The Legend of Zelda is a series that needs no introduction. It's a cornerstone of gaming, with an illustrious history spanning decades and countless beloved entries. But for many players, the Nintendo Switch is their introduction to the world of Hyrule. With its hybrid nature and strong library of titles, the Switch is a perfect platform for exploring the adventures of Link. This list is our definitive ranking of the 18 best Zelda games available on the Switch, ensuring you find your next Hyrulean adventure.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Breath of the Wild is a landmark achievement in video game design. It reimagined the Zelda formula, offering an open world filled with possibilities. You can approach challenges in myriad ways, crafting your own path through Hyrule. The freedom to explore, the rewarding combat system, and the unforgettable story make this a must-play for any Zelda fan.
What Makes it Great:
- Open World: Breath of the Wild's expansive world is teeming with secrets, challenges, and captivating locations. You're free to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden shrines, climbing towering mountains, and encountering quirky characters.
- Gameplay Innovation: The game revolutionizes Zelda's combat with a focus on physics, environmental interaction, and diverse enemy types. You can use the environment to your advantage, crafting weapons from materials you find, and utilizing the physics engine to create unique strategies.
- Storytelling: While the plot is a bit more straightforward than some previous Zelda titles, it still delivers impactful moments and explores themes of hope, resilience, and the cyclical nature of conflict.
- Unforgettable Moments: The game is filled with iconic moments, from the first time you reach the peak of Mount Lanayru to the emotional climax of the final battle.
Why it's Ranked #1: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of open-world design and a true testament to the power of creative innovation. It's the pinnacle of Zelda gameplay, offering a sense of wonder and freedom that's unmatched.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)
Tears of the Kingdom is a worthy successor to Breath of the Wild, building upon its foundation and introducing new mechanics. The game expands the world both vertically and horizontally, taking players to the skies above Hyrule and the depths beneath.
What Makes it Great:
- Building Upon a Legacy: Tears of the Kingdom takes everything that made Breath of the Wild great and expands upon it. The open world is even bigger and more detailed, with new areas to explore, challenges to overcome, and secrets to uncover.
- New Abilities: The game introduces new abilities that change how you interact with the world. Fuse weapons and items for unique combinations, rewind time to undo mistakes, and manipulate objects in creative ways.
- Sky Islands: The addition of sky islands adds a new dimension to exploration, offering breathtaking views and unique challenges.
- Storytelling and Characters: Tears of the Kingdom delves deeper into the lore of Hyrule, offering a complex narrative that explores the themes of legacy, responsibility, and the cyclical nature of history.
Why it's Ranked #2: Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the foundation laid by Breath of the Wild, offering a truly unique experience that's both familiar and groundbreaking. It's a testament to Nintendo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a Zelda game can be.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)
Link's Awakening is a remake of the classic Game Boy title, bringing the charming pixelated world to the Switch with stunning visuals and updated gameplay. It's a charming adventure that captures the magic of the original while offering a modern experience.
What Makes it Great:
- Remake Magic: Link's Awakening is a perfect example of how to modernize a classic game. The visuals are breathtaking, the gameplay is smooth and intuitive, and the charming story is as endearing as ever.
- Charming World: The game features a unique world filled with whimsical characters and strange creatures. The environments are full of secrets and hidden areas, waiting to be discovered.
- Classic Zelda Gameplay: Link's Awakening retains the core elements of traditional Zelda games, with dungeon exploration, puzzles, and combat. The game offers a perfect balance of challenge and satisfaction.
- Storytelling: While the story is simple, it's also deeply affecting. Link's journey through the strange world of Koholint is a journey of self-discovery and coming of age.
Why it's Ranked #3: Link's Awakening is a love letter to the original game and a testament to the power of nostalgia. It's a reminder that even classic games can be reimagined in ways that appeal to both old and new fans.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (2021)
Skyward Sword HD is a remaster of the Wii title, featuring updated graphics, improved motion controls, and enhanced gameplay. While it's not as revolutionary as Breath of the Wild, it's a solid entry in the Zelda series, offering a unique story and memorable gameplay.
What Makes it Great:
- Motion Controls: Skyward Sword introduced motion controls to the Zelda franchise, and while it was a bit controversial at the time, the HD remaster refines the experience, offering a smoother and more intuitive control scheme.
- Storytelling: The game's story is considered one of the best in the Zelda series, focusing on the origins of the Master Sword, Hyrule, and the connection between Link and Zelda.
- Unique Setting: The game takes place above Hyrule in the clouds, with a unique world filled with floating islands, ancient temples, and vibrant environments.
- Dungeon Design: Skyward Sword features some of the best dungeon design in the series, with intricate puzzles and challenging encounters.
