10 Best Legend of Zelda Games for Beginners

The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most famous series and is beloved by fans around the world. Since the release of the first game in 1986, the Zelda series has produced phenomenal games in which you play as the hero of Hyrule, Link, on a quest to help Princess Zelda overcome the dark threats that plague the land, often in the form of Ganon or Ganondorf.

Although all Zelda games are worth playing, some games serve as more accessible entry points for newcomers to the series, both in terms of storyline and gameplay. If you want to become a Zelda fan, you should start with one or more of the following games.

Updated on September 5, 2023, by Casey Foot: If you want to explore the Zelda series but are not sure where to start, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin when there are so many different entries to experience. Each title is unique, with different art styles and approaches to dungeons, while still tapping into the classic Zelda magic.

To make it easier for you to get started, we have included a few more excellent Zelda titles that are suitable for beginners.

10 The Minish Cap

The Minish Cap was developed by Capcom, who previously assisted Nintendo with Oracle of Seasons and Ages, as well as Flagship. When the evil sorcerer Vaati unleashes monsters in Hyrule and turns Princess Zelda into stone, Link embarks on a journey into the world of the Minish, where he is instructed to collect the four elements to repair the Picori Sword.

The world of The Minish Cap is a joy to experience, especially when Link becomes tiny and interacts with normal-sized objects that now appear enormous. The colorful pixel art is fantastic and draws you into the world. Being one of the best 2D Zelda games, it's a great place to dive into if you're new to the series.

9 A Link To The Past

A Link to the Past is responsible for many things that Zelda is known for today, including the introduction of the Master Sword and Heart Pieces. In the game, Link attempts to prevent the evil Agahnim from bringing Ganon from the Dark World into the Light World.

It has everything you could wish for in a Zelda experience - a beautiful soundtrack, puzzle-filled dungeons, and challenging yet enjoyable bosses. If you've never played a Zelda game before, it introduces you to all the core mechanics while providing a captivating experience that will effortlessly pull you into the rest of the series.

8 The Wind Waker

The cel-shaded style of The Wind Waker immediately sets it apart from other games in the series, and its charm doesn't stop there. It showcases Link's journey through the flooded land of Hyrule after setting sail from the Island of Outset when his younger sister is kidnapped.

Sailing around the world creates an adventurous atmosphere, especially when combined with the heroic theme of the Great Sea in the background. The game also features a fantastic cast of characters like Medli, Tetra, and Aryll, as well as one of the best versions of Ganondorf. It exudes vibrancy and fun while fulfilling all the important aspects of Zelda.

7 The Legend Of Zelda

If you're new to the Zelda series, why not jump in with the game that started it all? The original The Legend of Zelda was released in 1986 and ignited a legend of incredible fantasy adventures in the decades to come. As the first game in the series, it is one of the most beloved Zelda games. It introduced many aspects that continue to live on in today's entries, such as the Triforce, Ganon as the main antagonist, and the in-game currency, Rupees.

The first Legend of Zelda is an excellent time travel that still holds up today and offers outstanding challenges as you progress through the world. It is ideal to play as your first Zelda game since it was the game that introduced so many people to the iconic series.

6 The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Remake)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was originally released in the early 1990s, but the remake for the Nintendo Switch in 2019 offers the perfect blend of modern and retro. Therefore, it is a great entry point into the series as it combines the best of both worlds: a classic adventure game with updated graphics for the current gaming era.

In addition to the mix of old and new that the Link's Awakening remake offers, the game itself is extremely entertaining. It includes all the traditional elements of a Zelda game: puzzles, challenging dungeons, and a captivating main quest that guides Link's journey. Furthermore, it is a much simpler game compared to many of the newer entries in the Zelda series, making it easy for newcomers to get into without feeling overwhelmed.

5 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Although the timeline order is controversial, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the definitive beginning for all of Link and Zelda's adventures. While the Zelda timeline doesn't have a cohesive overarching narrative, Skyward Sword introduces intriguing background stories that put the entire series into perspective.

The compelling backstory behind why Link and Zelda keep reappearing in the history of Hyrule makes it an ideal entry point for beginners in the series. Skyward Sword features a lengthy main story that challenges and captivates you, and it also showcases one of the best portrayals of the relationship between Zelda and Link.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

While everyone has their personal favorite game in the Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is considered one of the best games of all time. The first 3D Zelda game is an experience that all Zelda fans should have, and it is also accessible for newcomers to the series.

The element of time travel gives the game one of the most unique and captivating stories in the Zelda series. It is also the game that splits the timeline, making it a great reference point if you're interested in playing Twilight Princess, The Wind Waker, and A Link to the Past. Additionally, Ocarina of Time also has one of the best soundtracks in the Zelda series, filled with songs you would likely recognize.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Seasons/Ages

The Oracle games are often overlooked Zelda titles. Released shortly after Ocarina of Time, these two Game Boy Color games provide some of the best examples of what a classic Zelda title has to offer without requiring as much pro-gamer experience or knowledge. They include a handful of classic Zelda tropes, styles, and enemies, and overall offer gameplay with a lower difficulty level.

The main feature of the games also offers a tailored experience. Oracle of Seasons is more focused on combat and adventure, while Oracle of Ages is more focused on puzzles and stories. Just choose the one that appeals to you more. Both games are available on Nintendo Switch with an NSO (Nintendo Switch Online) membership, so it's easy to start playing.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is another outstanding example of how the classic Zelda meets the modern era. It is a sort of sequel to A Link to the Past, the third game in the series, and serves as a sort of homage to the earliest Zelda games with its style.

Like the earliest Zelda games, A Link Between Worlds brings back the top-down gameplay. However, the game also innovates by introducing a new mechanic: merging with walls. It feels fresh yet retains the essence of classic Zelda, making it a unique installment in the series. This blend of nostalgia and innovation offers newcomers the best of both sides of Zelda: the classic feel with new gameplay elements.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

For new players, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a perfect entry point into the series as it is one of the most popular games within it. This installment has redefined what Zelda can be by taking place in a vast, open world that allows you to choose your own path on your quest to save Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. As Breath of the Wild offers such a captivating experience, you may find it difficult to put the game aside once you start playing.

Breath of the Wild also includes Zelda lore and Easter eggs from throughout the history of the series. While some of these references are more subtle than others, the abundance of nods to past games not only makes it an entertaining experience for longtime fans but also piques the curiosity of Zelda beginners, inspiring them to learn more about the series.