I’ve been playing Zelda games for years now. And I still can’t decide which one’s the best.

You probably feel the same way. With so many titles spanning decades, it’s tough to know where to start or which ones deserve your time.

Some Zelda games truly stand out from the rest. They offer better stories, more interesting gameplay, and moments that stick with you long after you finish.

I’ve played through the entire series, and I’m here to share my Zelda games ranked list. This blog will show you exactly which titles are worth playing and why they earn their spots.

Ready to find your next favorite? Let’s get started.

The Evolution of The Legend of Zelda Series

The Legend of Zelda has come a long way since 1986.

The original game dropped players into Hyrule with minimal guidance. You explored, fought enemies, and figured things out yourself. It was groundbreaking for its time.

Then came A Link to the Past in 1991. It introduced the Light and Dark World concept, setting a new standard for adventure games.

Ocarina of Time changed everything in 1998. It brought the series into 3D and gave us Z-targeting, which became a staple in action games. The series kept experimenting after that. Wind Waker went cel-shaded.

Twilight Princess went dark. Skyward Sword added motion controls.

Then Breath of the Wild broke all the rules in 2017. It gave players complete freedom, and gaming hasn’t been the same since.

Each era brought something new to the table.

Zelda Games Ranked – From Bore to Lore

Now comes the part you’ve been waiting for. I’ve ranked every major Zelda game based on gameplay, story, innovation, and overall impact.

11. The Minish Cap (2004)

The Minish Cap is a solid handheld entry, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of other titles. The shrinking mechanic is fun, though it gets repetitive after a while.

Where it lacked:

• Short playtime compared to other entries
• The shrinking gimmick felt underused
• Dungeons were too easy
• The story didn’t leave a lasting impact

Where it excelled:

• Charming art style and character designs
• Ezlo was a memorable companion
• Kinstone fusion added replay value
• Great for newcomers to the series

10. Skyward Sword (2011)

Skyward Sword had big ideas but stumbled in execution. The motion controls were hit-or-miss, and the game held your hand way too much.

Where it lacked:

• Fi constantly interrupts gameplay
• Motion controls weren’t always responsive
• Limited overworld progression
• Backtracking through the same areas got tedious

Where it excelled:

• Beautiful orchestrated soundtrack
• Strong relationship between Link and Zelda
• Creative boss battles
• Origin story for the Master Sword

9. A Link Between Worlds (2013)

This 3DS gem brought back the top-down perspective with a fresh twist. The wall-merge mechanic opened up new puzzle possibilities.

Where it lacked:

• Too easy for veteran players
• The rental system removed some challenges
• Story felt a bit safe
• Shorter than expected

Where it excelled:

• Non-linear dungeon progression
• The wall-merging mechanic was brilliant
• Perfect portable Zelda experience
• Excellent soundtrack and visuals

8. Link’s Awakening (1993)

Link’s Awakening proved Zelda could work on handheld systems. Its quirky story and surreal ending still hit hard today.

Where it lacked:

• Limited by Game Boy hardware
• Smaller scale than console entries
• Item swapping was clunky
• Some backtracking required

Where it excelled:

• Incredibly creative dungeons
• Memorable characters and story
• Emotional ending that surprised players
• Tight gameplay despite hardware limits

7. Twilight Princess (2006)

Twilight Princess went darker than any Zelda before it. The wolf conversion added variety, and the game felt epic in scope.

Where it lacked:

• Slow tutorial section
• Empty overworld in places
• Some tedious collectathons
• Played it safe with the formula

Where it excelled:

• Best dungeons in the series
• Midna was an incredible companion
• Combat felt weighty and satisfying
• Stunning boss encounters

6. The Wind Waker (2002)

Wind Waker divided fans with its cel-shaded look, but it’s aged beautifully. Sailing the Great Sea was both peaceful and exciting.

Where it lacked:

• Sailing became repetitive
• Triforce hunt felt like padding
• Combat was too simple
• Some islands felt empty

Where it excelled:

• Timeless art style
• Best expression and animation in the series
• Great sense of expedition
• Memorable characters and story moments

5. Majora’s Mask (2000)

Majora’s Mask took a huge risk with its three-day time loop. It paid off with one of the darkest and most emotional Zelda stories ever told.

Where it lacked:

• The time limit stressed some players
• Only four main dungeons
• Reused assets from Ocarina of Time
• Steep learning curve

Where it excelled:

• Deep side quests with real emotional weight
• Conversion masks added variety
• Incredible atmosphere and tone
• Most unique Zelda experience

4. A Link to the Past (1991)

This SNES classic set the template for 2D Zelda games. The Light and Dark World concept was genius and kept things fresh.

Where it lacked:

• Some puzzles haven’t aged well
• Limited guidance could frustrate players
• Graphics show their age
• No voice acting or cutscenes

Where it excelled:

• Perfect pacing and progression
• Dual-world design was revolutionary
• Tight controls and combat
• Set the standard for all future entries

3. Ocarina of Time (1998)

Ocarina of Time defined 3D adventure games. Z-targeting, the Ocarina songs, and time travel mechanics changed gaming forever.

Where it lacked:

• Water Temple still haunts players
• Navi could be annoying
• Graphics haven’t aged perfectly
• Some repetitive tasks

Where it excelled:

• Groundbreaking 3D design
• The time-travel mechanic was brilliant
• Unforgettable dungeons and bosses
• Perfect balance of action and puzzles

2. Breath of the Wild (2017)

Breath of the Wild threw out the Zelda formula and gave players complete freedom. Climbing anything and going anywhere felt liberating.

Where it lacked:

• Traditional dungeons were missing
• Weapon durability frustrated some players
• The story took a backseat to the progression of the map
• Enemy variety was limited

Where it excelled:

• Revolutionary open-world design
• Physics-based puzzles encouraged creativity
• Exploration felt genuinely rewarding
• Redefined what Zelda could be

1. Tears of the Kingdom (2023)

Tears of the Kingdom takes everything Breath of the Wild did and expands it. The building mechanics, sky islands, and depths create the most ambitious Zelda game experience yet.

Where it lacked:

• Can feel daunting at first
• Some recycled areas from BotW
• Performance issues in busy areas
• Story structure similar to predecessor

Where it excelled:

• Ultrahand and Fuse mechanics are genius
• Three-layered world offers endless exploration
• Best physics engine in any Zelda game
• Satisfying conclusion to BotW’s story
• Most player freedom in series history

Best Zelda Games for New Players

If you’re new to the series, don’t start with something too complex or outdated. Here are the best entry points that won’t overwhelm you while still showing what makes Zelda special.

Start with any of the following, and you’ll understand why fans love this series.

Final Thoughts

Well, here it is: major Zelda games ranked. Each game brings something different to the table, and honestly, there’s no wrong choice.

Start with Breath of the Wild if you want modern gameplay. Go for Ocarina of Time if you prefer classics. Either way, you’re in for a treat. The beauty of this series is that every entry has fans who consider it the best.

Now it’s your turn to play through them and decide for yourself.

What’s your favorite Zelda game? Drop a comment below and let me know. I’d love to hear which one captured your heart.

Happy gaming!