The Legend of Zelda’s coolest and decidedly uncool versions of Link

Within the pantheon of online game characters, few are extra recognizable than Hyperlink. His inexperienced tunic has grow to be iconic, as has the Grasp Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s well-liked sufficient to have crossed over into quite a lot of different video games, from Tremendous Smash Bros. to Tremendous Mario Maker to Soulcalibur. He’s additionally not only one particular person.

In 2023, Polygon is embarking on a Zeldathon. Be a part of us on our journey via The Legend of Zelda sequence, from the unique 1986 sport to the discharge of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and past.

Most video games within the Zelda franchise introduce a brand new Hyperlink. Whereas lots of the particulars keep largely the identical (heroic nature, often some type of inexperienced tunic, silent protagonist), every is their very own discrete iteration with distinctive traits and persona quirks. (It will get difficult, however that’s the final gist of it.)

With so many variations of this beloved character, the Hyperlinks lend themselves to rating, and there’s a urgent query that has not been addressed in the case of our hero: Which of them can be a superb dangle? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Hyperlink is, or which is most heroic — we simply need to determine what the vibes are like with every of them. Utilizing an especially scientific methodology to parse via every Hyperlink’s in-game mannerisms, private histories, and normal vibes, we’re detailing each the perfect and worst variations of Hyperlink to spend time with.

The 5 greatest Hyperlinks to hold with

5. 4 Swords Adventures Hyperlink

Splitting into 4 separate doppelgängers is the principle mechanical conceit in 4 Swords Adventures, and it’s additionally key to this Hyperlink’s vibes. It might get fairly hectic rolling with that many of 1 particular person, and it’s arduous to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. But it surely additionally means you may have a full crew for any type of group occasion, and you’ll by no means want to rent a shifting firm ever once more (you simply must pay for some Lon Lon Milk for all of them). It’s slightly transactional, however this Hyperlink is an effective dangle.

4. Twilight Princess Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Twilight Princess Hyperlink comprises multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which could possibly be good for a bonfire evening or easy nation dwelling. However as we all know, he’s additionally acquired a wild facet to him that may manifest in surprising methods. Particularly, he turns right into a literal wolf. You by no means fairly know what you’re going to get with this Hyperlink, and that unpredictability could possibly be a deal breaker for some. However the vary of social capabilities by which this Hyperlink could be comfy? He’s a chameleon value taking alongside.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Hyperlink

As the only iteration of Hyperlink who has appeared in probably the most video games (Capcom’s Oracle video games, Hyperlink’s Awakening, and Hyperlink to the Previous), you’ll be getting a sophisticated explorer right here. Meaning you’re going to get good tales, even when he might devolve into that one who thinks they know the solutions to each downside going through the world as a result of they’ve traveled. The massive draw right here is the powers gained within the Oracle video games. Hate winter? Hyperlink can flip it to summer time. Did one thing embarrassing on the bar final evening? Hyperlink can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Hyperlink, however ensure that all the facility doesn’t go to his head.

2. Skyward Sword Hyperlink

The primary chronological Hyperlink advantages from his setting. Everybody on Skyloft appears fairly mellow, for probably the most half, and having a buddy with an enormous fowl which you can trip can be unbelievable. He’s extremely loyal to his buddy Zelda, so he’s in all probability going to be a loyal buddy to you, too. He does assist set up a monarchy system in Hyrule on the finish of the sport, which isn’t an awesome look. However his pleasant and laid-back vibes nonetheless elevate him into good-hang territory.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Bar none, that is the Hyperlink that’s the perfect dangle. In addition to possessing a very robust sense of journey that may all the time result in a superb story, this Hyperlink has pizazz. He’s the sassiest of all Hyperlinks, and also you simply know he’ll have one thing humorous to say (via facial expressions and expressive physique language, in fact) about any state of affairs. His crew can be a bunch of jolly pirates, so hanging with this Hyperlink means hanging with people who find themselves simply as enjoyable as he’s. He’s additionally a ship man, and years of watching Beneath Deck confirms that this implies he’s all the way down to get together it doesn’t matter what.

The 5 worst Hyperlinks to hold with

5. Minish Cap Hyperlink

This Hyperlink could possibly be a superb dangle. He actually might. He’s acquired a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the sweetness and sanctity of nature. However generally an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they preserve. On this case, we have to discuss concerning the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you may be sharing with Hyperlink in nature. It’s not likely his fault, however his buddies smash this Hyperlink’s enchantment.

4. Spirit Tracks Hyperlink

Spirit Tracks Hyperlink is one thing of a blended bag. He’s acquired appeal and is fairly expressive, so that you’re going to get a superb response out of your jokes and tales. He’s additionally an engineer, which might actually go both approach: a chill dude who is aware of how to sort things, or a hobbyist who’s slightly too into their pastime and it’s the one factor they ever need to do. Since this Hyperlink can be an authorized Practice Man, the second possibility appears extra possible. Subsequently, he’s a nasty dangle.

3. The Legend of Zelda Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

This Hyperlink is the unique, so perhaps we do want to point out him some respect. However do you actually need to spend time with somebody who spends a lot time in caves? (Except you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Additionally, it’s arduous to belief anybody who takes weapons from previous males inside stated caves.

2. Breath of the Wild Hyperlink

Sure, Breath of the Wild is among the greatest video games ever made. However this Hyperlink doesn’t have the perfect vibes. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it will be like hanging out with somebody from 1923: novel in concept, however supremely awkward in apply. And whereas being able to maintain himself off the land is good, it looks like he’d give off “doomsday prepper” and “rock-climbing bro” vibes. Additionally, you simply know that this man smells horrific.

1. Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Masks Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

That is maybe probably the most iconic model of Hyperlink, accountable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s recognition into what it’s right this moment with the sequence’ transfer into the 3D house. He would even be a disastrously unhealthy dangle. This Hyperlink grew up in a tree raised by forest individuals who by no means cease being kids, so social expertise are out the window. There’s no probability for him to study both, as he’s then frozen in time for seven years, which screams man-child vibes. And irrespective of the place he goes, he’s acquired an annoying babysitter who received’t cease bothering you. Exhausting cross.

Worst non-canon rubbish dangle

1. CD-i Hyperlink

Getting run via by the Grasp Sword can be a greater time than spending a second with this dweeb.