Why it's Ranked #4: Skyward Sword HD is a solid entry in the Zelda series, with a compelling story, unique setting, and improved controls. It's a great choice for players who want a more traditional Zelda experience.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (2016)
Twilight Princess HD is a remaster of the GameCube and Wii title, featuring updated graphics and gameplay. It's a darker and more mature Zelda game, offering a unique take on the franchise with a compelling story and challenging dungeons.
What Makes it Great:
- Darker Tone: Twilight Princess is a departure from the usual whimsical Zelda style. It features a darker, more mature tone, with a compelling story that explores themes of loss, revenge, and the struggle between light and darkness.
- Unique Art Style: The game features a distinctive art style that blends realistic elements with a stylized aesthetic. The environments are detailed and atmospheric, creating a truly immersive experience.
- Dungeon Design: Twilight Princess features some of the most complex and challenging dungeons in the Zelda series, requiring players to use their wits and skills to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
- Wolf Link: The ability to transform into a wolf adds a new layer of gameplay, allowing players to explore areas that are inaccessible in human form and engage in unique combat encounters.
Why it's Ranked #5: Twilight Princess HD is a well-crafted adventure with a compelling story, beautiful visuals, and engaging gameplay. It's a great choice for players who prefer a darker and more mature Zelda experience.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (2011)
Ocarina of Time 3D is a remake of the N64 classic, bringing the groundbreaking game to the 3DS with updated graphics and controls. It's a timeless masterpiece that redefined the adventure genre and remains one of the most influential games ever made.
What Makes it Great:
- Timeless Classic: Ocarina of Time is a game that transcends generations. It introduced groundbreaking 3D gameplay, memorable characters, and a compelling story that continues to captivate players today.
- Dungeon Design: Ocarina of Time is famous for its intricate and challenging dungeons. Each dungeon is unique, with its own theme, puzzles, and enemies.
- Storytelling: The game tells a timeless story of a young boy who must become a hero to save Hyrule from a tyrannical force. It explores themes of good versus evil, the power of friendship, and the importance of courage.
- World Design: The game's world is a marvel of design, with diverse environments, hidden secrets, and memorable locations.
Why it's Ranked #6: Ocarina of Time 3D is a perfect example of how a classic game can be reimagined for a new generation. It's a must-play for any Zelda fan, even if you've already experienced the original.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (2015)
Majora's Mask 3D is a remake of the N64 classic, bringing its haunting and atmospheric world to the 3DS with updated graphics and gameplay. It's a unique Zelda game that focuses on time travel, dark themes, and character development.
What Makes it Great:
- Unique Time Mechanic: Majora's Mask is the only Zelda game to feature a time travel mechanic. Players must complete the game within a three-day cycle, manipulating time to solve puzzles, complete side quests, and save the world from disaster.
- Haunting Atmosphere: The game has a unique, haunting atmosphere that sets it apart from other Zelda titles. The world is filled with strange creatures, unsettling music, and a sense of impending doom.
- Character Development: The game focuses on Link's journey as he learns to empathize with others and understand the consequences of his actions.
- Dungeon Design: While Majora's Mask has fewer dungeons than other Zelda games, each dungeon is memorable and challenging, requiring players to use their skills and creativity to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Why it's Ranked #7: Majora's Mask 3D is a dark and complex adventure that pushes the boundaries of the Zelda genre. It's a unique and rewarding experience that will stay with you long after you finish the game.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD (2013)
Wind Waker HD is a remake of the GameCube title, bringing its vibrant and colorful world to the Wii U with updated graphics and gameplay. It's a charming and whimsical adventure that captures the spirit of classic Zelda games.
What Makes it Great:
- Art Style: The game's cel-shaded art style is instantly recognizable and beloved by many players. It creates a charming and whimsical world that feels distinct from other Zelda games.
- Sailing: The game features a robust sailing system, allowing players to explore the vast ocean, discover hidden islands, and engage in naval battles.
- Dungeon Design: Wind Waker features some of the most memorable dungeons in the Zelda series, with creative puzzles, diverse enemies, and unique boss battles.
- Storytelling: The game tells a classic story of good versus evil, with a focus on the power of hope, friendship, and courage.
Why it's Ranked #8: Wind Waker HD is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of classic Zelda games. It's a charming and whimsical adventure that's perfect for players of all ages.
9. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (2013)
A Link Between Worlds is a 2D Zelda game that plays like a love letter to the classic NES titles. It features a unique ability to merge with walls, adding a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
What Makes it Great:
- Classic Zelda Gameplay: A Link Between Worlds returns to the 2D perspective of classic Zelda games, offering a familiar but fresh experience.
- Wall Merging: The ability to merge with walls allows players to explore the environment in new ways, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles.
