Trying to rank every Zelda game feels a bit like choosing a favourite star in the sky. They all shine in different ways and some only sparkle once you understand what they were trying to do. Still, we all love a good argument about which one truly sits at the top, so here is my attempt to put some order into Hyrule’s timeline of chaos. I grew up half convinced I was destined to find a glowing sword in the woods, so consider this the perspective of someone who still believes that cutting grass might reveal money.
This list covers the main entries, not remakes or spin offs, and it balances influence, design, world building and how well each game holds up today.
20. Zelda 2 The Adventure of Link
A bold experiment that often feels like the series wandered into a different dimension altogether. Combat has depth, the towns are oddly charming and the soundtrack sticks, but those difficulty spikes hit like a Lynel with something to prove. It earns respect, even if it remains the weird cousin you invite to gatherings out of loyalty.
19. The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass
I loved the ocean vibe, but the forced central dungeon breaks the mood every time you start having fun. The DS controls are creative though and Linebeck deserves a medal for being one of the funniest companions in Zelda history.
18. The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
Train travel in Zelda is one of those ideas that sounds bizarre at first, then becomes strangely relaxing. The dungeons have clever moments and Zelda as a companion is a win, but the rigid travel routes limit the sense of adventure that usually defines the series.
17. The Legend of Zelda Four Swords Adventures
Pure multiplayer chaos. Hyrule becomes a playground of bickering friends and stolen rupees. Amazing with a group, much less impressive on your own.
16. The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword
The story is heartfelt and the origins of the Master Sword are genuinely cool. The motion controls are a mixed bag though and revisiting the same areas several times slows the pace. Still, Groose remains a national treasure.
15. The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Seasons
Punchy combat and a fun magic item loop make this one feel like the more energetic half of the Oracle duo. The changing seasons mechanic is neat, even if flipping between them becomes a habit instead of a thrill.
14. The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Ages
The puzzles shine brighter here. Time travel gives the world a depth that still holds up and the dungeons are satisfyingly brain twisting. Playing both Oracle games together unlocks the real finale which feels like a secret handshake for the most dedicated fans.
13. The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess
A darker Hyrule, a moody Link and a world that feels heavy with history. The pacing drifts a bit in places but the dungeons hit hard and Midna is still one of the best characters the series has ever created. The vibe is unreal, like Ocarina of Time after discovering eyeliner.
12. The Legend of Zelda Minish Cap
One of the most charming entries. Shrinking down to explore tiny worlds is just plain fun and the art style has aged beautifully. Ezlo’s sarcasm gives the adventure some personality that still works today.
11. The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening
A dreamlike adventure that feels personal, strange and sometimes quietly emotional. The dungeon design is classic top down Zelda at its best. This one lingers with you in a way few others do.
10. The Legend of Zelda
The original blueprint. Wild, open, cryptic and demanding. It drops you into Hyrule without a safety net and expects you to figure it out. Modern players might bounce off its lack of hand holding, but that freedom is what sparked everything that came after.
9. The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds
Fast, elegant and full of clever twists. The wall merging mechanic opens puzzles in ways that feel fresh even years later. It brings the spirit of A Link to the Past into the modern age without losing what made it special.
8. The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker
A bold style choice that turned some fans off at launch but has become one of the most beloved looks in the series. The ocean feels peaceful and lonely in a strangely comforting way. The story lands emotionally and the world design rewards your curiosity at every turn.
7. The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask
Unsettling, layered and full of quiet dread. The three day loop forces you to understand people’s lives instead of just passing through. It is the most psychological Zelda game, like the series briefly decided to explore grief and identity. A masterpiece for players who want something heavier.
6. The Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past
Sharp world design, clever dual realm structure and dungeons that still feel tight and satisfying. This is the foundation for so many top down adventures and it remains one of the most replayable games in the franchise.
5. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
A playground for creative disasters. Ultrahand turns players into part time engineers and full time chaos generators. The sky islands and depths expand Hyrule into something mysterious again. The only real issue is that Breath of the Wild already reinvented the wheel, so this one feels more like a brilliant continuation than a new chapter.
4. The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening (Switch)
Yes it is a remake, but it is also one of the most lovingly crafted updates the series has ever had. It captures the tone of the original with a toy box style that somehow makes the sad bits hit even harder. It is one of the easiest Zelda games to recommend to newcomers.
3. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
The blockbuster moment that changed 3D action games forever. The music is iconic, the dungeons are unforgettable and the simple act of stepping onto Hyrule Field for the first time feels burned into gaming history. It shows its age now, but the magic still works.
2. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
A revolution. Zelda let go of the old formula and embraced freedom completely. The quiet moments are as meaningful as the big battles and the discovery never really stops. For many players this became the standard for open world design. It is still astonishing how natural it feels to just wander.
1. The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker HD
A controversial top pick perhaps, but there is something timeless about this version. The world is warm, expressive and full of small details that bring Hyrule’s flooded future to life. The pacing issues of the original are ironed out and the adventure carries a hopeful mood that sticks with you. It is a game that makes you smile without trying too hard which is a rare thing these days.
