The Legend of Zelda’s coolest and decidedly uncool versions of Link

Link is one of the most recognizable video game heroes. The Master Sword and his green tunic have both become iconic. He’s popular enough to have crossed over into a number of other games, from Super Smash Bros.You can also find out more about the following: Super Mario MakerYou can also find out more about the following: Soulcalibur. He’s also not just one person.

Polygon has announced a Zeldathon for 2023. Come along on our adventure through The Legend of Zelda, from the first 1986 game up to the release of The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.

In most Zelda titles, a new Link is introduced. Each iteration has its own distinct personality and unique characteristics. (It gets complicated, but that’s the general gist of it.)

With so many variations of this beloved character, the Links lend themselves to ranking, and there’s a pressing question that has not been addressed when it comes to our hero: Which ones would be a good hang? We’re not concerned about how powerful each Link is, or which is most heroic — we just want to figure out what the vibes are like with each of them. Using an extremely scientific method to parse through each Link’s in-game mannerisms, personal histories, and general vibes, we’re detailing both the best and worst versions of Link to spend time with.

These are the five best links to hang from.

5. Four Swords Adventures Link

Splitting into four separate doppelgängers is the main mechanical conceit in Four Swords Adventures, and it’s also key to this Link’s vibes. It could get pretty hectic rolling with that many of one person, and it’s hard not to accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the whole choreographed formations deal. This also allows you to have an entire crew at your disposal for group events. (You just pay for Lon Lon Milk). It’s a little transactional, but this Link is a good hang.

4. Twilight Princess Link

Image: Nintendo

Twilight PrincessLinks contain multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which could be good for a bonfire night or simple country living. But as we know, he’s also got a wild side to him that can manifest in unexpected ways. In particular, he transforms into a literal “wolf”. You never quite know what you’re going to get with this Link, and that unpredictability could be a deal breaker for some. What about the social situations in which Link is comfortable? He’s a chameleon worth taking along.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Link

As the single iteration of Link who has appeared in the most games (Capcom’s Oracle games, Link’s AwakeningThen, The Past is a Link), you’ll be getting a worldly explorer here. That means you’re going to get good stories, even if he could devolve into that person who thinks they know the answers to every problem facing the world because they’ve traveled. Here, the main attraction is the power gained from the Oracle games. Love winter? Link will turn winter into summer. Was there anything embarrassing that happened at the bar yesterday? Link can help you rewind. The vibes are good on this Link, but make sure that all the power doesn’t go to his head.

2. Skyward Sword Link

First chronological Link is benefited by his settings. Skyloft is a pretty laid-back place, with most people being mellow. Having a friend who has a huge bird you can ride sounds amazing. He’s incredibly loyal to his friend Zelda, so he’s probably going to be a loyal friend to you, too. It’s not good that he helped establish the monarchy in Hyrule by the end. He is still a great guy to hang out with because of his laid back and friendly vibes.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Link

Image: Nintendo

Bar none, this is the Link that’s the best hang. This Link is not only adventurous, but he also has some pizazz. He is the sassiest of all Links, and you just know he’ll have something funny to say (through facial expressions and expressive body language, of course) about any situation. Hanging with him means being around a group of pirates who share his sense of humor. He’s also a boat guy, and years of watching Below Deck confirms that this means he’s down to party no matter what.

What are the five worst Links you can hang out with?

5. Minish Cap Link

It could be an excellent hang. It’s possible. He’s got a whimsical sense about him, and a clear appreciation for the beauty and sanctity of nature. But sometimes a person’s vibes are ruined by the company they keep. Ezlo, the Minish Cap’s titular character, is the one we should be focusing on in this instance. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty habit of interrupting the peaceful moments you could be sharing with Link in nature. It’s not really his fault, but his friends ruin this Link’s appeal.

4. Spirit Tracks Link

Spirit Tracks Link can be a bit of a mixed bag. He’s got charm and is pretty expressive, so you’re going to get a good reaction out of your jokes and stories. He’s also an engineer, which can really go either way: a chill dude who knows how to fix things, or a hobbyist who is a little too into their hobby and it’s the only thing they ever want to do. As this Link is also certified as a Train Guy, it seems that the second option would be more likely. This means he’s a bad hanging.

3. The Legend of Zelda Link

Image: Nintendo

We should show some respect to this Link, as it is original. You don’t want to spend your time with someone so devoted to caves. (Unless you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Also, it’s hard to trust anyone who takes weapons from old men inside said caves.

2. Breath Of The Wild Link

Yes, Breath Of The Wild It is one of best video games made. This Link is not the most uplifting. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it would be like hanging out with someone from 1923: novel in theory, but supremely awkward in practice. And while having the ability to sustain himself off the land is nice, it feels like he’d give off “doomsday prepper” and “rock-climbing bro” vibes. This guy also smells. The reason for this is that the onset of the traumatic experience can be averted by using another language..

1. Ocarina Of Time/Majora’s Mask Link

Image: Nintendo

This is perhaps the most iconic version of Link, responsible for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s popularity into what it is today with the series’ move into the 3D space. Also, he would make a terrible hang. Social skills have been thrown out of the window because This Link was raised in a forest by people who are always children. There’s no chance for him to learn either, as he’s then frozen in time for seven years, which screams man-child vibes. And no matter where he goes, he’s got an annoying babysitter who won’t stop bothering you. Hard pass.

Worst non-canon garbage hang

1. CD-i Link

The Master Sword is a much better choice than this dude.