Best Zelda Games Ranked – 10 Must-Play Titles
Let’s get one thing straight: The Legend of Zelda is one of the greatest video game series of all time. But what makes it so unforgettable? Is it the epic storytelling from Nintendo? The iconic music and art style? Or maybe it’s the sense of wonder as you explore magical lands, solve puzzles, and save the world (again)? Honestly, it’s all of that and more.
Every Zelda game takes you into a world you already know and love — peaceful villages, hidden dungeons, magical melodies, and of course, our hero, Link. With so many titles across nearly four decades, it’s hard to say which one is the best. For me, it all started with Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64, but is it still the GOAT? After many years exploring Hyrule, I’ve put together this guide to help you find your next Zelda adventure.
If you’re new to the series, buckle up. No matter where you start, you’ll soon understand why Zelda is considered the ultimate adventure series. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks For The Legend Of Zelda
Let’s start with a quick overview of the absolute must-plays! These titles represent the series’ pinnacle, showcasing why The Legend of Zelda remains the gold standard for action-adventure games.
- Breath of the Wild (2017) – Revolutionary open-world masterpiece where every mountain can be climbed and every path leads to adventure. Experience true freedom in a beautifully crafted Hyrule.
- Echoes of Wisdom (2024) – Masterful blend of tradition and innovation. Wield ancient magic and see how your choices ripple through past and present Hyrule.
- Link’s Awakening (2019) – Dreams come alive in this beautifully reimagined classic. Discover the mysteries of Koholint Island in a charming adventure.
- Tears of the Kingdom (2023) – From underground caves to floating islands, reshape Hyrule with incredible new powers and endless creativity.
- Ocarina of Time (1998) – The legend that changed gaming forever. Travel through time, master magical songs, and experience the adventure beloved by a generation.
These games stand out for their impact, design, and innovation, making them essential for any Zelda fan. Keep reading to discover a full breakdown for each game and find your entry point into one of gaming’s greatest series.
Best Zelda Games Ranked
The Legend of Zelda isn’t just a game. It’s an unforgettable adventure that pulls you into a world of magic, mystery, and epic quests. Each game brings something new, but the core stays the same: you’re always stepping into Link’s boots and embarking on a journey you won’t forget.
What makes the Zelda series stand out? Unlike games with complicated skill trees or endless level grinding, Zelda keeps things simple. It’s all about exploring, solving puzzles, and tackling one quest after another. Combat feels smooth, the controls are easy to pick up, and the gameplay is always a blast. But don’t let the simplicity fool you; there’s a surprising amount of depth under the surface that’ll keep you hooked.
Whether you’re sailing the windy islands in Wind Waker or losing yourself in the massive open world of Breath of the Wild, one thing’s for sure — the Zelda series never gets old. Ready to dive into the legendary games that made this series a household name? Let’s get started.
1. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.9 | Nintendo Switch, Wii U | 2017 | Nintendo |
No list of the best Zelda games ranked would be complete without Breath of the Wild. This epic adventure redefined the Zelda formula, introducing an open-world game experience unlike anything seen in Nintendo’s Zelda games before. As you guide Link through a vast, broken world, you shape your own journey, discovering forgotten ruins, solving clever puzzles, and battling the forces of Calamity Ganon.
Unlike other mainline Zelda games, BOTW strips away hand-holding, giving you complete freedom to explore. Whether you scale mountains, glide over Hyrule, or experiment with creative combat solutions, the gameplay loop ensures every moment feels fresh. It’s a definitive Zelda experience that Zelda fans and newcomers alike can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A massive open world where every mountain can be climbed
- Gameplay that rewards experimentation and out-of-the-box thinking
- A stunning art style that makes Hyrule feel alive
- Challenging yet rewarding combat
- Winner of numerous Game of the Year awards
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2. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.8 | Nintendo Switch | 2024 | Nintendo |
As a direct sequel to Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom balances traditional Zelda dungeon design with modern open-world mechanics. For the first time, Princess Zelda takes center stage as the main playable character, offering a fresh perspective on the Zelda adventure.
This game introduces time-based puzzles, letting you shape both past and present Hyrule. The gameplay loop rewards creative problem-solving, while its dark world narrative dives deep into Zelda’s history. With refined combat mechanics and new magical abilities, Echoes of Wisdom ranks among the best RPG games in the Zelda franchise.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A perfect mix of traditional Zelda and open-world freedom
- A deep customization system for weapons and abilities
- Gorgeous visuals that bring ancient Hyrule to life
- A compelling story that ties into the Zelda mythos
- Innovative puzzles based on time manipulation
- Expansive side content rewarding exploration
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3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.6 | Nintendo Switch | 2019 | Nintendo/Grezzo |
A Link to the Past may have shaped later Zelda games, but Link’s Awakening pushed the boundaries of Game Boy storytelling. This Link’s Awakening remake retains the magic of the original while enhancing it with charming toy-like visuals and quality-of-life improvements.
Set on Koholint Island, Link embarks on a Zelda adventure unlike any other, blending whimsical storytelling with melancholic themes. With its tight dungeon design, challenging puzzles, and refined gameplay loop, this is the perfect Zelda adventure game for both veterans and newcomers.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Adorable diorama-style graphics
- Classic top-down Zelda gameplay at its finest
- A memorable story that surprises and delights
- Challenging dungeons with unique mechanics
- Smooth controls and satisfying combat
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4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.6 | Nintendo Switch | 2023 | Nintendo |
Building on Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom expands Hyrule with floating sky islands and deep underground caverns. Link’s Ultrahand ability lets players construct vehicles, bridges, and even battle machines, making this one of the most innovative Zelda games ever.
