Legend of Zelda: Every Link Design, Ranked

The Legend of Zelda is a long-lived series spanning every Nintendo Console. With 19 mainline adventures, plenty of remakes, including rumors of a Phantom Hourglass Nintendo Switch remake on the horizon, it’s time to take a look back over the series and explore how Link, the series protagonist, has changed his look over the years. Often, but not always, clad in green and carrying a trusty sword and shield, The Legend of Zelda’s silent protagonist has grown and changed over the years, undergoing a surprising amount of design changes.

Most Zelda games follow a similar structure plot-wise. The land of Hyrule is threatened (or defeated) by a looming evil, and only the hero Link, along with Princess Zelda, can save the day. In general Zelda games see players navigating Link through a series of dungeons, acquiring new items and weapons, and defeating bosses. It’s a time-tested formula and proves, with Zelda’s 35th anniversary fast approaching, that the Legend of Zelda series is as memorable as a floppy green hat. But just how has that iconic hat changed over the years?

Each new generation sees a new version of Link set out to save the world, complete with a new look. Some of these looks are similar, especially when the games are similar in style, but have been are some radical changes to the core idea of what Link is, and how Nintendo chooses to style the entire adventure. From the charismatic Leonardo DiCaprio look of Ocarina of Time’s Link to the cell shading of Wind Waker, here are some of the best of the series, complete with in-depth catwalk analysis.

8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons attempted to mix the classic look of 2D Zelda games along with the the more mature outfit of Ocarina of Time’s adult Link. It’s interesting to see Nintendo create a more youthful look for Link while retaining the more mature nature of Ocarina of Time. With white tights, a lowcut brown shirt hidden behind the tunic, and nothing much else to make this version of Link stand out, the Oracle of Ages & Seasons Link is fairly low on this list. Perhaps if Oracle of Ages & Seasons would appear in The Legend of Zelda 3D All-Stars, this position might be worth rethinking.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

A bit of a mix of cute and mature, Skyward Sword’s Link brings an expressive face and plops it on to a chainmail-wearing warrior, with (finally) appropriately-baggy pants and a more realistic adventuring outfit. While the look may work, the fact that it straddles two different types of Link really stops Skyward Sword’s hero from snagging a higher spot. The fact that his adventure was a mixed bag for many players doesn’t help, and the odd combination of styles combined with frustrating gameplay choices conspire to keep this well-protected Link lower on the list. The fluffy birds definitely helps, though.

6. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Link’s third outing in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past saw the time traveling hero adopt more modern looks. The tunic and hat remained the same, but the hair, face, and overall stature begin trending towards the look of modern Zelda games.

Link’s overall appearance is taller, leaner, and more elf-like, leaning into that true Hylean look. It helps that this Link happened to star in the one of the best 2D Zelda games, and though he doesn’t have the pink hair of his sprite, this Link is definitely iconic.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The counterpoint to the adorable Link from Wind Waker, the moody Link from Twilight Princess has all the smolder of Ocarina of Time, and then some. Sporting a dashing wolf alter ego (also with an earring, weirdly enough), and coming complete with Twilight Princess’s snappy companion Midna, this Link took all the style of the Ocarina of Time Link and turned it up to 11. A grim Link for a grim Zelda adventure, Twilight Princess’ Link deserves this spot.

4. The Legend of Zelda

The original look for Link in the Legend of Zelda on the NES is a classic. The iconic hero was one of many to grace videogaming for the first time in 1986, gaming’s biggest year. The future Hero of Time’s signature green tunic, floppy hat, and sword and shield combo make their debut. Link in the original Legend of Zelda is cute, with a short and stocky appearance that conveys a different type of hero than later entries. It should also be noted that Link’s crusader shield didn’t last long, swiftly replaced as it was with more setting appropriate Hylian iconography. Important for its influence on the later stylistic choices, and for cementing the game as a classic, this Link remains memorable over time.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Link was able to transform from young to old through the power of time travel. While the youthful Link retains some series staples, though with a more defined outfit and dashing over-the-shoulder scabbard, it was mature Link that really set the scene for Ocarina of Time. With underclothes, chunky gauntlets, a mysterious earring (seriously when did he get that?), and a serious expression, mature Link really set the tone for the dark world of Ocarina of Time’s future. This entry is also notable for its inclusion of 3D renders of many of Hyrule’s fictional races, and seeing Link stand tall beside Gorons, Zora, and Gerudo in glorious 3D elevates this Link to the top 3.

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The controversial jump from a more realistic Link in Ocarina of Time to the cartoon and expressive Link of Wind Waker threw off many fans, but the adorable hero quickly gained a following. The cell shading, massive eyes, and stubby little legs make this a Link that looks about as squishy as Ocarina of Time’s Link looked impressive.

Yet when the worlds that this Link traversed fit his aesthetic so well, it made it hard to suggest that the expressive nature of the Hero shouldn’t be celebrated. Wind Waker is one of the best 3D Zelda games, and there’s a reason this style of Link starred in two subsequent games, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Link’s most recent mainline look really sells the change to the series that Breath of the Wild brought. No longer sporting the green tunic (unless players track it down) Link is subject to all manner of outfit changes as the game progresses and the player unlocks new armor options. Link has a clean hardness to him that speaks to many adventures and a troubled past. Despite being the lightest Link ever, at least when weighed against food, this Link is a tough customer. Even though Breath of the Wild gave players unprecedented ability to customize Link’s outfits, the now iconic hatless Link with a blue tunic became as recognizable as the original, propelling Link and The Legend of Zelda into a new era for Nintendo and fans alike.

No matter which Zelda game players are most interested in playing, Link and his iconic outfits will be front and center. While the massive differences might startle some players who are jumping from Ocarina of Time to Wind Waker, or Skyward Sword to Breath of the Wild, Nintendo’s ability to create an instantly-recognizable hero to front the The Legend of Zelda series remains on point. The only thing for fans to speculate on now are whether or not Nintendo should make a Zelda film, and what kind of design jump will happen after Breath of the Wild 2?

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