The Best Zelda Characters That Only Show Up Once

The Legend of Zelda is known for its recurring main characters — mainly Link, Zelda, and Ganon — who appear in various different iterations. While there are also some NPCs who appear regularly, most Zelda games tend to have one-off characters who don’t appear in future titles.

Most characters who only feature in one game are tied to the themes of their respective games, which makes it difficult for them to fit in other titles. Because of this, though, they stand out and become some of the most memorable characters in the series, whether they’re main characters or have a smaller role in their respective games.

Some of these characters appear in games like Hyrule Warriors, but these are non-canon scenarios and not mainline Zelda games.

10

Linebeck

Phantom Hourglass

When Link first meets Linebeck in Phantom Hourglass, Linebeck only has eyes for treasure but agrees to allow Link to use his boat, the S.S. Linebeck, so that he can rescue Tetra. After witnessing Link’s determination to save Tetra throughout the game, Linebeck has a change of heart and becomes invested in Link’s goal, too.

While Phantom Hourglass as a game is divisive with fans, most agree that Linebeck is a great character and the best part of the game because of how his friendship with Link develops.

9

Ezlo

The Minish Cap

In The Minish Cap, Ezlo was transformed into a cap by the sorcerer Vaati and assists Link on his adventure throughout the game, allowing Link to shrink down to Minish size. As well as helping Link, Ezlo has a humorous personality that makes the journey lighthearted and fun.

Ezlo was also close to Vaati before he turned evil, with Vaati working under him as an apprentice, which adds an extra layer to his reasons for helping Link. He’s one of the best companions Link has had.

8

Medli

The Wind Waker

Medli is a Rito and a descendant of Laruto, the Earth Sage. In The Wind Waker, Medli, too, awakens as the Earth Sage and uses her harp to help restore power to Link’s Master Sword.

Medli has a more prominent role in the game, being a key part in helping Link to complete the Earth Temple, as she can fly Link to areas he otherwise wouldn’t be able to access. She can even use her harp to reflect light to complete puzzles, just like how Link uses his Mirror Shield. Even though Medli has yet to appear in another Zelda game, she was a villager in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and an adorable one at that.

7

Marin

Link’s Awakening

Koholint Island is home to Marin, a girl who finds Link washed up on Toronbo Shores. Marin enjoys singing and is typically found singing the Ballad of the Wind Fish, one of Zelda’s most famous songs.

Marin is a sweet character, being friends with the animals of Animal Village and often singing for them, too. Her character is bittersweet, though, as you find out at the end of the game that everything Link saw was just the Wind Fish’s dream, and he will never see Marin again.

Rather cutely, if Link is traveling with Marin and breaks a pot, Marin will call him out for his behavior and call him a “bad boy.”

6

Groose

Skyward Sword

In Skyward Sword, Groose starts off as a school bully-like character, sabotaging Link during the Wing Ceremony so that he can win Zelda’s affections instead. However, later in the game, after Groose witnesses Link fighting the Imprisoned, he recognizes Link’s strength and becomes his ally.

Though you might initially think that Groose is just a comic relief character, he ends up having a character arc and becoming one of Link’s dependable companions. He’s also a fan-favorite in the Zelda community, thanks to his humorous but genuine personality.

5

Mikau

Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask has a lot of great characters, and Mikau is one of the best. He dies trying to rescue his and Lulu’s eggs as they were stolen by Gerudo Pirates; however, before he passes, he uses his final words to tell Link about the eggs so they might finally be saved.

In life, Mikau was the guitarist of the Indigo-Go’s, a Zora band popular in Termina. He definitely looks the part, thanks to his fishbone guitar and tattoos. Even though Mikau’s story is tragic, he’s still one of the coolest characters in the game.

4

Mineru

Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom introduced the Zonai, of which Mineru and her brother Rauru are the only two left. As the Sage of Spirit, Mineru fought to defeat Ganondorf, but they were only able to put him into stasis, and Mineru was mortally wounded. To make sure she was able to meet Link in the future, she placed her spirit in the Purah Pad.

In the present, Mineru fights alongside Link in a Construct to finally fell Ganondorf and to make amends, as she feels guilty for the Zonai secret stone allowing Ganondorf to take power. As the Zonai have only appeared in one game so far, they will hopefully appear again in another title.

3

Princess Hilda

A Link Between Worlds

Princess Hilda is Zelda’s counterpart in Lorule in A Link Between Worlds. Hilda wanted to protect her kingdom and bring it back to its former glory after its Triforce was stolen, but in her desperation, she teams up with Yuga to trick Link into awakening his Triforce of Courage so that they can steal it.

After Ravio talks to Hilda, she realizes that her vision was clouded and that her need to rebuild Lorule was to the detriment of Hyrule. She gives up Hyrule’s Triforce and sends Link and Zelda back home to Hyrule. Hilda is strong in her convictions and flawed as well, which makes her a memorable character.

2

Kafei

Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask’s Kafei was transformed into a child by Skull Kid and had his Sun Mask stolen, which he was supposed to exchange with his fiancée Anju for her Moon Mask.

Teaming up with Kafei to retrieve his stolen mask is one of the best parts of the game, and while you receive the Couple’s Mask for completing the quest, the true reward is seeing Kafei reunite with Anju. Majora’s Mask has a lot of great NPCs, but Kafei stands out as one of the best.

1

Midna

Twilight Princess

Appearing in Twilight Princess, Midna is Link’s traveling companion. Though she is snarky towards Link when they first meet, she slowly warms up to him and views him as a close friend by the end of the game.

As she is Link’s constant companion throughout the game, it’s very easy to become attached to her, which makes the final scenes in the game even more impactful. She’s a fan-favorite character in the Zelda community, and many fans want to see her appear in another game in the future.