The Legend of Zeldais one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises. With more than 40 games in its collection, including spin-offs and releases, the series has covered a wide range of fantastical stories. While every game revisits at least some of the same core characters and elements, they’ve also continued to individually break new ground, and theendings of the games often manage to bring things home with memorable emotional sequences.
Link and Zelda have been through many adventures, traversing across Hyrule and other realms.The Legend of Zeldagames typically start out the same: a tragedy happens, plunging Link into a heroic quest to save Hyrule and rescue Princess Zelda. The endings can have a lot more variety, but out of all theLegend of Zeldagames, only some have finales that truly stand out.
10Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
A Timeline Saved From Calamity Ganon
Though not a mainline game, players can’t deny that the prequel spinoff toThe Legend of Zeldagames delivers a thrilling exploration of Hyrule’s history.Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamityties perfectly into the mainline games. Ittakes place 100 years before the events ofBreath of the Wild,where Link and Princess Zelda muststop Calamity Ganon from reviving himselfand destroying Hyrule once and for all.
The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Almost Broke The Franchise’s Biggest Rule
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom made plenty of major changes to the formula but it almost broke one of the franchise’s oldest rules.
Storywise, it’s one of the betterHyrule Warriorsgames, butit follows a similar hack-and-slash gameplay.Age of Calamity’sending makes it so special—set in a different timeline thanBreath of the Wild, Terrako, a time-traveling Guardian, takes on Calamity Ganon. In an effort to weaken the villain, Terrako sacrifices itself and Hyrule is saved.Princess Zelda’s powers wake up earlier than in the original timeline, thus saving the Champions and the King and preventing Link from being wounded.
System
Nintendo Switch
Age of Calamityshows how everything would have been had Calamity Ganon been stopped. It’s a beautiful ending where Hyrule’s heroes triumph without a devastating loss, creating a timeline filled with hope and unity.
9A Link To The Past
A Beautiful Montage Of Characters Saved By Link
A Link to the Pastis a classic. The third game in theLegend of Zeldafranchise has an old-time 2D, top-down charm that continues to captivate players. The dungeons, bosses, and overworld were nothing short of perfect, and there were plenty of secrets to uncover. Plus, the fact that you could change between the light and dark worlds added an exciting twist.
1992
SNES
A Link to the Past’sending was satisfying. After beating Ganon, Link uses the Triforceto restore peace to Hyrule. That’s it — that’s the ending. Except, not really, because players then watch a montage featuring locations and characters throughout the game. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt moment highlighting the journey and Link’s impact on Hyrule.
8A Link Between Worlds
Hilda And Zelda Make Amends
As the spiritual successor toA Link to the Past,A Link Between Worldshad a lot to live up to. It was released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS and packed with twists.A Link Between Worldsfeatured better graphics, a more complex story, and a beautiful ending. The twists madeA Link Between Worldsmore exciting and the ending more emotional. In the end,players learn that the Yuga were Princess Hilda’s minionsand that Ravio is the dark world’s version of Link —a revelation that happens when Ravio finally removes his mask.
2013
Nintendo 3DS
Throughout the game, players witness the contrasts between Hilda and Zelda andLorule and Hyrule, as well as the conflict between the two princesses. Link and Zelda return to Hyrule, and after resolving the conflict with Hilda,they restore Lorule’s Triforce. Watching the parallels between the light and dark world versions of Zelda, Link, and Hyrule shows how choices and connections shape different worlds. Seeing Link and Zelda forgive Hilda and restore peace to both worlds is touching.
7Link’s Awakening
All But A Dream
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningis probably one of the most gut-wrenchingLegend of Zeldaendings. How the game sets itself up for the ending only contributes to the following heartbreak. After being lost at sea, Link finds himself on the shores of Koholint Island andsoon begins an adventure to open a giant egg on top of a mountain. The egg is home to Koholint’s legendary Wind Fish.
2019
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Zelda game without some dungeons to explore and monsters to fight—along withThe Legend of Zelda’smain antagonist, Ganon. The final boss fight is against Ganon in a shadowy pig form. Once Link beats Ganon, he meets the Wind Fish,who explains that all this has been a dream— his dream.
In the original Game Boy version, completing the game without dying unlocks a bonus scene in which players see Marin with wings, signaling that her dream came true.
The heartbreaking part comes with the ending credits. In typicalLegend of Zeldafashion,Link’s Awakeningends with another montage, showing all the people Link helped on Koholint Island and how they are now ceasing to be. Then, Link awakens on the wreckage of his ship, realizing that his latest adventure andthe people he had met were nothing more than the Wind Fish’s dream. It’s one of the saddestand bestendings ofThe Legend of Zeldagames. It certainly brought many fans to tears, and its memory lives on.
6Twilight Princess
Midna Returns To The Twilight Realm
Twilight Princessis a great addition toThe Legend of Zeldaseries. Some fans even argue that it’sbetter thanBreath of the Wild. It has an impressive story, more combat choices, better equipment and dungeons, and a beautiful art style. Plus,it has Midna as Link’s companion, a step from other companions likeOcarina of Time’sNavi andBreath of the Wild’sChampions.
Rolling into enemies while wearing iron boots will damage the enemies.
What else makesTwilight Princessone of the bestLegend of Zeldagames is the ending. The entire game ofTwilight Princessfeatures a darker twist than otherZeldagames, and the defeat of Ganon is morbid and different from what fans are used to. In the final fight,Ganon’s neck is snapped by Zant, ending the villain’s reign of terror and restoring peace to Hyrule once more.