- Storytelling: The game tells a compelling story that connects the worlds of A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, exploring themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of hope.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and enemies.
Why it's Ranked #9: A Link Between Worlds is a perfect example of how to modernize a classic game while still staying true to its roots. It's a must-play for any Zelda fan.
10. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)
The Minish Cap is a Game Boy Advance title that takes the player on a quest to stop a powerful evil from destroying the world. The game features a unique mechanic that allows Link to shrink to the size of a Minish, allowing players to explore the world from a new perspective.
What Makes it Great:
- Minish Form: The ability to shrink to Minish size opens up new gameplay possibilities. Players can find hidden pathways, solve puzzles, and interact with the world in new ways.
- Charming Art Style: The game's art style is charming and whimsical, with bright colors and detailed environments.
- Storytelling: The game tells a classic story of good versus evil, with a focus on the power of friendship and the importance of helping others.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of creative dungeons, each with its own theme, puzzles, and enemies.
Why it's Ranked #10: The Minish Cap is a charming and engaging Zelda adventure that's perfect for players who enjoy classic Zelda gameplay. It's a must-play for any Zelda fan.
11. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (2004)
Four Swords Adventures is a GameCube title that allows up to four players to play together in a cooperative adventure. Each player controls a different Link, with unique abilities and special items.
What Makes it Great:
- Cooperative Multiplayer: Four Swords Adventures is a great game to play with friends, offering a cooperative experience that's both challenging and rewarding.
- Unique Gameplay: The game's focus on multiplayer introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to combine Link's powers to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons that are designed for multiplayer gameplay.
- Storytelling: The game tells a classic story of good versus evil, with a focus on the power of teamwork and the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Why it's Ranked #11: Four Swords Adventures is a fun and engaging Zelda experience that's perfect for playing with friends. It's a unique and cooperative adventure that's sure to provide hours of entertainment.
12. The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (2015)
Tri Force Heroes is a 3DS title that focuses on cooperative gameplay for up to three players. Players must work together to solve puzzles, battle enemies, and dress up in unique costumes that provide special abilities.
What Makes it Great:
- Cooperative Gameplay: Tri Force Heroes is a fun and engaging game to play with friends, offering a unique and cooperative experience.
- Costume System: The game's costume system allows players to customize their Link's appearance and gain special abilities.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons that are designed for cooperative gameplay.
- Storytelling: The game tells a whimsical story that focuses on fashion and the power of teamwork.
Why it's Ranked #12: Tri Force Heroes is a fun and engaging Zelda adventure that's perfect for playing with friends. It's a unique and cooperative experience that's sure to provide hours of entertainment.
13. The Legend of Zelda: The Adventure of Link (1987)
The Adventure of Link is a top-down action-adventure game for the NES. It's a bit different from other Zelda games, with a more focused emphasis on action and exploration. It's an interesting entry in the Zelda series that deserves recognition.
What Makes it Great:
- Unique Gameplay: The Adventure of Link deviates from the usual Zelda formula, focusing on action-adventure gameplay and a unique world filled with challenging enemies and puzzles.
- Storytelling: The game tells a compelling story that explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
- Dungeon Design: The game features some of the most challenging dungeons in the Zelda series.
- Art Style: The game's 8-bit art style is charming and nostalgic, evoking the spirit of classic NES games.
Why it's Ranked #13: The Adventure of Link is a unique and engaging Zelda game that's worth playing for its compelling story and challenging gameplay. It's a reminder of the creative diversity of the Zelda series.
14. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (2001)
Oracle of Seasons is a Game Boy Color title that features a unique time-manipulation mechanic. Players can change the seasons to alter the environment, solve puzzles, and progress through the game.
What Makes it Great:
- Season Shifting: The ability to change the seasons is a unique and engaging gameplay mechanic that allows players to alter the environment, solve puzzles, and explore the world in new ways.
- Storytelling: The game tells a compelling story that involves a quest to find the eight seeds of seasons and restore the balance to the world.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and enemies.
- Art Style: The game's pixelated art style is charming and nostalgic, capturing the spirit of classic Game Boy Color games.
Why it's Ranked #14: Oracle of Seasons is a charming and engaging Zelda adventure that's perfect for players who enjoy classic Zelda gameplay. It's a must-play for any Zelda fan.
15. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (2001)
Oracle of Ages is a Game Boy Color title that focuses on time travel. Players can travel between the past and present to solve puzzles, alter the environment, and unlock new areas.
What Makes it Great:
- Time Travel: The ability to travel between the past and present is a unique and engaging gameplay mechanic that allows players to solve puzzles, alter the environment, and unlock new areas.
- Storytelling: The game tells a compelling story that involves a quest to stop a powerful evil from destroying the world.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and enemies.
