The Legend of Zelda’s coolest and decidedly uncool versions of Link

In the pantheon of online game characters, few are extra recognizable than Link. His inexperienced tunic has develop into iconic, as has the Master Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s fashionable sufficient to have crossed over right into a quantity of different video games, from Super Smash Bros. to Super Mario Maker to Soulcalibur. He’s additionally not only one particular person.

In 2023, Polygon is embarking on a Zeldathon. Join us on our journey via The Legend of Zelda sequence, from the unique 1986 sport to the discharge of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and past.

Most video games within the Zelda franchise introduce a brand new Link. While many of the small print keep largely the identical (heroic nature, normally some kind of inexperienced tunic, silent protagonist), every is their very own discrete iteration with distinctive traits and persona quirks. (It will get difficult, however that’s the final gist of it.)

With so many variations of this beloved character, the Links lend themselves to rating, and there’s a urgent query that has not been addressed on the subject of our hero: Which ones could be grasp? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Link is, or which is most heroic — we simply wish to work out what the vibes are like with every of them. Using a particularly scientific methodology to parse via every Link’s in-game mannerisms, private histories, and basic vibes, we’re detailing each the very best and worst versions of Link to spend time with.

The 5 finest Links to hold with

5. Four Swords Adventures Link

Splitting into 4 separate doppelgängers is the primary mechanical conceit in Four Swords Adventures, and it’s additionally key to this Link’s vibes. It may get fairly hectic rolling with that many of one particular person, and it’s laborious to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. But it additionally means you may have a full crew for any kind of group occasion, and you’ll by no means want to rent a transferring firm ever once more (you simply must pay for some Lon Lon Milk for all of them). It’s just a little transactional, however this Link is an effective grasp.

4. Twilight Princess Link

Image: Nintendo

Twilight Princess Link accommodates multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which may very well be good for a bonfire night time or easy nation residing. But as we all know, he’s additionally acquired a wild facet to him that may manifest in sudden methods. Namely, he turns right into a literal wolf. You by no means fairly know what you’re going to get with this Link, and that unpredictability may very well be a deal breaker for some. But the vary of social features by which this Link may be comfy? He’s a chameleon price taking alongside.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Link

As the only iteration of Link who has appeared in essentially the most video games (Capcom’s Oracle video games, Link’s Awakening, and Link to the Past), you’ll be getting a sophisticated explorer right here. That means you’re going to get good tales, even when he may devolve into that one who thinks they know the solutions to each downside dealing with the world as a result of they’ve traveled. The massive draw right here is the powers gained within the Oracle video games. Hate winter? Link can flip it to summer season. Did one thing embarrassing on the bar final night time? Link can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Link, however ensure that all the ability doesn’t go to his head.

2. Skyward Sword Link

The first chronological Link advantages from his setting. Everyone on Skyloft appears fairly mellow, for essentially the most half, and having a good friend with a large chicken that you may trip could be unbelievable. He’s extremely loyal to his good friend Zelda, so he’s in all probability going to be a loyal good friend to you, too. He does assist set up a monarchy system in Hyrule on the finish of the sport, which isn’t a terrific look. But his pleasant and laid-back vibes nonetheless elevate him into good-hang territory.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Link

Image: Nintendo

Bar none, that is the Link that’s the very best grasp. Besides possessing a very sturdy sense of journey that may at all times result in story, this Link has pizazz. He is the sassiest of all Links, and you simply know he’ll have one thing humorous to say (via facial expressions and expressive physique language, of course) about any state of affairs. His crew can also be a bunch of jolly pirates, so hanging with this Link means hanging with people who find themselves simply as enjoyable as he’s. He’s additionally a ship man, and years of watching Below Deck confirms that this implies he’s all the way down to celebration it doesn’t matter what.

The 5 worst Links to hold with

5. Minish Cap Link

This Link may very well be grasp. He actually may. He’s acquired a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the wonder and sanctity of nature. But generally an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they hold. In this case, we have to speak in regards to the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you could possibly be sharing with Link in nature. It’s not likely his fault, however his pals damage this Link’s enchantment.

4. Spirit Tracks Link

Spirit Tracks Link is one thing of a combined bag. He’s acquired allure and is fairly expressive, so that you’re going to get response out of your jokes and tales. He’s additionally an engineer, which might actually go both manner: a chill dude who is aware of how to sort things, or a hobbyist who’s just a little too into their pastime and it’s the one factor they ever wish to do. Since this Link can also be an authorized Train Guy, the second choice appears extra probably. Therefore, he’s a nasty grasp.

3. The Legend of Zelda Link

Image: Nintendo

This Link is the unique, so possibly we do want to indicate him some respect. But do you actually wish to spend time with somebody who spends a lot time in caves? (Unless you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Also, it’s laborious to belief anybody who takes weapons from previous males inside mentioned caves.

2. Breath of the Wild Link

Yes, Breath of the Wild is one of the very best video games ever made. But this Link doesn’t have the very best vibes. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it will be like hanging out with somebody from 1923: novel in idea, however supremely awkward in apply. And whereas being able to maintain himself off the land is sweet, it looks like he’d give off “doomsday prepper” and “rock-climbing bro” vibes. Also, you simply know that this man smells horrific.

1. Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Mask Link

Image: Nintendo

This is probably essentially the most iconic model of Link, chargeable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s recognition into what it’s immediately with the sequence’ transfer into the 3D house. He would even be a disastrously unhealthy grasp. This Link grew up in a tree raised by forest individuals who by no means cease being youngsters, so social abilities are out the window. There’s no probability for him to study both, as he’s then frozen in time for seven years, which screams man-child vibes. And irrespective of the place he goes, he’s acquired an annoying babysitter who gained’t cease bothering you. Hard go.

Worst non-canon rubbish grasp

1. CD-i Link

Getting run via by the Master Sword could be a greater time than spending a second with this dweeb.