The Legend of Zelda series has been producing fantastical gaming experiences for fans since 1986. As such, there is no shortage of intriguing character arcs to write home about. Still, for the very best storylines, it is hard to look past those of the franchise’s main character, Link. While the series is named after the great and powerful Princess Zelda, it is through the eyes of Link that players experience the games.
Given this fact, it is hardly surprising that the most fleshed-out character arcs belong to the enigmatic Hero of Time. Every Zelda game has the player control Link on his quest to defeat evil and save the land of Hyrule. While every entry in the series is uniquely brilliant, some have standout gameplay, puzzles, or, scenery, but the best Link storylines can really do set themselves apart.
6 The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001)
The 2001 Game Boy Color releases, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are two separate games with a somewhat continuous storyline. While the gameplay and graphics of some of the early Game Boy Zelda releases might be difficult for some to stomach, they are not lacking in puzzles or intriguing narratives.
After being summoned by the Triforce to protect the Oracle of Seasons, Link finds himself in the forest world of Labrynna, where the Oracle of Ages has been possessed by the Sorceress of Shadows, Veran. This antagonist is affecting the flow of time and threatening to cut down the land’s great Maku Tree. In true hero fashion, Link defeats the evil Veran and saves the land.
5 The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
In an age when the land of Hyrule has been submerged for hundreds of years by a great flood, Zelda’s iconic hero, Link, heads out on a water-world adventure.
Setting off to tackle the islands of The Great Sea archipelago, Link claims the Master Sword and forms an alliance with Tetra, a Hyrulean Royal Family descendant recognized to be an incarnation of Princess Zelda. Together they defeat the spirit of the recurrent enemy, Ganon, visit the submerged Hyrule, and set off to establish a new kingdom.
4 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
On the surface, Twilight Princess is a classic case of a young Link being summoned to Zelda only to find Hyrule Castle conquered and her imprisoned by an evil sorcerer, Zant. Under the surface, however, this game offers players a chance to wield a shape-shifting Link to restore the Light Spirits and obtain the Fused Shadows in their quest to overcome evil.
Link visits his Hyrule allies, the Goron and Zora as he journeys with Midna in search of the Mirror of Twilight. After defeating Zant and learning that the sorcerer had forged an alliance with a historic enemy, Link and Midna, now joined by Zelda face off against Ganondorf. While the heroes are initially defeated, they persevere and succeed in destroying the evil lord and, ultimately, are able to save Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.
3 The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Taking place in the limbo-like world of Termina, the Nintendo 64’s Majora’s Mask offers fans of the series a chance to step outside of Hyrule and away from the Hero of Time troupe. After the events of Ocarina of Time, Link finds himself following the mischievous Skull Kid into Clock Town, Termina.
Link soon discovers that this new antagonist has wreaked havoc in this strange land. Setting out to undo the damage caused by Skull Kid, he begins a quest that involves the use of mystical form-altering masks to defeat the Four Giants and save the four regions of Termina.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The Zelda series’ first open-world game, Breath of the Wild offers a view into the Kingdom of Hyrule like no other before. While the gameplay, puzzles, and all-around scenic beauty are enough to entice any gaming fan to experience this instant classic, it also has a narrative worth delving into.
While Link’s arc is mostly the classic Hero of Time, who is tasked with defeating Calamity Ganon with the help of Princess Zelda and saving Hyrule, it does come with its unique twists. On his quest, Link’s legend is interwoven with mythical beings of the land known as Divine Beasts, Guardians, and Champions. Reigniting the powers of old, Link and Zelda defeat their ultimate enemy and set out to restore Hyrule.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Perhaps not the most detailed narrative, Link’s journey through the Ocarina of Time offers a simple window into the world of Hyrule, including its regions and races. The story is especially intriguing due to the in-game time travel elements that give players a window into alternative Zelda timelines.
As a young Link, players set out on a quest to claim the Triforce and avert disaster. He fails in his initial quest and falls into a seven-year slumber only to wake and discover that Hyrule has been conquered by Ganondorf. Adult Link then ventures to five of the seven Sages to wake them, gain the Triforce of Courage, take counsel with Zelda and defeat Ganondorf using the legendary Master Sword.