- Art Style: The game's pixelated art style is charming and nostalgic, capturing the spirit of classic Game Boy Color games.
Why it's Ranked #15: Oracle of Ages is a charming and engaging Zelda adventure that's perfect for players who enjoy classic Zelda gameplay. It's a must-play for any Zelda fan.
16. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (1998)
Link's Awakening DX is an enhanced version of the original Game Boy title, featuring improved graphics, new features, and a color palette. It's a charming and nostalgic adventure that's a must-play for any Zelda fan.
What Makes it Great:
- Charming World: The game features a unique world filled with whimsical characters and strange creatures. The environments are full of secrets and hidden areas, waiting to be discovered.
- Classic Zelda Gameplay: Link's Awakening retains the core elements of traditional Zelda games, with dungeon exploration, puzzles, and combat. The game offers a perfect balance of challenge and satisfaction.
- Storytelling: While the story is simple, it's also deeply affecting. Link's journey through the strange world of Koholint is a journey of self-discovery and coming of age.
- Art Style: The game's pixelated art style is charming and nostalgic, capturing the spirit of classic Game Boy games.
Why it's Ranked #16: Link's Awakening DX is a classic Zelda adventure that's perfect for players who enjoy the original game or want a taste of classic Zelda gameplay.
17. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
A Link to the Past is a Super Nintendo classic that redefined the Zelda genre. It introduced a vast and interconnected world, memorable dungeons, and a compelling story. While not available on the Switch, its importance to the franchise merits its inclusion on this list.
What Makes it Great:
- World Design: A Link to the Past's world is a marvel of design, with diverse environments, hidden secrets, and memorable locations.
- Dungeon Design: The game is known for its intricate and challenging dungeons, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and enemies.
- Storytelling: The game tells a classic story of good versus evil, with a focus on the power of hope, friendship, and courage.
- Art Style: The game's 16-bit art style is beautiful and vibrant, creating a truly immersive experience.
Why it's Ranked #17: A Link to the Past is a timeless classic that's essential for any Zelda fan. It's a game that continues to captivate players with its innovative design, compelling story, and challenging gameplay.
18. The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass (2007)
The Phantom Hourglass is a DS title that features a unique touch screen-based gameplay mechanic. Players use the touch screen to control Link's movements and interact with the environment.
What Makes it Great:
- Touch Screen Gameplay: The game's use of the touch screen adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to control Link's movements with precision and interact with the environment in unique ways.
- Storytelling: The game tells a compelling story that involves a quest to stop a powerful evil from destroying the world.
- Dungeon Design: The game features a variety of challenging dungeons, each with its own unique theme, puzzles, and enemies.
- Art Style: The game's stylized art style is charming and whimsical, capturing the spirit of classic Zelda games.
Why it's Ranked #18: The Phantom Hourglass is a unique and engaging Zelda adventure that's worth playing for its innovative gameplay and compelling story.
Conclusion:
This list encompasses a diverse range of Zelda games, each offering a unique experience. From the groundbreaking open world of Breath of the Wild to the charming and whimsical world of Wind Waker, there's a Zelda game for every type of player. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to Hyrule, exploring these titles is a journey into a world of unforgettable memories and captivating adventures.
FAQs:
Q: What is the difference between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
A: While both games share a similar open world, Tears of the Kingdom introduces new abilities that fundamentally change how you play. These include the ability to fuse items, rewind time, and manipulate objects. It also expands the world both vertically and horizontally, with sky islands and underground areas to explore.
Q: What is the best Zelda game for beginners?
A: For newcomers, we recommend starting with Breath of the Wild. It's the most accessible entry point, offering a forgiving difficulty curve, a vast open world to explore, and a variety of ways to approach challenges.
Q: Which Zelda game has the best story?
A: Many fans consider Skyward Sword to have the best story, as it delves into the origins of the Master Sword, Hyrule, and the relationship between Link and Zelda. However, each Zelda game offers a unique and compelling narrative that will resonate with players.
Q: Which Zelda game has the best dungeons?
A: The answer depends on your preferences. Ocarina of Time is known for its intricate and challenging dungeons, while Twilight Princess features some of the most complex dungeon design in the series. However, games like Wind Waker, Majora's Mask, and Skyward Sword also feature creative and memorable dungeons.
Q: Which Zelda game is the hardest?
A: Majora's Mask is often considered the most challenging Zelda game, due to its time limit, complex puzzles, and the demanding boss battles. However, the difficulty of each Zelda game is subjective and depends on your skill level and playstyle.
Remember: This ranking is subjective and based on our own preferences and criteria. Ultimately, the best Zelda game for you is the one you enjoy the most.