The Legend of Zelda’s coolest and decidedly uncool variations of Hyperlink

Within the pantheon of online game characters, few are extra recognizable than Hyperlink. His inexperienced tunic has turn into iconic, as has the Grasp Sword, which he makes use of to destroy evil all through quite a few digital lands. He’s standard sufficient to have crossed over into plenty of 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 means of The Legend of Zelda collection, 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 most of the particulars keep largely the identical (heroic nature, often some type of inexperienced tunic, silent protagonist), every is their very own discrete iteration with distinctive traits and persona quirks. (It will get sophisticated, 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 in the case of our hero: Which of them can be an excellent cling? We’re not involved about how highly effective every Hyperlink is, or which is most heroic — we simply need to determine what the vibes are like with every of them. Utilizing a particularly scientific methodology to parse by means of every Hyperlink’s in-game mannerisms, private histories, and normal vibes, we’re detailing each one of the best 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 laborious to not accuse them of being “self-absorbed” with the entire choreographed formations deal. But it surely additionally means you might have a full crew for any kind of group occasion, and you’ll by no means want to rent a transferring firm ever once more (you simply have to pay for some Lon Lon Milk for all of them). It’s slightly transactional, however this Hyperlink is an efficient cling.

4. Twilight Princess Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Twilight Princess Hyperlink incorporates multitudes. He’s a salt-of-the-earth ranch hand, which could possibly be good for a bonfire evening or easy nation residing. However as we all know, he’s additionally bought a wild facet to him that may manifest in sudden methods. Specifically, 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 could possibly be a deal breaker for some. However the vary of social capabilities during which this Hyperlink might be snug? He’s a chameleon value taking alongside.

3. Oracle of Seasons/Ages Hyperlink

As the one iteration of Hyperlink who has appeared in probably the most video games (Capcom’s Oracle video games, Hyperlink’s Awakening, and Hyperlink to the Previous), you’ll be getting a cosmopolitan explorer right here. Meaning you’re going to get good tales, even when he may devolve into that one who thinks they know the solutions to each drawback going through the world as a result of they’ve traveled. The large draw right here is the powers gained within the Oracle video games. Hate winter? Hyperlink can flip it to summer time. Did one thing embarrassing on the bar final evening? Hyperlink can rewind that for you. The vibes are good on this Hyperlink, however be sure that all the ability 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 probably the most half, and having a pal with a large chicken which you can experience can be unimaginable. He’s extremely loyal to his pal Zelda, so he’s most likely going to be a loyal pal to you, too. He does assist set up a monarchy system in Hyrule on the finish of the sport, which isn’t a terrific look. However his pleasant and laid-back vibes nonetheless elevate him into good-hang territory.

1. Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

Bar none, that is the Hyperlink that’s one of the best cling. Apart from possessing a very robust sense of journey that can at all times result in an excellent 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 means of facial expressions and expressive physique language, in fact) about any scenario. 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 Beneath Deck confirms that this implies he’s right down to occasion it doesn’t matter what.

The 5 worst Hyperlinks to hold with

5. Minish Cap Hyperlink

This Hyperlink could possibly be an excellent cling. He actually may. He’s bought a whimsical sense about him, and a transparent appreciation for the wonder and sanctity of nature. However generally an individual’s vibes are ruined by the corporate they hold. On this case, we have to speak in regards to the titular Minish Cap, Ezlo. He’s a loudmouth and has the nasty behavior of interrupting the peaceable moments you could possibly be sharing with Hyperlink in nature. It’s probably not his fault, however his pals damage this Hyperlink’s attraction.

4. Spirit Tracks Hyperlink

Spirit Tracks Hyperlink is one thing of a combined bag. He’s bought attraction and is fairly expressive, so that you’re going to get an excellent response out of your jokes and tales. He’s additionally an engineer, which might actually go both means: a chill dude who is aware of how to sort things, or a hobbyist who’s slightly too into their pastime and it’s the one factor they ever need to do. Since this Hyperlink can be a licensed Prepare Man, the second possibility appears extra probably. Due to this fact, he’s a foul cling.

3. The Legend of Zelda Hyperlink

Picture: Nintendo

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? (Except you’re into spelunking — then go wild.) Additionally, it’s laborious to belief anybody who takes weapons from previous males inside mentioned 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 one of the best vibes. He’s been on ice for 100 years, so it will 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 sweet, 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

Picture: Nintendo

That is maybe probably the most iconic model of Hyperlink, answerable for catapulting The Legend of Zelda’s recognition into what it’s at the moment with the collection’ transfer into the 3D area. He would even be a disastrously dangerous cling. This Hyperlink grew up in a tree raised by forest individuals who by no means cease being kids, so social expertise are out the window. There’s no probability for him to be taught 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 bought an annoying babysitter who received’t cease bothering you. Exhausting cross.

Worst non-canon rubbish cling

1. CD-i Hyperlink

Getting run by means of by the Grasp Sword can be a greater time than spending a second with this dweeb.