2006
Wii/GameCube
In another gut-wrenching ending,Link then must say goodbye to his sidekick, Midna. Midna returns to the Twilight Realm, and that’s the last Link sees of her. While it’s painful to watch her leave, players can take comfort in knowing she’s finally at peace.
5Wind Waker
King Daphnes’s Ultimate Sacrifice
To some fans,Wind Wakeris one of the bestLegend of Zeldagames out there. Its fun new art style and different game mechanics certainly broke the mold of what was normal forThe Legend of Zeldagames. It also introduced some of the most memorable characters, like Tetra, and unique bosses.
There’s plenty to explore in Wind Waker, including hidden caves!
In terms of endings, though,Wind Wakertakes the cake. Despite defeating Ganon,Hyrule is still in trouble: it’s destined to be swallowed up by the sea.Wind Wakersees yet another character making a sacrifice to save the world — this time, King Daphnes, who was Link’s companion inWind Waker,in the form of a red boat.
2003
GameCube
Ultimately, King Daphnes reveals his true form and sacrifices himself to save Hyrule. However, before he sacrifices himself,he gives a bittersweet speech. Link tries to save King Daphnes, but it’s useless, and the King dies. His sacrifice saves Hyrule but leaves Link and the players to mourn their loss.
4Ocarina Of Time
An Emotional Farewell To Navi
Another greatLegend of Zeldagame isOcarina of Time. In fact,Ocarina of Timehas maintained a high critical and cultural status asone of the best games of all time. Even almost 26 years later, it remains a fan favorite. It was the first 3DZeldagame andthe first to introduce the beloved Epona. The story, combat, design, and game mechanics also make it a timeless classic.
1998
N64
As one of the most iconicLegend of Zeldagames out there,it’s no surprise that its ending is equally iconic and memorable. Link beats Ganon in an epic and intense battle. The Seven Sages then seal Ganon away. Hyrule is saved yet again by the green hero. Characters come together to celebrate, and Zelda apologizes to Link. Link says goodbye to Navi, and then Link meets up with young Zelda. It’s an ending full of emotion, nostalgia, and bittersweet farewells.
3Majora’s Mask
Skull Kid Is Saved From The Mask’s Influence
Majora’s Maskhas gotten some hate over the years. Many showed annoyance over the time limits and resets. Nonetheless, it’s a greatLegend of Zeldagame with a dedicated fanbase. Fans of the game have even created someiconic cosplays ofMajora Mask’sSkull Kid. It’s undeniable thatMajora’s Maskhas a fun and engaging story, taking Link into a parallel worldwhere he must stop the moon from crashing in three days.
Almost 25 Years On, No Zelda Game Is Quite Like Majora’s Mask
Ocarina of Time’s follow-up broke new ground that no other Zelda game has ever fully revisited, making it stand out decades after its release.
Most ofMajora’s Maskis depressing,especially if players experience the end-of-the-world cutscene, but that makes the ending even more impactful. Like mostLegend of Zeldaendings, the ending sees the main villain defeated and the characters celebrating. However,what’s different here is that Skull Kid was saved.
2000
No longer under the influence of the mask, Skull Kid can meet again with his fairy friends. Before parting ways, Skull Kid asks Link to be his friend. Link agrees, and the end shot shows a cute drawing of Link and Skull Kid left behind on a tree by Skull Kid himself.
2Breath Of The Wild
A Touching Cutscene When All Memories Are Collected
Breath of the Wildtakes a new spin on theLegend of Zeldagames by reintroducing the open-world concept toZeldagames, and it did it incredibly well. Though the story did lack in some areas,Breath of the Wildwas still well-received. The ending ofBreath of the Wildleft the door open for its sequel,Tears of the Kingdom,and it was beautifully done, no matterwhich of the two endings was received.
If all of Link’s memories are recovered,players learn about how Zelda was able to tap into her powers. It’s an emotional story where Princess Zelda must awaken her powers to save Link’s life. Witnessing this and Zelda harnessing her powers is a powerful and touching moment.
2017
Nintendo Switch/Wii U
With all memories gathered, players enjoy an extra cutscene once the final boss is defeated. If Link misses any memories, the ending is shorter and simple,with the credits rolling and the spirits looking down on the heroes.
1Tears Of The Kingdom
Hyrule Is Saved From Calamity Ganon
Arguably the bestLegend of Zeldagame and the best ending in the franchise,Tears of the Kingdom wasreleased several years afterBreath of the Wildand was worth the wait. It improves on many aspects ofBreath of the Wild, including the story. With a stronger story, the ending delivers an emotional and satisfying conclusion. Link and Ganon battle in an intense fight,with Ganon soon taking the form of a dragon.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Ending Explained (In Detail)
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is finally out, and its main campaign can be finished. Here are all the details regarding the game’s ending, explained.
Zelda, who has also transformed into a dragon, helps Link take down Ganon in an epic battle in the sky. After the battle, Zelda returns to her normal form with the help of Rauru and Sonia, and Link has to save Zelda as she falls through the sky. Hyrule has been saved again, leaving the characters ofTears of the Kingdomto celebrate. Link and Zelda are reunited, Mineru says goodbye,and the Sages promise to keep Hyrule safe.
2023
The Legend of Zeldais a masterpiece of a franchise. The stories, visuals, characters, and endings all contribute to the timeless appeal of the franchise. The endings, in particular, often stay with fans for years after the games end, leaving them with a lasting emotional impact.
