Within the pantheon of online game characters, few are extra recognizable than Hyperlink. His inexperienced tunic has change into iconic, as has the Grasp Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s fashionable sufficient to have crossed over into numerous different video games, from Tremendous Smash Bros. to Tremendous Mario Maker to Soulcalibur. He’s additionally not only one individual.
In 2023, Polygon is embarking on a Zeldathon. Be part of us on our journey by way of 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, normally 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 overall 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 relating to our hero: Which of them could be grasp? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Hyperlink is, or which is most heroic — we simply need to work out what the vibes are like with every of them. Utilizing a particularly scientific methodology to parse by way of every Hyperlink’s in-game mannerisms, private histories, and normal vibes, we’re detailing each the most effective and worst variations of Hyperlink to spend time with.
The 5 finest Hyperlinks to hold with
5. 4 Swords Adventures Hyperlink
Splitting into 4 separate doppelgängers is the primary mechanical conceit in 4 Swords Adventures, and it’s additionally key to this Hyperlink’s vibes. It may get fairly hectic rolling with that many of 1 individual, and it’s exhausting to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. But it surely additionally means you’ve 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 just a little transactional, however this Hyperlink is an efficient grasp.
4. Twilight Princess Hyperlink
Twilight Princess Hyperlink comprises multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which might 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 sudden 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 might be a deal breaker for some. However the vary of social capabilities by which this Hyperlink could be snug? He’s a chameleon price taking alongside.
3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Hyperlink
As the only iteration of Hyperlink who has appeared in essentially 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. Which means you’re going to get good tales, even when he may devolve into that one who thinks they know the solutions to each drawback dealing with 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 season. Did one thing embarrassing on the bar final evening? Hyperlink can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Hyperlink, however guarantee 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 essentially the most half, and having a buddy with an enormous fowl you could experience could 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 incredible look. However his pleasant and laid-back vibes nonetheless elevate him into good-hang territory.
1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Hyperlink
Bar none, that is the Hyperlink that’s the most effective grasp. Apart from possessing a very sturdy sense of journey that can at all times result in 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 (by way of 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 Under Deck confirms that this implies he’s right down to celebration it doesn’t matter what.
The 5 worst Hyperlinks to hold with
5. Minish Cap Hyperlink
This Hyperlink might be grasp. He actually may. He’s acquired a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the wonder and sanctity of nature. However typically an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they preserve. On this case, we have to speak concerning the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you possibly can be sharing with Hyperlink in nature. It’s probably not his fault, however his pals break this Hyperlink’s attraction.
4. Spirit Tracks Hyperlink
Spirit Tracks Hyperlink is one thing of a combined bag. He’s acquired allure and is fairly expressive, so that you’re going to get response out of your jokes and tales. He’s additionally an engineer, which might actually go both manner: a chill dude who is aware of how to sort things, or a hobbyist who’s just a little 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 choice appears extra possible. Due to this fact, he’s a foul grasp.
3. The Legend of Zelda Hyperlink
This Hyperlink is the unique, so perhaps we do want to indicate him some respect. However do you actually need to spend time with somebody who spends a lot time in caves? (Until you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Additionally, it’s exhausting to belief anybody who takes weapons from outdated males inside stated caves.
2. Breath of the Wild Hyperlink
Sure, Breath of the Wild is among the finest video games ever made. However this Hyperlink doesn’t have the most effective vibes. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it might be like hanging out with somebody from 1923: novel in idea, however supremely awkward in observe. And whereas being able to maintain himself off the land is good, it seems 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
That is maybe essentially the most iconic model of Hyperlink, accountable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s reputation into what it’s in the present day with the sequence’ transfer into the 3D house. He would even be a disastrously unhealthy grasp. This Hyperlink grew up in a tree raised by forest individuals who by no means cease being youngsters, 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 regardless of the place he goes, he’s acquired an annoying babysitter who gained’t cease bothering you. Laborious cross.
Worst non-canon rubbish grasp
1. CD-i Hyperlink
Getting run by way of by the Grasp Sword could be a greater time than spending a second with this dweeb.