The Legend of Zelda Games With The Best Stories

The basic story of The Legend of Zelda is timeless. It’s the story of a young knight who, time and time again, saves a princess and a kingdom using the relics of the gods. Though many of the stories share similarities, there are some that clearly stand above the rest and others that don’t follow the typical Zelda formula.

Though The Legend Of Zelda is simple in concept, its execution story-wise is near perfection, especially with classics like Ocarina of Time, which is what makes the series’ narrative arcs so great. The Legend of Zelda has some truly magical stories that are worth experiencing.

10 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask is an excellent Zelda game, but it doesn’t have the best story in the series. While the side characters are fantastic, the idea of the moon falling down on the earth in three days is a bit ridiculous. There’s also the fact that to get the most out of the story, you have to do all of said sidequests, which can be frustrating given the game’s time mechanics.

Majora’s Mask must be given credit for thinking outside the box and doing something different, but, it fails to meet many of the standards set forth by other entries in The Legend Of Zelda.

9 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has a simple yet sweet story. The story structure was a first for a Legend of Zelda game and became the template for almost all subsequent entries. There are some memorable side characters, but where the game shines is its overall narrative.

It’s not as simple as just going to save the princess. Something is afoot in Hyrule and Link must overcome many challenges in order to succeed in his quest. Agahnim is an excellent villain, and the mid-game plot twist is one for the ages. For a game with a very basic story, its execution is excellent.

8 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds may seem like a clone of A Link to the Past, but its story is not. Set in both Hyrule and Lorule, Link must go on a quest to save both lands with the fate of existence in the balance. Yuga is a great villain and Princess Hilda is another new character who shines.

The game has a very nice cutscene presentation for a top-down Zelda game, and without giving away too much, there are some twists and turns that many won’t see coming. This presentation also helps with the quality of story. A Link Between Worlds has one of the best 2D Zelda stories and may give Link’s Awakening a run for its money. It is a fitting sequel to A Link to the Past and expands on that story’s lore quite a bit, injecting it with a nice bit of nostalgia.

7 The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is the original Majora’s Mask. The story may not seem like it on the surface, but it’s very dark for a Zelda game. It’s also interesting that the colors are so vibrant in the Nintendo Switch remake, which contrasts with the game’s dark nature. The characters are memorable and Malon is one of the best characters to grace a Zelda game.

Considering this story was told in a 2D age, it was ahead of its time, and set the stage for other Zelda games, like Majora’s Mask, to be made. The game was set outside Hyrule, and broke many of the then-established Legend of Zelda conventions story-wise.

6 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a good narrative, but the problem is the way it’s told, which is why it isn’t higher on this list. It’s told out of order through memories Link has to obtain during his adventure and which are completely optional.

The story was not a priority, and it shows. That being said, when looking at the story told through Link’s memories, it’s actually quite good. It’s just a shame that Link couldn’t experience the story in real time. This would have enhanced it quite a lot. The story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is more about what happened 100 years ago rather than what happens during the current game, and that can be an issue for some.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Let’s be honest: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is nearly an Ocarina of Time clone, with some exceptions. The introduction of Midna was an excellent addition, as well as the Twili, but Twilight Princess failed to follow through on several plot points.

Some of the side characters, such as Illia and the children, are more of an annoyance rather than memorable, like so many of the other Legend of Zelda side characters. Twilight Princess had the potential to have the best Zelda story, but it faltered halfway through the game. That being said, it still has a very solid narrative and deserves to be recognized.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an example of a game with a solid story and perfect execution. The game has memorable characters, the gameplay mechanics fit into the story nicely, and the narrative is incredibly well-written.

It could have been a mediocre story in the Zelda franchise, but it persevered and is remembered as one of the best, even if it is almost three decades old. The characters are memorable, this version of Link has character, and Princess Zelda is one of her better incarnations. All in all, one couldn’t ask for a better Legend of Zelda story.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was a huge departure from the formula of the series when it came out, especially story-wise, yet it managed to become one of the most captivating entries in the series. The Great Sea is an excellent setting for our adventure and Link is the most expressive Link there is, save none.

The narrative draws from Ocarina of Time but surpasses its story on every level and gives its villain a depth not seen in previous or subsequent installments. The twist on Princess Zelda is both memorable and iconic and there may not be a better version of the character in the franchise.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an excellent story when looked at in chronological order. It serves as the return of one of Hyrule’s most devious villains, and it does not disappoint. While Link does serve a central part in the narrative, it truly is Zelda’s story, which is a nice touch.

It’s emotionally gripping and will even have you tearing up during certain parts. The epic scale of the world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also helps enhance the story, making it one of the best Zelda stories ever told.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has the most emotionally satisfying story in the Zelda series While on the surface it’s a story about a childhood friend going out on an adventure to rescue his beloved Zelda, there’s more to it than that. It’s a story of growth and of coming into oneself, for both Link and the player.

It came out for Zelda’s 25th anniversary and has everything the series is known for story-wise, and then some. It also serves as an origin story for the Master Sword. There are so many great moments, Link may be the best Link in the entire series, and the story truly is “The Legend of Zelda.” It is the quintessential Zelda experience.