiplayer game that allows up to four players to control different versions of Link at the same time. Using the Game Boy Advance connected to the GameCube, players can collaborate to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in sync. The adventure is divided into arcade-style stages, which makes it different from the traditional open-world structure of the franchise. Despite being less well-known, it is a fun and unique experience, especially in a group. It can also be played alone, alternating control between Links, but its strength lies in the cooperative mode.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda 16476t

Released: February 21, 1986 | Console: NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

The Legend of Zelda is the game that started Nintendo's legendary franchise. With an open world structure and unprecedented freedom of exploration at the time, the game puts the player in control of Link, a hero tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and defeating the evil Ganon. The player must find items, solve puzzles and face enemies in various dungeons. With no tutorials or clear instructions, the game requires curiosity and patience. Even with simple graphics and high difficulty, its influence is enormous. It established many of the classic elements of the series, such as the Triforce, bombs, the bow and arrow, and hearts as life. It is a milestone in the history of video games.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Yes (Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online).
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages 6u1mm

Release: February 27, 2001 | Console: Game Boy Color

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages are two interconnected games released simultaneously, each with its own story, but connected in an intelligent way. In Oracle of Seasons, the gameplay focuses more on action, allowing Link to change the seasons to solve puzzles. In Oracle of Ages, the focus is on solving more complex puzzles, with the ability to travel through time. Developed by Capcom in partnership with Nintendo, these titles are considered among the best of the portable era, offering a complete Zelda experience on the Game Boy.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Yes (Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online)
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks 5k3472

Release: December 7, 2009 | Console: Nintendo DS

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the direct sequence of Phantom Hourglass and maintains the visual style in cell-shading, with colorful and friendly graphics. The big news is that Link now travels the world on a train, creating a different dynamic for exploration. In addition, Zelda actively participates in the adventure: her spirit accompanies Link after his body is stolen, and the two must work together to advance. The player can control both of them at certain times, creating unique puzzles. Touchscreen interaction and the use of a microphone are widely used, since the game was developed especially for the Nintendo DS.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening b2p2g

Release: June 6, 1993 / September 20, 2019 | Console: Game Boy / Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the first game in the series on a portable console, and it surprised everyone with its depth even with the technical limitations of the Game Boy. In it, Link is shipwrecked on a mysterious island called Koholint and must collect magical instruments to awaken the mysterious Wind Fish. Unlike other titles, this one is not set in Hyrule and does not involve Zelda or Ganon, which makes it unique. With a dreamlike atmosphere, charismatic characters and an impactful ending, the game became a cult classic. In 2019, it received a remake for Nintendo Switch with graphics in the style of “toy-like”, maintaining its essence, but modernizing the visuals and controls.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? The classic 1993 version is available on Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: The remake version is available natively on Nintendo Switch via Nintendo eShop. Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass 4g1w72

Release: June 23, 2007 | Console: Nintendo DS

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is the continuation of The Wind Waker and brings back the cartoonish look with an adventure adapted for the Nintendo DS handheld. The game is controlled almost entirely with the touch screen: the player moves Link with the stylus, draws routes for the boat and solves puzzles. The plot follows Link on a journey to save his friend Tetra, who disappears after encountering a ghost ship. Despite the console's limitations, the game is highly praised for its creativity.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minishcap 2c3c3c

Release: January 10, 2005 | Console: Game Boy Advance

The Legend of Zelda: The Minishcap is one of the most charming games in the series, with vibrant visuals and a focus on creative mechanics. Link is helped by Ezlo, a talking hat that allows him to shrink to the size of the Minish, little creatures that live hidden in the human world. This opens up possibilities for perspective-based puzzles and exploring common environments from a new perspective. Developed by Capcom, the game combines the classic Zelda formula with new ideas. Despite being relatively short, it is fondly ed by fans for its visual charm and striking soundtrack. It is an excellent entry point for those who have never played Zelda.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Yes (Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online)
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 2f2q1g

