It's dangerous to go alone: that's why Link has had the help of companions to get him through Hyrule. Though not in every reincarnation, Link has been guided (as well as given helpful tips) by these companions over many entries in The Legend Of Zelda franchise. The partners of Link have become staples of the franchise for years.
With each unique world came a unique partner for Link; they would help guide the player or even have interesting dialogue. Which ones are the best? Who are the most helpful and charming? Which are the most annoying who never shut up?
8 Navi
Much to nobody's surprise, the first game companion is the worst. Navi's annoying nature is so infamous that memes and parodies have been a part of the internet for years. With her constant "Heys!" and "Listens!," gamers quickly grew tired of her in Ocarina Of Time.
Sure, she might be helpful for some new players, but only during a first playthrough. Even then, Navi doesn't have much personality or character to back herself up; she has a bond with the Great Deku Tree but it's never explored and she doesn't go through a personal arc alongside Link.
7 Tatl
As a huge upgrade from the previous game, Majora's Mask (the darkest game in the series) gives Link a new fairy. One that does not call out to you every thirty seconds for useless advice. Instead, Tatl is mainly used to provide needed backstory for characters like Skull Kid.
At first, it seems like Tatl is nothing more than a color swapped Navi, but she actually has her own arc. It involves her fairy brother Tael and without spoiling– it's actually a rather touching finale for her character. In the N64 release, Tatl outright defies Navi's helpfulness by chiding Link whenever he asks her for enemy input.
6 Phantom Zelda
Though Spirit Tracks is not a fan favorite game, it did feature a rather refreshing partner: Zelda herself. In Spirit Tracks, Zelda's spirit is pulled out of her body and she joins Link on his journey. It's rare to see Zelda alongside Link through the whole game which makes it such a unique experience.
Zelda herself is given much more personality: her companionship with Link feels genuine. Combined with her ability to control Phantoms, she one of the more useful partners that Link has ever had.
5 King Of The Red Lions
A sentient wooden boat– red with a lion-like Bow tip– the King Of The Red Lions was Link's partner throughout The Wind Waker. Unlike other games that make the mount and the partner two different characters, The Wind Waker combined them into one.
Though the King Of The Red Lions does not have much personality, it's his story that gets him so high. There's a mystery about his character and kindness that make him engaging just enough to want to figure out. No spoilers but the twist involving him is a great one.
4 Ezlo
Ezlo is the titular character: The Minish Cap. He was a quirky hat maker but the villain of the game, Vaati, cursed Ezlo into transforming into a hat. Immediately, this gives the player incentive to feel sympathy for him and understand why he's a bit of a grouch to Link.
Ezlo is also one of the better partners because he does not interrupt the player. Ezlo is mainly there for story purposes or for the player to call upon for hints. As a bonus, Ezlo is also one of the funnier partners to come and go over the years.
3 Fi
Fi's reminders about the Wii-mote's battery life and hints for Skyward Sword are annoying. However, she makes up for it by being one of the more fascinating partners. Fi is essentially an artificial intelligence of the Master Sword, merging science fiction and magic together to create a robot character who learns.
Fi is constantly learning from Link's actions and has subtle growth throughout Skyward Sword. Of course, her design is the best thing about her: it's elegant, graceful, and very beautifully animated. To make things even better, there's even a twist with her and the villain that is genuinely surprising.
2 Wolf Link
So technically this is a cheat as there are no formal partners in Breath Of The Wild. However, players have the ability to unlock one in the game via the Wolf Link amiibo. Wolf Link is a dog companion who will run alongside Link on his journey and help him combat enemies.
Dog lovers everywhere can already see the appeal here. Much like Phantom Zelda, it is refreshing to see a partner who can be actively beside Link throughout the adventure. Unlike Phantom Zelda, Wolf Link actually attacks enemies and is arguably the most helpful partner thus far.
1 Midna
Everything about this partner is just perfect. Midna from Twilight Princess might not be able to fight enemies but her presence is always welcomed. Is she evil? Is she on the side of good? It's nearly impossible to tell throughout which makes her intriguing to watch and see her story unfold.
Midna also features the most personality out of all the partners. Almost every time she gives a hint, Midna has something sassy to say to the player. However, that sassiness is backed by plenty of mature moments and a backstory that instantly hooks the player.