There are many popular Nintendo games, such asSuper Mario, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, etc. However, the one game series that stands out isThe Legend of Zelda.The franchise started in 1986 when Nintendo released the first game on the Famicom Disk System. Since then, the series has thrived with over 25 different games, all of which offer something new to the table.
While most titles in the series are either famous for their unique gameplay or stellar storytelling, all of them have constantly offered great in-game characters. One such memorable character isPrincess Zelda herself, who has shown a different personality in each game. These games in particular show her strongest performances in the popular franchise.
10The Legend of Zelda (1987)
The first everThe Legend of Zeldagame came out in 1986 as a Famicom Disk System exclusive. However, it wasn’t until it made its way to theNintendo Entertainment Systemthat it became a household name.
SinceThe Legend of Zeldais an old game, it featured minimal involvement from side characters. In the first installment, Princess Zelda is more or less a prisoner of Ganon and is only a central part of the game’s lore. Hence, she’s not as powerful here as she is when she appears in later games.
9The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Capis a GBA title that later came out on the 3DS and Wii U, and was well received by the fans. Similar to other games in the franchise,The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Capis an action-adventure title that continues the story ofThe Legend of Zelda: Four Swords.
The game showcases Princess Zelda as Hyrule’s majesty and Link’s friend, who gives him a shield that helps him through the game. Unfortunately, the game’s main antagonist Vaatisoon turns Zelda to stone, which gives Link a reasonto embark on his quest.
8The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worldsis a Nintendo 3DS title that first came out in 2013. Beingone of the last Zelda games on the platform,A Link Between Worldsfully utilizes the hardware to give players the best possible game experience.
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Princess Zelda in the 3DS title retains her royal appearance from games likeOcarina of Time. In the game, the princess helps Link with the Bow of Light, the most important weapon in the final boss fight against Yuga. That gesture alone makes A Link Between Worlds’s Princess Zelda pretty smart and strong.
7The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordis a Nintendo Wii title that first came out in 2011. The game uses Wii MotionPlus controls and is the only major Zelda game on the platform. In this action-adventure title,Zelda does not appear as a princess. Instead, she’s a normal girl witha destiny.
Therefore, her character inSkyward Swordis much more relatable than ever. The best part aboutSkyward Sword’s Zelda is her journey as she goes from Wing Ceremony to Faron Woods, Eldin Volcano, and so on. Moreover, hersacrifices in the game make her an extremely strong versionof the character.
6The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Phantom Hourglassis a sequel to the GameCube titleThe Wind Waker. Therefore, it showcasesmany of the same characters from the older game, including Princess Zelda. However, Zelda doesn’t appear to be part of a royal family in the game.
Instead, she’s a well-trained pirate named Tetra who became a captain at a young age after her mother’s death. As such, she’s an incredible fighter and helps assist Link throughout his journey. Tetra is also extremely adventurous inPhantom Hourglassand even leaps into the huge ghost ship without fear.
5Hyrule Warriors
Hyrule Warriorsis a spin-off toThe Legend of Zeldagames and offers hack-and-slash gameplay instead of the usual action-adventure. This game is a hybrid of the popularDynasty Warriorsseries and characters fromThe Legend of Zelda.
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Princess Zelda is one of the playable characters in the game, alongside Link.Hyrule Warriorsshowcases Zelda as a master at using the Rapier sword, and she is also well-versed in using the Wind Waker & Light Bow. She’s also extremely confident and even participates in defending her castle from the enemies.
4The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracksis a Nintendo DS title where the story continues a hundred years afterPhantom Hourglass. Therefore, it doesn’t show Princess Zelda as Tetra. Instead, this Zelda is part of the royal family and a descendant of the popular pirate.
InSpirit Tracks, Zeldaembarks on the journey alongside Link to solve the mysteryof the disappearance of the Spirit Tracks. Just like her great-great-grandmother,Spirit Tracks’s Princess Zelda is an extremely adventurous character who sacrifices herself and helps the player in a spirit form.
3The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildmay be one of the most popular games in the franchise due to its creative gameplay and stunning open world. Despite some flaws,Breath of the Wildoffers the most detailed versions of characters, which makes it stand out.
Princess Zelda in the game is the ruler of Hyrule, who’s also extremely smart and powerful. She contains the power of the Goddess Hylia and has a keen interest in uncovering ancient technologies, such as Divine Beasts, Guardians, and the Shrine of Trials. She has also been fighting Ganon for 100 years, holding him at bay.
2The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princessisan amazing game with a very serious tonecompared to other games in the franchise. Therefore, theTwilight Princesscharacters are more fascinating than ever. While Princess Zelda in the game is again the Royal Majesty of Hyrule. She’s also one of the playable protagonists.
Hence, her importance is much more prominent in the game.Twilight Princessshows Princess Zelda assisting Link on his journey and helping him in the final boss battle against Ganondorf, making her an incredibly competent side character.
1The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeis probably the game that made the series as iconic as it is today. It has a great story, fun gameplay, and amazing characters, making it a true Zelda experience.
Princess Zelda inOcarina of Timeis again a Royal part of Hyrule and an important asset in Link’s journey. She’s a sage in the game and helps Link by giving him the Ocarina of Time itself, which is the game’s central plot. She also supports the protagonist in retrieving Master Sword and beating the final boss, Ganon.
