Summary

TheLegend of Zeldaseries often revolves around the iconic struggle between the hero Link and the dark lord Ganon. However,the franchise boasts a diverse array of titles that deviate from this familiar narrative, presenting unique villains that push the boundaries of Hyrule’s universe.

From time-traveling adventures and cooperative multiplayer quests to dark, atmospheric tales and whimsical journeys, these games demonstrate that the magic of theZeldaseries extends far beyond its traditional villain.

A screenshot of the title screen from Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Reads: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link(TM).

The Second Adventure

This direct sequel to the original The Legend of Zelda is famed for taking the series in a new direction, while also introducing elements that would become standard in future Zelda games. In Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Link must seek the Triforce of Courage and awaken Princess Zelda from a sleeping spell. Meanwhile, Ganon’s minions are trying to resurrect their master. Zelda II uses a side-scrolling view and overworld map, and features role-playing aspects that are unique to the series.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Linkmarks a bold departure from the originalThe Legend of Zeldawith its side-scrolling action and RPG elements. Released in 1987,the game follows Link on a questto awaken Princess Zelda from a magical slumber induced by a powerful spell.

Link with sword and shield in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.

Unlike other entries in the series, this game does not feature Ganon as the primary antagonist. Instead, Link faces an array of challenges, culminating in a climactic battle against Dark Link, a shadowy doppelgänger that tests the player’s skills to the utmost.

Originally released for the Game Boy in 1993 andlater remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019,The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningtakes place on Koholint Island, a mysterious land far from Hyrule.

Link holding a mask in Majora’s Mask

While Ganon is absent, the game introduces the Nightmares, led by DethI, who appeared on Koholint with the goal of ruling over it. To achieve this, they must stop the Wind Fish from being awakened by playing the Instruments of the Sirens.

Majora’s Maskstands out in the series for its unique time-based mechanics. Set in the parallel world of Termina, Link has only three days to prevent the moon from crashing into the land, repeating these days to solve puzzles and complete quests.

Link riding a horse in Oracle of Ages

The game does not feature Ganon; instead, the antagonist is the eerie and enigmatic Skull Kid, who has stolen the powerful Majora’s Mask. Despite the lack of Ganondorf, this game is considered one of the darkest in the entireThe Legend of Zeldaseries.

Oracle of SeasonsandOracle of Ages, two interconnected titles released for the Game Boy Color, offer unique adventures in theZeldaseries without featuring Ganon as the primary antagonist.Developed by Capcom in collaboration with Nintendo, these games introduce players to the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna, respectively, where Link must thwart the schemes of different villains to save the worlds from chaos.

The four protagonists raising their swords in Four Swords

InOracle of Seasons, Link battles Onox, the General of Darkness, who captures Din, the Oracle of Seasons. Meanwhile, inOracle of Ages, Link faces Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows, who possesses Nayru, the Oracle of Ages.

Four Swordsis a distinctive entry in the series, known for its multiplayer gameplay and cooperative mechanics. Released as an add-on toThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastfor the Game Boy Advance, the game introduced a new villain, Vaati.

Link facing an armored knight in The Minish Cap

As a recurring villain in the series, Vaati is said to have forgotten his days as a Minish and enters a state of rage, manipulating the wind. He was trapped inside the sword located in the sanctuary but escapes and captures Zelda, intending to reign again with her as his bride.

Released for the Game Boy Advance,The Minish Capis another game inThe Legend of Zeldaseries that does not feature Ganon as its main villain. Similar toFour Swords, its antagonist is Vaati, who this time transforms Princess Zelda into stone and once again threatens to dominate the world. The game sees Link team up with Ezlo, a talking hat imbued with the spirit of a Minish, to shrink down to microscopic size and navigate the world of the Minish.

Link and Linebeck on a boat in Phantom Hourglass

Phantom Hourglassis the first game in the franchise for the Nintendo DS and, like the other titles on this list, does not feature Ganon as its main villain. This time, the game takes placeshortly after the events ofThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, where Ganon is defeated by Link.

The new antagonist is Bellum, an entity that captures Tetra and threatens the world. Link must navigate the mysterious waters of the Ghost Ship and explore the Temple of the Ocean King to rescue Tetra and defeat Bellum.

Link and Zelda on a train in Spirit Tracks

Following the timeline set byPhantom Hourglass, where Ganon has already been defeated, the next game released for the Nintendo DS wasThe Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. In this game, Link’s companion, Princess Zelda, accompanies him in spirit form, assisting him by possessing Phantom Guardians and helping solve puzzles.

This installment introduces a new threat to the kingdom in the form ofChancellor Cole and his henchman, Byrne, who aim to resurrect the Demon King Malladus.

Link and Zelda looking at each other in the sky in Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordtakes players on a journey to discover the origins of Hyrule. Set in a world above the clouds, Link embarks on a quest to rescue his childhood friend Zelda, who is abducted to the surface by a mysterious force.

The game introduces Ghirahim as a prominent antagonist, a powerful and enigmatic figure who serves the greater evil, Demise. Instead of depicting a new battle between Zelda and Link against Ganon,Skyward Swordexplores the origin of this conflict before the emergence of Ganondorf, stemming from the demise of the villain called Demise.

The three protagonists facing enemies in Tri Force Heroes

Tri Force Heroesstands out in theZeldaseries for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay, where three players work together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Released for the Nintendo 3DS, the game takes place in the fashion-obsessed kingdom of Hytopia.

The primary antagonist is The Lady, an evil witch who curses Princess Styla, causing her to wear an ugly jumpsuit that she cannot remove. Players control three differently colored Links - red, blue, and green - who must collaborate to overcome various challenges, following the same incarnation of Link fromA Link Between Worlds.