Release: November 18, 2011 | Console: Nintendo Wii

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was the first game in the series to use motion controls for swords and items, taking advantage of the Wii Motion Plus. The story is one of the most important in the official chronology, showing the origins of the Master Sword and the eternal cycle between Link, Zelda and the villain. The game is divided between a floating city called Skyloft and several regions on the surface below the clouds, each with their own challenges. In 2021, the game received a remastered version for Nintendo Switch, with graphical improvements and new control schemes.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 3a25c

Release: September 26, 2024 | Console: Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom marks a first for the franchise: for the first time, Zelda will be the playable character in a main adventure. With Link missing, it is up to the princess to use a new magical tool called the Tri Rod to create “echoes” — copies of objects and creatures — and solve challenges in creative ways. The game maintains the visual style of Link's Awakening (Switch), with colorful graphics and a “miniature” style. The proposal values ​​intelligence and experimentation more than direct combat.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 5v136n

Release: November 19, 2006 | Console: Nintendo Wii and GameCube

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is one of the darkest games in the franchise. The adventure begins when Link is dragged into a parallel world called the Twilight Realm, where he transforms into a wolf. With the help of Midna, a mysterious creature, he must restore the light of Hyrule and face dark forces. The visuals are more realistic and serious, in contrast to the cartoonish style of The Wind Waker. Released for both the GameCube and Wii, the game made use of motion controls and was praised for its storyline, atmosphere, and elaborate dungeons. It is one of the most revered titles by those who enjoy a more mature approach within the series.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 1b431v

Release: November 21, 1991 | Console: Super Nintendo (SNES)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is considered one of the greatest classics in the series. With 2D graphics and refined gameplay, it established many of the elements that would become standard in the following games, such as the division between two parallel worlds (light and darkness), dungeons with maps and comes, and iconic items such as the hookshot. The game follows Link on a quest to defeat the villain Ganon and save the Kingdom of Hyrule. The structure is more open and the variety of challenges solidifies the Zelda format as we know it. It's an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to understand why the franchise is so respected.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Yes (Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online).
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 1b5y1z

Release: April 27, 2000 | Console: Nintendo 64

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is one of the most unusual and dark entries in the series. After the events of Ocarina of Time, Link falls into a parallel world called Termina, which will be destroyed in three days by a threatening moon. The gameplay revolves around time manipulation: the player must repeat the 72-hour cycle over and over again to solve quests and save the world. The use of masks that transform Link into other creatures adds variety to the exploration and combat. With a more melancholic and profound tone, Majora's Mask is considered one of the most unique and emotional titles in the series.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online.
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 5s3g58

Released: December 13, 2002 | Console: Nintendo GameCube

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker drew attention for its cel-shaded visual style, with a cartoonish appearance, which divided opinions at the time. However, the game became a classic over time. In it, Link explores a vast ocean in search of his kidnapped sister, using a magical boat called the King of Red Lions. The navigation mechanics, the open world and the striking soundtrack make the experience memorable. The story reveals deep connections with Hyrule's past and the eternal cycle of the Triforce. An HD version was released for the Wii U, with graphical improvements and gameplay adjustments.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No, but it will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Switch Online.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds 1e2u6u

Release: November 22, 2013 | Console: Nintendo 3DS

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a spiritual sequence of A Link to the Past, set in the same world, but with new characters and challenges. The big innovation is Link's ability to blend into the walls like a painting, which completely changes the way to solve puzzles and explore dungeons. The game also introduces an item rental system, allowing more freedom in the order of progression. With stereoscopic 3D graphics and intuitive controls, the game was very well received by critics and fans. It's a great mix of nostalgia and innovation, ideal for those who enjoy classic Zeldas.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? No.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 6kf1x

Release: November 21, 1998 | Console: Nintendo 64

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely considered one of the best Zelda games and one of the greatest of all time. It was the first 3D Zelda game and set many standards for third-person adventure games. Link must travel through time, face the villain Ganondorf, and save the Kingdom of Hyrule. The game introduces the target lock-on system (Z-targeting), magical music played on the ocarina, and an epic narrative that spans two periods of Link's life. With iconic dungeons, memorable bosses, and a striking soundtrack, Ocarina of Time is a must-read for understanding the evolution of video games.

