The Legend of Zelda: Every Version of Link Ranked

“The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords” (2002)

Well, somebody has to come in last. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find it’s the Link from “Four Swords.” This is the only appearance of this specific version of Link, and it’s in a multiplayer add-on for a GBA re-release of “A Link to the Past.” The game is already light on plot, exponentially more so on the characterization of the hero. Still, every Link achieves greatness and the Hero of the Four Sword is no different. Being able to split in four is a pretty neat trick, and he uses it to save Zelda from forced marriage to the monstrous Vaati.

“The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures” (2004)

Despite similar gameplay and art styles, “Four Swords” and “Four Swords Adventures” take place at entirely different points on the “Zelda” timeline. That means two different Links. However, there isn’t that much difference between the two. Both gain the ability to split in four and both are placeholders for the classic hero archetype. But the Hero of Light’s accomplishments are definitely more impressive. Rather than saving only Zelda, Link has to worry about multiple abductees. Not only that, but his journey puts him into conflict with both Vaati AND Ganon. Although not a lot about the game is very memorable, credit where credit is due.

“The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” (2009)

Following the events of “Wind Waker” and “Phantom Hourglass,” a New Hyrule was settled. 100 years later in “Spirit Tracks,” Link begins as an Engineer, those who serve the Royal Family and drive trains across the continent. The occupation is a nice change of pace from Link being a knight, blacksmith, or, more often, a country bumpkin. He also gets to travel with Zelda, or rather her spirit, offering a different dynamic between the two from many other entries. Still, this Link is a blank slate like many others and his single appearance here means his accomplishments are limited. However, he still stops the rise of a powerful Demon King…oh wait, they all do that don’t they?

“The Legend of Zelda” (1987)

The original incarnation of Link, at least in release order, deserves a lot of credit for kicking off the franchise. The sense of adventure the series is known for was always there, and it helped Link become an iconic figure among Nintendo’s others, even then. However, it doesn’t get much more one-dimensional than an NES character. For both the first game and “Zelda II,” you’d have to read the manual for plot set-up and Link’s purpose, which is understandably very light. Major props to him, though. He saved Hyrule twice within a couple years, with almost no help along the way. And given the state of Hyrule at this point in the timeline, he also didn’t have the wealth of shops and unique gear many other Links would.

“The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap” (2005)

Toon Link is, by far, the most expressive and visually unique design for the character. While some fans hated it initially, we’ve been delighted to see it repurposed several times. Set towards the beginning of the franchise’s history, “The Minish Cap” follows Link trying to save Hyrule from Vaati, a former member of the Picori who would turn into the monster we see much later in “Four Swords.” Doing so requires Link to venture through dangerous areas from two different perspectives. While the game is jam-packed with charm, its engaging gameplay and the Picori have sadly yet to be revisited. This means the Hero of the Minish’s achievements are still fairly small in comparison to the others. Still love him, though.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” (2013)

Nintendo brought the “A Link to the Past” style back with tremendous fashion in a sequel set much, much later. The tale saw this incarnation of the hero contend with not one Kingdom under threat, but two. With the evil sorcerer Yuga turning allies into paintings, Link crossed into an alternate dimension to stop him. Although he wasn’t the first Link to dimension-hop, that’s still pretty impressive. After saving both Hyrule and Lorule, he journeyed to the neighboring land, Hytopia. Here, he had to split in three to save its Princess from a curse put on her by a witch that forced her to wear a hideous jumpsuit…Yeah, “Tri Force Heroes” isn’t the best, but at least dressing Link up in different outfits is adorable.

“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011)

If an almighty being chooses you specifically to be their hero, to face untold numbers of monsters and ensure the survival of humanity, well then you’re probably worthy of some praise. “Skyward Sword” Link is chronologically the first version of the hero we’ve seen in-game. Although he’s a silent protagonist like all the rest, he can be pretty expressive and light-hearted. His connection to the Goddess Hylia and his actions throughout the game are far more important to the foundation of the series than most other games. His deeds build the world from which everything stems which is, at the very least, admirable. Plus, his much more personal connection to Zelda does a lot to help with characterization for both of them.

“The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” (2006)

The Link of “Twilight Princess” inhabits a much darker, somber Hyrule than most others. And while that’s mostly because Nintendo designed it that way following “Wind Waker’s” mixed reception, he still goes through a lot. Friends from his village are abducted, his home is swallowed by dark magic, and he’s transformed into a wolf. Tragedy and struggle breeds personality, though, as do Link’s connections with loved ones. Additionally, since “Twilight Princess” is a darker installment, it makes Link’s journey more personal. Everywhere he goes, the impact of Zant’s villainy is felt, from something as small as a blocked passage to something as tragic as the Queen of the Zoras executed in front of her people. Link’s victory here is layered in different levels of heroics, making the accomplishment feel greater.

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)

“Breath of the Wild” has been praised from every direction, though one we don’t see as often is how it handled Link’s characterization. While it naturally isn’t as deep as something you’d find in a more narrative-driven series, there were some unique alterations. Optional dialogue options while chatting with NPCs show this is certainly the funniest Link. Moments concerning Zelda offer something a bit deeper. We learn this Link follows in his father’s footsteps as a knight and stoically took a vow of silence in preparation for the Calamity. These subtleties bring nice touches to the Link everyone knows, and his achievements are nothing to sneeze at either. Within a bigger, more dangerous Hyrule, Link traveled between various ravaged towns. And if you played like us, he helped citizens in ways both miniscule and monumental.

“The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2002)

Like I said, Toon Link is a wonderful design for the character. And we first got to play as him right here. Whether he’s caught in a moment of peril or simply exploring, the cartoon-like expressiveness shines through. Though that’s not all that gives him personality. The Hero of Winds comes with connections to make him a bit more three-dimensional. Here, she's an energetic little sister and a caring grandmother. They anchor Link to the plot, placing more emphasis on why he needs to become the hero. And boy does he. Not only is he the hero of “Wind Waker,” but he’s also the hero of “Phantom Hourglass.” He saves two oceans’ worth of people and goes on to discover what would become New Hyrule. That’s quite the feat.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (1992)

The Legendary Hero is the very definition of classic “Zelda.” And he spans 4 entries in the series. In “A Link to the Past,” he travels to the twisted Dark World to save Hyrule from Ganon. With that deed done, he later travels to neighboring kingdoms Holodrum and Labrynna in the “Oracle” duology, saving them both from terrible fates and stopping Ganon’s resurrection. Becoming shipwrecked in “Link’s Awakening,” he’s then trapped in a dream world plagued by literal Nightmares until he can escape. There’s no other Link that has had to deal with the unique volume of threats he’s had to. The Legendary Hero personifies the nostalgic top-down gameplay of “Zelda” that some fans still crave. But, for obvious reasons, he doesn’t really stand out in the personality department.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” (1998)

When it comes to iconicism, there’s no beating the Hero of Time. “Ocarina” was a major step forward in gaming, and so this Link became a model for all to look towards. Although he’s a silent protagonist, he’s hardly a blank slate. His upbringing and him giving up his childhood for Hyrule make him sympathetic. In “Majora’s Mask,” he’s trapped in a time loop until he can save the helpless Termina from destruction. Both of his journeys are lonesome, taxing endeavors; what he accomplishes on a grand scale in “Ocarina” and on a personal one in “Majora” are indeed great. However, he made one final appearance as the Hero’s Shade in “Twilight Princess.” His regret of having not passed on his skills adds another layer as the deepest incarnation of the hero. At least he finds peace in the end.