With improved combat, larger dungeons, and an expanded Zelda mythos, Tears of the Kingdom cements itself as a great game in the series. The game design encourages experimentation, pushing the Zelda formula to new heights.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Create anything using Link’s new abilities
- Explore three layers: sky, surface, and depths
- Even more complex dungeons than BOTW
- A richer, deeper Zelda story
- Creative combat options, including weapon fusion
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5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.5 | Nintendo 64, 3DS | 1998 | Nintendo |
Few mainline games in history have had the impact of Ocarina of Time. The first Zelda game in 3D, it introduced master quest dungeons, a time-traveling story, and an engaging gameplay loop that defined other Zelda games.
Exploring Hyrule Field for the first time remains an unforgettable moment, and Zelda fans still praise its epic adventure. From the Twilight Realm-inspired Shadow Temple to the Dark World-like Adult Link era, every area is packed with intrigue.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A perfect mix of story and gameplay
- Dungeons that reward exploration
- An iconic soundtrack
- Time-travel mechanics that add emotional weight
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6. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.3 | GameCube, Wii U | 2002 | Nintendo |
Remember when everyone thought cartoony graphics would ruin Zelda? Wind Waker proved them spectacularly wrong. Twenty years later, its cel-shaded visuals look better than ever, while more realistic games from the same era show their age. But Wind Waker’s true beauty isn’t just skin deep — it’s in how the game reimagines everything we love about Zelda.
Trading Hyrule’s rolling fields for a vast ocean was a bold move that paid off brilliantly. Every journey across the Great Sea feels epic, with islands appearing on the horizon like promises of adventure. The game’s expressive art style lets Link show more personality than ever before, while the refined combat system makes every sword clash feel fluid and dramatic. Through it all runs a story about finding hope in a drowned world, told with humor and heart in equal measure.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Timeless cel-shaded art style that keeps getting better with age
- Vast ocean world filled with secrets and surprises
- Some of the most expressive character animation ever
- Perfect balance of sailing and adventure
- Memorable cast of characters
- Combat system that makes you feel like a swashbuckling hero
7. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9 | Nintendo 64, 3DS | 2000 | Nintendo |
A darker and more emotional take on the Zelda series, Majora’s Mask follows Link as he races against time to stop the Moon from crashing into Termina. With its unique three-day cycle, mask transformations, and haunting atmosphere, this is one of the most experimental Zelda games ever made.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A dark, emotional narrative unlike any other Zelda game
- Time-based mechanics that add urgency and depth
- Unique mask transformations altering gameplay
- A mysterious and surreal world to explore
- Challenging dungeons and side quests
8. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 8.9 | GameCube, Wii, Wii U | 2006 | Nintendo |
If Wind Waker was Zelda’s bright, optimistic adventure, Twilight Princess is its moody teenage years – and I mean that in the best way possible. This darker take on Hyrule embraces gothic fantasy, with Link transforming into a wolf and exploring a kingdom shrouded in perpetual dusk. The result is familiar and fresh like a beloved fairy tale retold with a new edge.
The wolf transformation mechanic could have been just a gimmick. Instead, it fundamentally changes how you see and interact with Hyrule. Working with Midna, your mysterious companion, creates some of the most satisfying puzzles in the series. The dungeons are massive, intricate challenges that feel like architectural marvels. From snowboarding on a frozen peak to battling on horseback across Hyrule Field, every set piece feels epic without losing that essential Zelda charm.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gorgeous gothic art style that sets it apart
- Dual-world gameplay with unique wolf mechanic
- Some of the best dungeons in the series
- Epic storytelling with high stakes
- Memorable companion character in Midna
- Refined combat system with special move
9. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 8.9 | SNES | 1991 | Nintendo |
Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. A Link to the Past perfected the 2D Zelda formula so well that games still copy it today. Its Light and Dark World mechanics influenced everything from Ocarina of Time to modern RPGs, showing how one small change can create endless possibilities.
What makes this game timeless isn’t just its innovative design – it’s the perfect pacing. Every screen holds a secret, every dungeon introduces new items and ideas, and the difficulty curve feels just right. The pixel art still looks beautiful today, proving that strong artistic vision beats photorealism every time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Perfect balance of exploration and challenge
- Innovative dual-world mechanic
- Timeless pixel art that still looks great
- Memorable music and sound design
- Influential dungeon design
- Rewarding secrets and side quests
10. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
| Our Score (1-10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 8.5 | Wii, Nintendo Switch | 2011 | Nintendo |
Skyward Sword tells the first story in the Zelda timeline, and it feels appropriately mythic. Set in a world of floating islands high above the clouds, it pushes boundaries with motion controls and a more character-focused narrative. While some found the controls divisive, the HD remaster proves there’s a brilliant game underneath.
This is Zelda at its most experimental, turning every sword swing into a puzzle and every flight through the clouds into an adventure. The relationship between Link and Zelda feels more personal than ever, while the origin story of the Master Sword adds depth to the entire series’ mythology.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Beautiful art style inspired by impressionist paintings
- Origin story that enriches the whole series
- Creative dungeon design with unique mechanics
- Strong character development
- Innovative combat system
- Memorable boss battles
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I play all Zelda games?
No, you don’t need to play every Zelda game to enjoy the series. Each game is designed to stand alone, though playing multiple entries will deepen your appreciation of the recurring themes and elements.
Does Zelda have a PC version?
No, The Legend of Zelda games are Nintendo exclusives and aren’t officially available on PC.
Is Zelda a Nintendo-only game?
Yes, The Legend of Zelda is developed and published exclusively by Nintendo.
What game is most similar to Zelda?
Games like Immortals Fenyx Rising, Okami, and Tunic capture the spirit of Zelda while offering their own unique twists. These games share Zelda’s focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure.
Why is Zelda called Zelda?
In the games, all Hylian princesses have the name Zelda. The series was named after Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