• Is it available on Nintendo Online? Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online.
• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 6m2533

Release: March 3, 2017 | Console: Nintendo Switch / Wii U

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild revolutionized the franchise by introducing a vast open world that is fully explorable from the start. Link awakens after a 100-year sleep and must rediscover his memory and face Calamity Ganon. The game breaks with many previous conventions: there is no fixed order of dungeons, weapons break with use, and the physics of the environment allow for creative solutions to challenges. Visually impressive, with a minimalist soundtrack and a constant atmosphere of exploration, the game received worldwide acclaim and won several Game of the Year awards. It is considered a modern redefinition of the series.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 1g3h15

Release: May 12, 2023 | Console: Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the long-awaited direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, expanding on everything that made its predecessor a success. The world of Hyrule returns, but with new floating areas in the sky and underground caverns. Link now has new abilities, such as fusing objects to create improvised weapons and vehicles, as well as crossing ceilings and manipulating the time of objects. The narrative is denser, with revelations about the origin of evil in Hyrule. The game maintains the freedom of exploration, but adds more depth to the mechanics and greater verticality in the design of its world. It is one of Nintendo's most ambitious games and has already made history in the series.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

Honorable mentions (spin-offs) 435f4h

Hyrule Warriors 732c1a

Release: August 14, 2014 | Console: Wii U, 3DS, and Nintendo Switch

Hyrule Warriors is a spin-off that mixes the Zelda universe with the gameplay of Koei Tecmo's Dynasty Warriors. Instead of solving puzzles or exploring dungeons, the focus here is on massive battles against hundreds of enemies simultaneously. The player can control several characters from the franchise, such as Link, Zelda, Impa and even villains like Ganon, each with unique combat styles. Despite not being part of the official chronology, the game is full of fan service, references and classic scenarios. It is ideal for those who enjoy intense action and want to see their favorite Zelda characters in a completely different context.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

Cadence of Hyrule 454z18

Release: June 13, 2019 | Console: Nintendo Switch

Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer is a unique collaboration between Nintendo and indie studio Brace Yourself Games. Based on the rhythm game Crypt of the NecroDancer, players must move and attack to the beat of the music to progress. Featuring remixed versions of classic Zelda soundtracks, the game lets you control Link, Zelda, and other characters in a procedurally generated world. The gameplay is fast-paced, challenging, and unlike anything in the main series. It's a perfect title for those who enjoy music, strategy, and want a unique experience within the Hyrule universe.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

Age of calamity 2y4d59

Release: November 20, 2020 | Console: Nintendo Switch

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity serves as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, depicting the events of the Great Calamity that devastated Hyrule one hundred years before the main game. With the same frenetic gameplay as the first Hyrule Warriors, the game stands out for delving deeper into the story of characters such as the Champions, Zelda and Impa. It introduces RPG elements, skill trees and side quests, as well as graphics that mimic the visual style of Breath of the Wild. Although it takes some narrative liberties, it is a good choice for those who want more content from that universe with a focus on combat.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

Age of Imprisonment 1t84a

Release Date (Expected): 2025 | Console: Nintendo Switch 2

Age of Imprisonment is the next entry in the series for the Nintendo Switch 2. Like previous Hyrule Warriors, the game combines the universe and characters of The Legend of Zelda series with the gameplay of the series. Dynasty Warriors, developed by Koei Tecmo. Serving as a prelude to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Age of Imprisonment tells a story about the Imprisonment War that takes place in the past where Zelda is trapped with Rauru and the warriors from the time of the founding of Hyrule who faced Ganondorf.

• Nintendo eShop purchase link: Click here to purchase.

And for you, what are the best games? The Legend of Zelda In your opinion? Tell us in the comments!

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Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 29 / 04 / 2025.

Source: Metacritic.