Every The Legend of Zelda 3D Game, Ranked

Nintendo is one of the leading video game companies with iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros. However, while the plumber might be the most popular, one series consistently gets the best reviews, and that is The Legend of Zelda. Almost every entry follows Link, a green-capped boy who goes on death-defying missions to save Princess Zelda from the scourge of Hyrule, Ganondorf. This prestigious franchise is finally making its live-action debut with a film in 2027, with director Wes Ball at the helm.

While fans are excited about the movie, it likely will never be as good as the games, which are all some of the most innovative and critically acclaimed. 3D Zelda games in particular have a certain pedigree, which is why this list will rank them based on gameplay, innovation, originality, influence, design, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, and how well it embodies the Zelda spirit. This list will rank each 3D Zelda game in its original form, meaning it won't feature HD versions, enhanced editions, or remakes.

7 'The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword' (2011)

Kicking off this list is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which should come as no surprise considering it is the most polarizing in the franchise. Despite being the fifth 3D Zelda game, it is chronologically the first, showing the origin of Link, Zelda, and the Master Sword. After Zelda falls to the surface world, Link must descend from Skyloft and save her while also forging his blade to make it powerful enough to defeat evil incarnate, the Demon Lord Demise.

There is a lot to love about Skyward Sword; unfortunately, as the most controversial, flawed, and "hated" by fans, it lies at the bottom. The motion controls were buggy and not as tactile and fluid as fans were hoping, which interrupted combat and made it feel like the game's fault, and not the players'. Still, the charming hub world had lots of secrets to find, areas to explore, and side quests to beat, making it a fun time away from the main story. As for the story, Skyward Sword might have the best narrative, celebrating a personal story between the two characters that is the definitive beginning. Plus, Skyward Sword has many fun items, stealth moments, unique aspects, and some of the best boss fights in the franchise, such as Koloktos and Tentalus.

6 'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' (2006)

After the release of one Zelda game annoyed fans for being too childlike, Nintendo switched gears by delivering the darkest and most mature version of the franchise with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. After Link is pulled into the Twilight Realm, a dark dimension spreading across Hyrule, he is transformed into a wolf. With his companion, Midna, they set out into the kingdom to defeat the Usurper King Zant and whatever dark scheme he had planned.

For many, Twilight Princess was the Zelda game they were waiting for, delivering a darker aesthetic with a more mature story. Midna is a fan-favorite character who fans want to return, helping progress the story and continue the gameplay. This cinematic Zelda experience has a massive scale, but also boasts a grounded and emotional character arc. Twilight Princess is arguably the most beloved because of its intricate dungeon design that had engaging puzzles and well-paced progression. Even though it places low on this list, Twilight Princess is still a masterpiece that was one of the best games of its time, proving just how influential and acclaimed the Zelda franchise is.

5 'The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask' (2000)

It feels wrong to place The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask so low, but there are just too many phenomenal Zelda games. Taking players out of Hyrule, the game is set in Termina, an eccentric town with even weirder citizens who prepare for their annual festival. However, with the moon slowly falling, there are only a couple of days for Link to defeat Skull Kid by awakening the Four Giants and stopping the moon from crumbling.

It is one of the only Zelda games not to be set in Hyrule, with Clock Town and Termina as a whole being one of the most unique settings in video game history. No Zelda, no Hyrule, just a completely new concept and feel compared to any other Zelda game, and it's what makes the game so incredible. Majora's Mask is a masterclass of atmosphere, creating a quirky feeling that is haunting, bizarre, whimsical, and goofy. The AI design and schedules make Clock Town feel alive, giving a personal look at the world. Players can pick an NPC and follow them for a full cycle, each having a new experience. Not to mention, Majora's Mask has some of the best side quests and collectibles.

4 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' (2023)

The Legend of Zelda doesn't usually do sequels, but the Nintendo Switch game was so successful that they wanted to follow it up with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. With Hyrule saved, Link and Zelda discover Ganondorf beneath Hyrule Castle. Soon, he tears up the world, and Zelda disappears. Link travels across the land to find her while stopping the mysterious happenings related to the Demon King's revival.

Fans can debate whether Majora's Mask or Tears of the Kingdom are better, but both are sequels that, while improving on their predecessors, don't have the same legacy and influence. As the most recent Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom has already established itself as a modern classic that builds on the first game. More side quests, more weapons, more enemies, more world to explore — Tears of the Kingdom is the ultimate open-world Zelda experience that is jam-packed with content. As one of the best video games on the Nintendo Switch, it offers unlimited freedom with its new Fuse and Ultrahand mechanics that allow players to create any machine. Tears of the Kingdom is a physics-based marvel, pushing the bounds of creativity.

3 'The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker' (2002)

The childlike and polarizing game this list mentioned earlier was The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Set in a submerged version of Hyrule, Link must take his talking boat, named King of Red Lions, and sail across the ocean to find and save his captured sister. But with Ganondorf returning, Link must team up with Tetra, a pirate, to restore the Triforce and defeat the villain.

While it was hated when it initially came out, fans have looked back and realized The Wind Waker is one of the best games the franchise has to offer. The toon art style may be polarizing, but it has aged magnificently, still holding up today. The vibrant colors, cell-shaded art, and mystical feeling embody the spirit of The Legend of Zelda while reinventing many other aspects. Exploring uncharted islands and sailing the seas is a daring new direction that pays off well, especially when paired with The Wind Waker's fast-paced combat.

2 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' (2017)

The Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, and the must-play game on it was also its launch title: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. When Zelda is barely able to seal Ganon before defeat, Link slips into a coma, only awakening after a hundred years. Hyrule has been overtaken by nature, and Link must travel the familiar, yet overgrown land to use the Divine Beasts against Ganon and defeat him once and for all.

Breath of the Wild is one of the greatest open-world video games ever, redefining not only the franchise but the video game industry in general. This sense of adventure is unmatched, reinventing exploration through its open-world format, allowing players to run, climb, and glide anywhere. Breath of the Wild rewards curiosity by always answering yes to any questions fans have: Can I go to the top of that mountain? Yes. Do those three trees mean anything? Yes. Can I use the runes to fly across the map on a metal door? Somehow, yes. Breath of the Wild is a genre-defining adventure that also has remarkable combat and immersion.

1 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' (1998)

There isn't a bad 3D Zelda game, with even Skyward Sword, last on this list, still being a fantastic title. However, the greatest should be obvious to everyone, as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time changed gaming forever. When Ganondorf captures Princess Zelda, Link must leave the forest to conquer the dungeons and awaken the sages to help save her, all while travelling from the present and future.

It may be the oldest 3D Zelda game, but Ocarina of Time is the most influential and has the largest cultural impact. Z-targeting is a revolutionary mechanic that is still used today for every 3D action game. For its time, Ocarina of Time set the blueprint for 3D games, introducing fans to a whole new world. Its dungeons are meticulously designed, and while some are annoying, the majority feature inventive mechanics and items that make puzzle-solving even more intriguing. On legacy alone, Ocarina of Time is the best video game of all time, meaning it is also the pinnacle of 3D Zelda's expansive catalogue.