There are many popular Nintendo games, such as Super Mario, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, etc. However, the one game series that stands out is The Legend of Zelda. The franchise started in 1986 when Nintendo released the first game on the Famicom Disk System. Since then, the series has thrived with over 25 different games, all of which offer something new to the table.

While most titles in the series are either famous for their unique gameplay or stellar storytelling, all of them have constantly offered great in-game characters. One such memorable character is Princess Zelda herself, who has shown a different personality in each game. These games in particular show her strongest performances in the popular franchise.

10 The Legend of Zelda (1987)

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The first ever The Legend of Zelda game came out in 1986 as a Famicom Disk System exclusive. However, it wasn't until it made its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System that it became a household name.

Since The Legend of Zelda is an old game, it featured minimal involvement from side characters. In the first installment, Princess Zelda is more or less a prisoner of Ganon and is only a central part of the game's lore. Hence, she's not as powerful here as she is when she appears in later games.

9 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

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The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is a GBA title that later came out on the 3DS and Wii U, and was well received by the fans. Similar to other games in the franchise, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is an action-adventure title that continues the story of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords.

The game showcases Princess Zelda as Hyrule's majesty and Link's friend, who gives him a shield that helps him through the game. Unfortunately, the game's main antagonist Vaati soon turns Zelda to stone, which gives Link a reason to embark on his quest.

0_0007_The Legend of Zelda_ A Link Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a Nintendo 3DS title that first came out in 2013. Being one of the last Zelda games on the platform, A Link Between Worlds fully utilizes the hardware to give players the best possible game experience.

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Princess Zelda in the 3DS title retains her royal appearance from games like Ocarina of Time. In the game, the princess helps Link with the Bow of Light, the most important weapon in the final boss fight against Yuga. That gesture alone makes A Link Between Worlds's Princess Zelda pretty smart and strong.

7 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a Nintendo Wii title that first came out in 2011. The game uses Wii MotionPlus controls and is the only major Zelda game on the platform. In this action-adventure title, Zelda does not appear as a princess. Instead, she's a normal girl with a destiny.

Therefore, her character in Skyward Sword is much more relatable than ever. The best part about Skyward Sword's Zelda is her journey as she goes from Wing Ceremony to Faron Woods, Eldin Volcano, and so on. Moreover, her sacrifices in the game make her an extremely strong version of the character.

6 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

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Phantom Hourglass is a sequel to the GameCube title The Wind Waker. Therefore, it showcases many of the same characters from the older game, including Princess Zelda. However, Zelda doesn't appear to be part of a royal family in the game.

Instead, she's a well-trained pirate named Tetra who became a captain at a young age after her mother's death. As such, she's an incredible fighter and helps assist Link throughout his journey. Tetra is also extremely adventurous in Phantom Hourglass and even leaps into the huge ghost ship without fear.

5 Hyrule Warriors

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Hyrule Warriors is a spin-off to The Legend of Zelda games and offers hack-and-slash gameplay instead of the usual action-adventure. This game is a hybrid of the popular Dynasty Warriors series and characters from The Legend of Zelda.

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Princess Zelda is one of the playable characters in the game, alongside Link. Hyrule Warriors showcases Zelda as a master at using the Rapier sword, and she is also well-versed in using the Wind Waker & Light Bow. She's also extremely confident and even participates in defending her castle from the enemies.

4 The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

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The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is a Nintendo DS title where the story continues a hundred years after Phantom Hourglass. Therefore, it doesn't show Princess Zelda as Tetra. Instead, this Zelda is part of the royal family and a descendant of the popular pirate.

In Spirit Tracks, Zelda embarks on the journey alongside Link to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the Spirit Tracks. Just like her great-great-grandmother, Spirit Tracks's Princess Zelda is an extremely adventurous character who sacrifices herself and helps the player in a spirit form.

3 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild may be one of the most popular games in the franchise due to its creative gameplay and stunning open world. Despite some flaws, Breath of the Wild offers the most detailed versions of characters, which makes it stand out.

Princess Zelda in the game is the ruler of Hyrule, who's also extremely smart and powerful. She contains the power of the Goddess Hylia and has a keen interest in uncovering ancient technologies, such as Divine Beasts, Guardians, and the Shrine of Trials. She has also been fighting Ganon for 100 years, holding him at bay.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is an amazing game with a very serious tone compared to other games in the franchise. Therefore, the Twilight Princess characters are more fascinating than ever. While Princess Zelda in the game is again the Royal Majesty of Hyrule. She's also one of the playable protagonists.

Hence, her importance is much more prominent in the game. Twilight Princess shows Princess Zelda assisting Link on his journey and helping him in the final boss battle against Ganondorf, making her an incredibly competent side character.

1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is probably the game that made the series as iconic as it is today. It has a great story, fun gameplay, and amazing characters, making it a true Zelda experience.

Princess Zelda in Ocarina of Time is again a Royal part of Hyrule and an important asset in Link's journey. She's a sage in the game and helps Link by giving him the Ocarina of Time itself, which is the game's central plot. She also supports the protagonist in retrieving Master Sword and beating the final boss, Ganon.

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