The Legend of Zeldais one of the most beloved video game series of all time. While its various incarnations have changed over time, certain elements of the world of Hyrule never sway. One of these aspects is the player character. In the Legend of Zelda you play as the Hero, the keeper of the Triforce of Courage. You play as Link.
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While Link is a beloved character whom no one wishes to discard, there are countless other rich characters within the series. It would be fascinating if Nintendo were to create a spinoff title set in Hyrule where you play as someone besides Link. Whether it be a villain or a memorable one-off character, we feel that these ten Legend of Zelda characters would do well with a game all their own.
10Vaati
Infamous among the Hylians and the Minish as the feared Sorcerer of the Winds, Vaati serves asthe rare non-Ganon villainwithin the Four Swords and Minish Cap games. A Minish trained under the sage artisan Ezlo, he becomes fascinated with the evil in men’s hearts and steals the Mage’s Cap to transform into a fearsome sorcerer in pursuit of power.
A spinoff title focusing on Vaati could explore the world of the Minish as they relate to Hyrule in more detail, perhaps following Vaati’s corruption and subsequent devastation or a new story altogether. With his plethora of magical abilities and two different forms, it would be a thrill to get to play as the Wind Mage himself.
9Rauru
Rauru, the mysterious Zonai sage, joins the Hyrule canon as a new character inTears of the Kingdom. Though referenced in Breath of the Wild, the ancient and powerful Zonai did not appear fully until this sequel.
This character serves as a king from the ancient past, a guide to Link, and the benefactor who gives him a magical arm.
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The Zonai sage is remarkably powerful, thought to be second only to Ganondorf himself during his era, and has a story that is still shrouded in clouds of mystery. A game where we are able to play as Rauru and wield his fearsome magical arsenal could allow us to discover more about the Zonai, their connection to the shrines and other technology, and the creation of this era’s Hyrule.
8Tetra
While Princess Zelda’s most famous disguise is undoubtedly Sheik, the Wind Waker incarnation of the princess deserves some attention. A swashbuckling pirate captain, Tetra navigates through Wind Waker’s impressive oceans in search of treasure.
Tetra takes it upon herself to help Link save his sister and fulfill both of their destinies as Triforce wielders by defeating Ganondorf.
Tetra’s spunky and cheeky nature makes her a sharp left turn for the usually calm and quiet Zelda archetype. Armed with a cutlass and a pistol, even Tetra’s combat is much more down-to-earth.
Fans of Wind Waker certainly would not be opposed to aTetra spinoff, where she explores the sea with her curious crew, fleshing out the world of Wind Waker and Tetra’s character even more.
7Ganondorf
The central villain and recipient of the Triforce of Power takes the next spot. SinceOcarina of Timein 1998, Ganondorf has reincarnated in several titles, wreaking havoc as a malicious dark sorcerer bent on harnessing the Triforce for world domination. Such is the power of the reincarnation of Demise that he can only be defeated with special weapons like Light Arrows or Master Sword.
A story following Ganondorf would be a fascinating route for a potential spinoff. The dark lord does have his own short playable story inHyrule Warriors, but a dedicated game would likely be much more detailed and divergent.
Being able to cast spells, command legions of summoned beasts, or even transform into Beast Ganon would be an appealing notion for many Zelda fans.
6Linkle
A Hyrule Warriors exclusive as yet, this gender-swapped version of Link has raised more than a few eyebrows among Zelda devotees. Linkle is a stubborn Hylian girl who is convinced that she is the reincarnated Hero and sets off to defend Hyrule Castle from invasion.
Wielding a compass, two crossbows, and Winged Boots, her fighting style is much more fast-paced and informal.
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The advantage of a Linkle spinoff lies in her sparse usage in the series; she is a blank canvas. Having never appeared in a mainline title, there is little established story for her aside from her self-insertion into the Triforce legend and her fighting style.
Could she perhaps function as a rogue-type character, providing perspective on the legend from the outside? There’s promise, that’s for sure.
5Ravio
Another alternate version of Hero, this strange entry would be a perfect reluctant protagonist. Functioning as Link’s Lorule doppelganger in A Link Between Worlds, Ravio invades Link’s home and sets up shop as a merchant selling various weapons and tools like Bombs and the Sand Rod.
Like Linkle, he’s solely playable in Hyrule Warriors.
Ravio would be an interesting spinoff character because he is the complete antithesis of Link. Cowardly, humorous, and clumsy, Ravio lacks Link’s courage and martial polish.
Being able to play as a fearful character who is untrained in combat would make for a compelling narrative, as we see Ravio progress to be as brave and competent as his Hyrule counterpart.
4Impa
Impa, the mysterious and loyal Sheikah bodyguard to Princess Zelda, takes the next position. Impa has remained arelatively constant figurein the Legend of Zelda series, appearing almost as frequently as the Triforce wielders.
Always tasked with protecting the royal family, Impa has ranged from a solemn spiritual guide in titles likeSkyward Swordto being a sprightly researcher inAge of Calamity.
An Impa game would be a stupendous character study. Being able to see more of Impa’s character outside of her duties to the royals and to explore the mystery surrounding the Sheikah would be a dream come true to Zelda fans.
Her consistently high martial prowess throughout Zelda titles would also provide some satisfying action and combat.
3Skull Kid
The fan-favorite magical trickster Skull Kid is highly deserving of his own game. Despite being the central antagonist of Majora’s Mask,Skull Kid’s progression into villainyis largely a tragic one, as he was possessed by the spirit of Majora after stealing the mask from the Happy Mask Salesman.
With his fearsome magic, he resolves to destroy the world of Termina by causing the Moon to fall from the sky.
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The circumstances of Skull Kid’s villainy and the intrigue surrounding the underutilized world of Termina make Skull Kid an enticing pick for a spinoff. Perhaps this game would trace Skull Kid’s origin story with the Four Giants and give the player agency over his encounter with the Hero of Time, or perhaps an original story would suit this mischievous imp better.
2Midna
One character who has been long overdue more elaboration is the Princess of Twilight herself, Midna. First appearing in Twilight Princess, Midna spends most of the game as an imp due to a curse from the evil Zant.
She partners with Link to explore the Twilight Realm, regain her proper Twili form, and reclaim her throne from Zant (and later Ganondorf).
Midna’s game could follow multiple routes. A potential spinoff could cover the events of Twilight Princess from her perspective, or perhaps she deserves her own story following Link’s departure and her shattering of the Mirror of Twilight.
A powerful sorcerer in her own right, Midna’s warping abilities, and imp form would doubtless provide engaging gameplay.
1Zelda
Last but certainly not least, the series namesake takes the top spot. The keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom, Princess Zelda has undergoneseveral changesthroughout the series' history, from damsel in distress to regal commander to researcher and holy priestess.
Perpetually destined to pair with Link to defeat Ganon, she is often granted light magic and/or a sacred weapon like the Bow of Light.
Zelda is long overdue for her own game considering her existing prominence in the series. As Nintendo seems to be eager to give its princesses more to do, Zelda seems like the perfect character to be given the protagonist’s treatment.
A Zelda game could potentially see her saving Link, exploring an existing title from her perspective, or maybe telling a story that’s completely distinct from the series' traditional narrative altogether. Whatever the direction, we’re waiting for this hypothetical spinoff with bated breath.
