Note: Play thinking of you while reading, it'll add to the experience! Trust me!
Now for some quick lore! The first game I ever owned and played was the 2011 3DS remake of the beloved N64 title, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. My love for this Hylian (YES, HYLIAN, NOT ELF) has literally spanned more than half my life.
If you didn’t know Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Twilight Princess all follow the same bloodline of Links, continuing or beginning the Hero of Time's quest to save Hyrule, Termina, and even the Twilight Realm—sometimes all at once.
One of the three timelines sends Link back to his childhood, starting the "Child Timeline." This timeline leads directly into Majora’s Mask, beginning with Link’s search for his OoT companion, Navi. During his journey, he’s transported into the world of Termina after Skull Kid steals his ocarina—total Alice in Wonderland vibes. Majora’s Mask is a masterpiece, structured around the five stages of grief… but that’s a whole discussion for later!
Meanwhile, Twilight Princess is the ending where Child Link grows older, but no one remembers/knows of his heroism, and through his death and anger, he lives on as the hero Shade. Some think he actually wandered into the Lost Woods because he resembles a Stalfos (in Zelda lore, adults who get lost in the Lost Woods turn into Stalfos, while children become Skull Kids). Hundreds of years later, we meet Twilight Princess Link, a teenage ranch hand and a likely descendant of the Hero of Time. There’s even a theory that the Hero of Time may have ended up with Malon, the ranch girl from Lon Lon Ranch—because, come on… a ranch hand Link who already knows Epona’s Song in Twilight Princess, the very song Malon taught him in OoT? Thats not just a nomal coinkydink!
Now for what you've all been waiting for...
3. Ocarina of Time
This is adult and child link-inclusive. Oh no, who said that!! I know what you're going to say. What the flip was that setup with it being your fav game. I know, but I've grown and I accept nostalgia literally had a gorilla grip on me. Ocarina of Time is just perfect because it’s the ultimate blend of adventure, emotion, and discovery. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience that grows with you. From the moment you step into Hyrule as a young Link, you’re immersed in a world that feels expansive, alive, and filled with secrets to uncover. The game balances a sense of urgency with moments of exploration, letting you feel like you’re truly on a journey to save the world while also discovering its depths at your own pace. The story is rich, evolving from Link’s early days as a boy in Kokiri Forest to his transformation into a hero—one who doesn’t just face a powerful enemy but also confronts the loss of innocence and the weight of destiny! The dual timeline where you experience both child and adult Link’s perspectives amplifies that journey, allowing players to see Hyrule change and feel the passage of time and responsibility. But yes, nostalgia is a bitch and I'm sorry to rank this fella so low!
2. Majoras Mask
OMG this Link needs a hug!! His journey in this game feels so personal and different from the usual hero-saves-the-world setup. This time, he’s on a quest to find his friend, Navi. After everything they went through in Ocarina of Time, Navi just leaves, and you can feel Link’s heartbreak as he goes searching for her. He’s just a kid who’s already saved Hyrule, been thrown back in time, and is now left without his one true friend. Then, he gets trapped in this surreal parallel world, Termina, which is about to be crushed by a freaky moon and people who look so similar yet new. Here, Link doesn’t start out as the destined hero of legend; he’s just a kid trying to do what’s right for people he barely knows. But by saving Termina, he’s also healing a part of himself. The game’s whole theme of grief and letting go almost feels like it mirrors Link’s journey like he’s coming to terms with his own loss—of Navi, of childhood, maybe even of his own trauma from Ocarina of Time. Each mask he collects has its own story, often linked to someone’s sorrow or unfulfilled wish, and helping these characters feels like a way for him to process his own past. Link’s story here isn’t just about heroics; it’s about facing his inner demons and moving on. He’s not just saving Termina—he’s finding a kind of closure, learning to accept the losses and carry on. Majora’s Mask explores the themes of loss, including friendships and innocence, while highlighting the journey of finding solace amidst grief! As an adult, I can finally give credit where it's due and say this game and Links journey is just so powerful-which is why he's my number 2!
1. Twilight Princess
Alright, Twilight Princess Link as #1—hear me out, because this game? It just gets it. Yes, it starts with an hour-long tutorial in Ordon Village, and at first, I thought, "let's get er' done."But honestly, that whole intro was peak game design. You’re just living this small village life, herding goats and helping out neighbors, and it immerses you in Link’s everyday world. By the time the story kicks off and he’s forced to leave Ordon to rescue the village children, you feel that connection. Leaving the village and watching him grow into the role of the legendary hero was muah! And then, out of nowhere, you get to be a wolf and you can HOWL TO OLD ZELDA TUNES!!!! Suddenly you’re roaming the Twilight Realm with Midna, who’s the best companion since Navi (btw she's the literal Twilight Princess). Everything in this title is a bit darker and moodier, and the characters are just so well-crafted. They’re gorgeous and have these rich personalities that make Hyrule feel more alive than ever. This was the most immersive Castle Town in any Zelda title I've played! And don’t even get me started on the fact that he’s left-handed! I mean, that’s just iconic! (Okay, okay, if you’re playing the GameCube version, he’s left-handed, but in the Wii version, they flipped it. Still, the left-handed representation is an important aspect of his design!) Overall, Twilight Princess Link isn’t just my favorite because of his epic journey or the stunning graphics; it’s the whole package. He’s a character you can root for, a hero who grows and has real relationships, making his story not just an adventure but an experience that resonates on a personal level. He's just that guy! <3
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